Tag Archives: desertion

kill ’em with kindness

Families at home trying to survive during a seemingly unending war in which important supplies for the army are questionable – there are reasons for a Confederate soldier to consider deserting, even if they are treated well by their commanders. … Continue reading

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“a question of numbers and of time”

While on winter break in Philadelphia 150 years ago this week, General Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, was serenaded. He used the occasion to encouraged the walking wounded in the audience to rejoin the army and, … Continue reading

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pardon for “numerical equality”

On June 28, 1863 the Confederacy’s president, Jefferson Davis, wrote, “If a victim would secure the success of our cause, I would freely offer myself.” Since that was unlikely to work out, 150 years ago today President Davis proclaimed pardon … Continue reading

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“a woman on each arm”

A couple days ago we read a report about a courageous and loyal Confederate soldier who deserted because he was concerned about his wife’s welfare. The deserter was executed. Here’s information from 150 years ago this week that indicates some … Continue reading

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Tug of War

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 27, 1863: A solemn warning to wives. –A correspondent of the Selma Reporter relates a story which should serve as a solemn warning to the wives of soldiers. He says a few weeks ago … Continue reading

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Branded with a ‘D’

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 20, 1862: A soldier branded for desertion. –The court-martial now in session recently sentenced Corporal Richard R. Poore, of company A, 15th Virginia cavalry battalion, for desertion, to be reduced to the ranks, forfeit … Continue reading

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White Runaways

I’m used to advertisements in the Richmond Daily Dispatch offering rewards for runaway slaves. 150 years ago today there were at least three advertisements for military deserters. Here’s an example from the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 26, 1862: Deserters. –The … Continue reading

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“stripped off his stripes”

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 7, 1862: Spirited Texan ladies. –The “Bell County Rebels,” from Belton, Bell county, Texas, started for their rendezvous, Hempstead, some time ago, when one of their Lieutenants, James F. Hardin, a lawyer, deserted and … Continue reading

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Shanghaied at the Falls?

A Canadian newspaper is concerned about reports that 1) a Union officer crossed into Canada to try to force a deserter back to the U.S. and that 2) a couple Canadian/British soldiers went to the U.S. side of the river, … Continue reading

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Seminary Justice

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper December 1861: Army Correspondence FAIRFAX SEMINARY; Va., Dec. 14. The anticipations of battle soon to be fought in Virginia, which a few days since were general throughout nearly all the camps around here, … Continue reading

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