Pettigrew, James Johnston, 1828-1863 to Zebulon B. Vance

GLC00627

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GLC#
GLC00627
Type
Letters
Date
May 22, 1863
Author/Creator
Pettigrew, James Johnston, 1828-1863
Title
to Zebulon B. Vance
Place Written
Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania
Pagination
6 p. : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 19 cm
Language
English
Primary time period
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Sub-Era
The American Civil War

Encloses letters (not included) sent to soldiers from their homes encouraging desertion. Discusses the growing problem of desertion in the army at length and attributes it to one cause, the negative state of public opinion on the home front. Believes that the commanding officers are not doing enough to combat desertion in their ranks. Remarks that, "The great majority of my Brigade would shoot a deserter as quick as they would a snake, but our place is here and not in the rear..." States that he has sent men out to bring back the deserters dead or alive but thinks they will not be successful unless the citizens take part. Letter shows docketing by Zebulon B. Vance.

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