Year: 1863

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
wv HEREAS, 1T HAS BEEN MADE KNOWN TO
w me that large number of soldiers from armies
are absent rom their coors without proper leave in this
the hour OF our greatest need and it being confidently be-
heved that large majority of such mpced to this
course by natural and almost irresistible desire to
their homes and friends after long absence
and not because of cOwardy determination to leave their
brave comrades share all the dangers and hardips #
the field aOne end whereas Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, in
command Of the Department of North Carolina by consent
of the Secretary Of War; has published order decarn
that all who may voluntarily return to duty by the lUh
day OF February next shall be received into their several
commands with other punishment than forfeiture of
their pay for the time they have been absent without
leave and declaring further that all who do not return
by the said 10Th day of February SHALL when apprehended
6e tried Tor deseron and upon conviction be made to su
fer death:


Now therefore, 2EBCLON B. VANCE, Governor of
the State of North Carolina, do issue this my prUclama
iIon to all soldiers from this State serving in the armies
of the COnfedeacy who illegally absent from their
coors commanding them to return TO duty with their
comrades and exhorng them TO avail themselves of this
infamr vIjauys Cause and themselves from felon's
death. Many, after carrying their couutrys flag in tr
umph through various bluody conflicts aud making them
selves name, of which their cbidrens children might
have been justly proud, have forfeited it all by absenting
themselves at moment when their own State is invaded
and about to be dCsoaed by BRUTAL half savage foe
Now Is the time to renstate themselves BY prompt
turn to duty appeal to them stand by their country
yet little longer and not 10 sy by dcsertiun the bright
aud glorious reputation of the State which they have
helped 10 win hundred Lard fought fields; and ap-
peal to all COED and loya citizens throughout the State
give their influence o induce these 10 return Let
one unmoved by this appeal to his patriotism and bon"r
suppose that he remain at home with mpunitv; the
full power of the State authorities aided if need be by the
COnedcracy shall be force to arrest him and bring
BIN to punishment after the lCth day of February next,
and there shall be for the deseTter in the bders of
North Carolina. Aud let excise their dcseriUn by
declaring that they 20 home take Of their nlics
they will add nothing TO the comforts Of their families by
hiding like guilty in the woods By day. and by plum
derng their neighLors by night they only bring shame
and suffering upon the beads of the innocent and their lit
tie children, when gray headed CID will have the
finger of pointed at them and the bitter taunt viii
ring in their cars Your father skuked in the woods to
keep from fighting for his country"


The State is now trying TO provide food for your an
lies and each county is making similar provision; and
your Chief Magistrate promise you that the wife and
child of the soldier who.S in the doing his duty,
shall share the last buShe of meal and the last pound of
meat in the State Let every patriot in the land assist
with all his influence in the execution of this procamaton
and our victorious ranks will again be flied aud
try be rid of the enemy.


-, In gyitness whereof ZEnULoH B. VANCE, our
Il S. Governor, Captain General and Commander-in-
- Chief hath signed these presents and caused The
great Seal of the State to be affixed.


Done City of Raleigh The Goth day of January
in the year Of our Lord 1868. z. B. VANCE.


By the Governor:


Il. II. BATTLE, JR.,


Private Secretary.


Jan. 27, 1863 9-6t.