Deserter Letters
This page is dedicated to letters concerning those soldiers that deserted their North Carolina regiments, and the effects of deserters on the home front.
A planter describes problems with deserters in Rutherford and Polk Counties.
Governor Vance informs Confederate Secretary of War of desertion problem in western North Carolina and proposes to raise a specific unit to deal with them.
A resident of Randolph County complains of deserters and requests military forces be sent to Randolph, Moore, and Chatham Counties to stop them
General Pender describes the large number of deserters from North Carolina regiments in the army and blames it on judges who give mild punishments.
General Lee warns that many North Carolina troops are deserting in groups and taking their arms with them in order to band together to prevent their capture.
General Pettigrew complains of civilians writing to soldiers encouraging them to desert; laments disaffection in the state legislature and on the home front
A farmer describes the actions of deserters hiding in Madison County, NC.
Home Guard officer describes deserters in Randolph and neighboring counties.
Davidson County resident complains of deserters and anger of local soldiers.
A Buncombe resident says nearly every soldier from Swannanoa has deserted.
A resident describes the actions of deserters in Rockingham County and suggests that the governor send regular troops to catch them.
A resident describes murders and property destruction caused by deserters and those hunting deserters in Randolph County.
Colonel of 56th N.C. discusses difficulty of catching deserters in Randolph County
Citizens complain that Confederate troops sent to arrest deserters in Wilkes County caused more damage than benefit, and requests that they be removed.
Home Guard commander declares that since Confederate troops were removed from Moore County, deserters have been wreaking havoc again; asks for help.
Moore County citizen begs governor to discharge his son-in-law from service so that he can provide protection from deserters and help run the family businesses
A conscript hiding in the woods asks for Vance's permission to join the 50th N.C.
Randolph County resident discusses deserters, and the complications associated with the legal proceedings and rounding up of those hiding in the woods.
N.C. Cavalry officer writes to Georgia governor asking permission to go into Georgia to catch North Carolina deserters who have fled across state lines.
Vance asks Confederate Secretary of War to suspend conscription in western North Carolina mountains because it will create more deserters in the region.
Colonel of 61st N.C. repeats request from citizens to send his unit to stop deserters in Moore, Chatham, and Randolph Counties.
