Ryals, Henry J. (b. 1834) [Charge and specifications in the case of John M. Holmes for multiple desertions]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.31 Author/Creator: Ryals, Henry J. (b. 1834) Place Written: Greenville, North Carolina Type: Autograph document signed Date: 11 June 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 38.5 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy
Charges against John W. Holmes for deserting for the fourth, fifth, and sixth time. Describes these desertions. Also signed and approved by George Wortham.
Henry J. Ryals was a captain in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry, later promoted to Major.
John W. Holmes was a private in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry, later promoted to Major.
George Wortham was a Confederate officer, who served as a Captain in the Twelfth North Carolina Infantry and later Colonel in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.
Greenville NC
June 11th 1863
Charge and Specifications
John W Homes Co "D" 50th NCI
Charge - Desertion
Specifications:
1st - In this that private John W Homes of Co "D" 50th NCI who having him twice court-martialed for desertion and attempting to desert from Drewry's Bluff NC on Sept 1862 which he finally accomplished on or about 13th Dec 1862 and go to his home in Johnston Co NC and remain until about 10th of Feb 1863 when he returned under the provision of Genl Order No 63 [obscured] current service and was pardoned did again and the 4th time desert the Service of the Confederate States near Kinston NC on or about the 20th of Feb. 1863 and go to his home in Johnston Co NC where he was arrested by his Capt and forwarded to his Regt in care of a party of citizens and Soldiers going to Said Regt.
2nd Spec. That Said private John W. Holmes did make his escape from Said party before reaching the Regt and go to his home again being the 5 desertion and was again arrested a few days thereafter by his Capt at his Mother's he (Holmes) running for a Swamp to make good his escape was tied and brought to camp near Johnston NC on or about 28th Feb 1863 under guard.
That Said private John W. Holmes did again and the 6th time desert the Service of the Confederate States on or about 1st April 1863 he having broken or escaped prison under charge the Provost Martial at Kinston NC and go to his home in Johnston Co NC where he was arrested and brought under guard to the camp near Greenville NC on the 10th of ? 1863
HLRyals Capt
Co "D" 50th NCI
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