Year: 1863

"HEREAs, HAVE LEARNED WITH GREAT
w pain that there have been latterly numerous de-
sons from the ranks of our gallant army and that there
are persons In the country who ncte and encourage
these desetions and harbor and conceal these misguided
duty: -, = . :.
Inc state OF North Carolina, issue this my Proclana
from such base cowardly aud treasonabe conduct and
warning them that they will subject themselves to ndic:-
and punishment in the civil courts of the Confeders
cy well TO the everlasting contempt and detesaon of
all good and honorable men. e. ~
Certainly no crime could be greater no cowardice more
abct, treason base than for citizen Of the
State enjoying its privileges and protection without
ing IFS dangers to persuade those who have had the
age go forth in defence of their country veY desert
the cOOrs which they have sworn to uphold when a.
miserable death vile and ignomipiouS existence
must be the inevitable consequences No plea
it. The father the brother who does it should be shot
instead of his deuded VICTIM for he deliberately destroys
the soul and manhood of his flesh and blood And the
same is done by him who harbors and conceas the de-
serter For who respect either the the Otberf
What honest will ever wish permit his own brave
sons or patriotic daughters who bore their parts with
credit in this great struggle for independence TO associate
even to the third and fourth generations, with the vile
wretch who skuked in the woods the still viler coward
vain r his bsps R Roth sI ~
emies to their country before whom open foes will be
infinitely preferred. Both foes to their kindred
and noble cOuntrymen who eectrying the world by
their gallant Deeds and pouring their blood upon the
field of battle to protect those very who sappng
the vtas OF our strength And woe unto you deserters
and your aders and abettors when peace bn made and
independence secured these brave comrades whom We
have deserted in the hour of their trial shall return hon
ored and triumphant to their honest Ye that hide your
guilty faces by day, and prowl outlaws about BY nigh
robbing the wives and mothers of your noble defenders of
their little means, while they far away facing the
euy do you think ye escape just and damning
geanee when the day of reckoning comes2 And We
shelter conceal and feed these miserable depedators
and stimulate them to their Deeds think you that We
will be spared? Nay rest assured observing and never
failing eyes have marked yOu every And when the
oveTOyed wife welcomes more her brave and hono
huSha tn his hOme tells i'm in he
years of his absence in the lonely hours of the night ye
who had been his comrades rudey entered her house
robbed her and her children of their bread and hesped
insult and ndgntes upon her deenceless head the h
of that heroic husband will make you regret in the bitter
Instead of few scattered militia the land will be full Of
veteran soldiers before whose honest faces you will not
have couruge to raise your eyes from the earth If
mted 10 live in the State at ALL you will be iRfdH,uS.
You will be hustled from the polls nsulted in the Streets


jury of your countrymen will not believe you oath and
honest everywhere will shun you pestience FIR he
who lacks courage and patriotism have other COED
quality redeeming virtue Though many ofyOu rel cted
the pardon heretofore offered you, and not hor
lied promise it, am assured that will be shot
who shall voluntarily return to duty This is the only
chance redeem yourselves from the disgrace and gnO
mny which you are mourning


Again our troops have met the enemy and a great and
glsrous victory has been But several thousand of
soldiers fell in achieving it for Every man is
needed TO replace the gallant dead and preserve
broken front to our still powerful enemy Unless deser-
ton is prevented our strength must depart from
mics, and deSertOn never be stopped while either





loyalty, they receive any countenance protection at
home therefore appeal to all good citizens and true pa
trios in the State assist my officers in arresng desert
ers to rown down all those who aid and assist them
Place the brand upon them and make them feel the
and contempt of an outraged people Unless the good
and the patriotic all the land arise
rest this dangerous evil it may grow until our army is
well nigh ruined The danger of starvation havir. !p
PLY passed awaythe approaching and apparently bogn-
teous harvest giving evidence of ample supplies in the
coming year-our great army in Virginia again ju5iant
over mighty vict9y-I am well assured that our danger
lies in the disOrganzation produced by desertlon.
You arrest it, my countrymen if you will but make a
vigorous effort if you will but bring to bear the we got Of
great patriotic and united community in aid Of your
authorities.
-, In witness whereof ZEBULoN B. VANCE, Gov
L. S. eruor Captain General aud Commander- in Chief,
49, hath signed these presents and caused the great
seal of the State to be affixed.


Done at the City of Raleigh, this 1th day Of May,
A. D. 1863. z. B. YASGE.
By the Governor:


r. II. BATTLE, Jr,


Private Secretary.


~ Daily papers insert one week, weeklies and semi
weekly papers two weeks.


Nav is 1863 40-w&sw2w.