The trials of Silas Moore

Silas G Moore 33rd

Moore’s record in the 33rd Volunteer Infantry

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1864:

Returned to the Service.

The trial of SILAS MOORE, of this village, at Elmira, for desertion, resulted in his conviction and he was sentenced to serve in the army for the term of one year and ten months. MOORE enlisted with Capt. GUION in the old 33d regiment, but soon after the regiment was mustered into the service, deserted and returned home. He claims, however, that he was not regularly mustered, and that under some arrangement with the Captain, he was not to serve. The military authorities thought otherwise, and the fact of his name being found on the muster roll at Washington, was pretty conclusive that he ought to serve out his time.

MOORE has been acting Deputy Provost Marshal in this vicinity for the last eight or ten months, putting on a great many airs, and doing pretty much as he pleased with the volunteers. He has evidently made a good thing speculating upon the short comings and misfortunes of the soldiers.

It looks like Mr. Moore at least began serving his sentence in the N.Y. 179th Volunteer Infantry:

Silas G Moore 179th

just deserts? (recorded in the 179th roster)

The 179th New York Infantry Regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Cold Harbor on June 11, 1864.

According to a report at the National Archives one of the responsibilities of the Provost Marshal General’s Bureau was to oversee the arrest of deserters.

This entry was posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters, Northern Society and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply