Beatrice, I've checked through census records and found Parham Y. Oats living with his family at Bear Creek Township, Chatham County, North Carolina in the 1880 United States Federal Census. I tried finding more recent information on him, but was unable to come of with anything, but I'll keep checking. Just in case you don't have the information from the 1880 Census, I'll list it here for you. 1880 United States Federal Census June 19, 1880 Bear Creek Township Chatham County, North Carolina Parham Y. Oats, Age 65, Farmer, suffered from paralysis Nancy Oats, Age 50, Wife, Keeping House Samuel Oats, Age 20, Working on the Farm James W. Oats, Age 13, At Home Margaret Oats, Age 9, At Home I don't know if you already have this information but I hope it might be of some help. I'll keep checking to see if I can find anything more on him. Edward

Dear Edward: I'm not sure if I have confided in you for your expertiese, but I have been trying to find where a soldier of the 8th Louisiana Heavy Artilliary Co. E, and he was born in Bear Creek,Chatham County, North Carolina? I have found where his wife was buried in North Carolina, but I have tried everywhere to find him, but no luck. Do you have any advise I could get in my research of finding him?His name was Parham Yarborugh Oats(Oates)? He was born 17 Feb. 1815 in Bear Creek, N. C. Beatrice Oates ----- Original Message ----- From: "Edward Harding" <eharding2@suddenlink.net> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 7:56 PM Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > Derick, > > I have gone through the roster of Company E, 53rd Regiment N.C. Troops and yes, there were 11 men who deserted at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia. But, the main thing that was only lightly touched on from your research is the majority of these men were from 3 different families (Cook, Hunter, Jessup). Below is the list of men who deserted at Drewry's Bluff: > > John H. Beasley, Private > Alfred D. Cook, Private > Eli Cook, Private > James M. Cook, Private > John T. Cook, Private > Matthew Doss, Private > Jeremiah Hunter, Private > Lewis Hunter, Private > Lee Jessup, Private > Meshack Jessup, Private > William S. Jessup, Private > > Also, you failed to mention a number of the men who joined the Union Army actually joined after being captured and after being forced to sign the Oath of Allegiance. So many men left this company in one way or another, be it killed in battle, dying of wounds, resignation, taken POW & POW deaths, discharged, dying of disease, and dying from unknown causes. > > Yes, disease ran rampant through this company and the primary disease was typhus. POW's from Co. E at Fort Delaware, Point Lookout, Old Capital Prison, and Elmira also died of disease from chronic diarherra to scurvy. But, after researching where this company fought, I could hardly call Co. E a "unit of cowardice." Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, Winchester, and Drewry's Bluff are among the places this company fought. > > It's just absurd to label these men "cowards" because there were deserters on BOTH sides during this war. So please, stop the name calling. Many more served and died from Co. E than deserted. Give these men who fought the honor and respect they deserve. Afterall, they are American Veterans by law. > > I also own an original 15 volume set of "North Carolina Troops 1861-1865: A Roster", plus the volumes of "Roster of N.C. Troops" by Moore (printed 1882), the 5 volume set of "North Carolina Regiments 1861-'65", all volumes plus indexes of "The Confederate Veteran", plus the "Official Records". As far as the National Park Service goes, they've become too politically correct for me to rely on their information and I say this from first hand experience after dealing with some of them. > > Edward Harding > Life Member SCV/MOSB > SCV National Genealogy Committee Member > > "The first law of the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writing, or of malice." - Cicero (106-43 B.C.) > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.11/1161 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 12:12 PM > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alice, Thanks for mentioning these soldier's own patriotic beliefs. One of my own ancestors stated something so well in a portion of his last letter home to his wife and I wanted to share it. This letter was written on August 13th and 14th, 1864 and my ancestor was killed on August 16, 1864. "I do not think you should be as indifferent as you estimated in one of your letters, should I not be spared too return to my loved ones. Had it been the present generation alone that we would benefit it would have been better to have submitted to the incroachments of that blind fanaticism of the north that has drafted our sunny south with mourning & caused thousands of hearthstones to be desolate. We should remember it is not for ourselves alone we labor. Our revolutionary fathers planted the seed of liberty - nurtured the tender plants & watered it with their blood, & for what? That we, their offspring might eat of the fruits thereof. Are we less patriotic than they? Should it be said, that the sons of such sires have become so selfish that they look only to the present enforcement of themselves & sit comfy and witness the manufacture of the chains that are being prepared for their children? I know you will say no. I am aware that there are those who pretend to believe that this war might have been averted - that it was in the power of certain southern men to have prevented hostilities between the two sections & that those men are responsible for the evils we are now experiencing. I am one of those who do not think it could have been consistant with Southern honor." Edward Harding http://ehardingwbtsancestors.homestead.com/Index.html

Derick, I have gone through the roster of Company E, 53rd Regiment N.C. Troops and yes, there were 11 men who deserted at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia. But, the main thing that was only lightly touched on from your research is the majority of these men were from 3 different families (Cook, Hunter, Jessup). Below is the list of men who deserted at Drewry's Bluff: John H. Beasley, Private Alfred D. Cook, Private Eli Cook, Private James M. Cook, Private John T. Cook, Private Matthew Doss, Private Jeremiah Hunter, Private Lewis Hunter, Private Lee Jessup, Private Meshack Jessup, Private William S. Jessup, Private Also, you failed to mention a number of the men who joined the Union Army actually joined after being captured and after being forced to sign the Oath of Allegiance. So many men left this company in one way or another, be it killed in battle, dying of wounds, resignation, taken POW & POW deaths, discharged, dying of disease, and dying from unknown causes. Yes, disease ran rampant through this company and the primary disease was typhus. POW's from Co. E at Fort Delaware, Point Lookout, Old Capital Prison, and Elmira also died of disease from chronic diarherra to scurvy. But, after researching where this company fought, I could hardly call Co. E a "unit of cowardice." Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, Winchester, and Drewry's Bluff are among the places this company fought. It's just absurd to label these men "cowards" because there were deserters on BOTH sides during this war. So please, stop the name calling. Many more served and died from Co. E than deserted. Give these men who fought the honor and respect they deserve. Afterall, they are American Veterans by law. I also own an original 15 volume set of "North Carolina Troops 1861-1865: A Roster", plus the volumes of "Roster of N.C. Troops" by Moore (printed 1882), the 5 volume set of "North Carolina Regiments 1861-'65", all volumes plus indexes of "The Confederate Veteran", plus the "Official Records". As far as the National Park Service goes, they've become too politically correct for me to rely on their information and I say this from first hand experience after dealing with some of them. Edward Harding Life Member SCV/MOSB SCV National Genealogy Committee Member "The first law of the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writing, or of malice." - Cicero (106-43 B.C.)

Derick, I have visited your page from time to time when my research takes me to North Carolina. Your site is commendable, as are many others about North Carolina in the Civil War. Like, you I also have a site dedicated to my home state; namely Pennsylvania in the Civil War at http://www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/ Although I've had an interest in the Civil War since I was in college, I didn't really have the opportunity (time) to seriously get involved until I retired 13 years ago. Since then I've been heavily involved in Civil War research, wrote a book, etc. But what I have learned about studying both sides who fought in the war is that at the time, other than officers, the majority of the "foot" soldiers, navy grunts, etc volunteers had to be trained, etc. Yes, they all shared their personal patriotic beliefs that they were fighting on the "side of right." And, as far as genealogy, you can find your ancestors and the wars they fought in without making decisions about whether they fought on the "right" side. After all, the wars are over...whether they fought in the Civil War, the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, and the later wars in Kuwait and Iraq--what does it matter? The major things that matter in a genealogical chart is DOB and DOD, decedents, etc. Yes, whether or not they fought in an American war is important. But, if, in your research if you find a negative fact about some of your ancestors compatriots, is it really necessary to label them in derogatory terms...particularly when the circumstances occurred 142 years ago? I really have nothing further to say about this matter. Alice Gayley ----- Original Message ----- From: "Derick Hartshorn" <DerickH@charter.net> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com>; <mpruddy@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:37 PM Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > Alice, if we let the dead rest in peace, we wouldn't be involved with > genealogy, now, would we. > > As for the desertions, I am well aware of the circumstances that > brought on being aware from a unit. They varied and not all, by any > means, were based on cowardice. The reason many left their units was > to return home to plant of harvest crops. I have several poignant > stories and copies of letters on my web sites that illustrate the > subject quite vividly. Please see: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~nccatawm/lanier.htm and > http://carolinakin.com/Letter-index.htm > > Many folks are not aware of the Indian battles that occurred out west > during the time of 1861-65. There are lengthy records in the "War of > the Rebellion" series. > As for the Union units the deserters joined, I'm sure they didn't > have a choice as to whether they would be faced with fighting against > Confederates or Indians. > > The Nat. Park Service has one of the best sites on the web for > locating men and units, both Union and Confederate. > > See: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html Click on SOLDIERS. > For the example below, enter a last name from the list below of a > soldier who joined the Union army. > Click on UNION. Enter North Carolina. > > The response page will list the Regiment and a description can be > found for that unit. > You will note that nearly all regiments were organized in Eastern > Tennessee and were part of the Division of General Stoneman. > These regiments did to my area of North Carolina what Sherman did to > Georgia. > Our Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp is named for a young Lieutenant > who was shot in the back by occupying yankee troops, ten days after > the war ended! > > Owning and working with 15-volume set of individual NC Companies and > Regiments "North Carolina Troops-A Roster 1861-1865," I have never > personally seen a company that had a record of desertions to the > degree of Co. E, 53rd Regiment. Within the accounts of that regiment > are those of many men who deserted and returned to their unit. Those > I did not list. We will likely never know the reason for these > actions on an individual basis. Two families I have studied were the > Cook and Jessup families, many of whom are listed below. They all > joined on the same day and deserted on the same day. I do know that > these families settled in Westfield Twp., Surry County in the early > 1700's. The rest is a mystery. > > --Derick > > > > At 05:20 PM 11/30/2007, Alice Gayley wrote: >>Thank you, Mike. I was thinking along the lines of the fact that looking >>back we all have 20-20 vision, and, how can you really judge someone until >>you've walked a mile in their moccasins. The war ended 142 years ago. >>Why >>not let the dead rest in peace? >> >>Alice Gayley >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Mike Ruddy" <mpruddy@gmail.com> >>To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> >>Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 4:27 PM >>Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions >> >> >> > Derick >> > I would not be too quick to saddle this unit or these men with >> > cowardice. First if someone is missing the company clerk has to write >> > down the reason and desertion is a catch-all phrase. On the other hand >> > several of these men joined the US Army so desertion seems appropriate >> > for them. It depends a lot on the circumstances of the specific >> > incident. Sometimes men were captured and reported as deserted. >> > Sometimes captured men were given the choice of staying in a prison >> > camp >> > or joining the US Army and going out west to fight Indians. Sometimes >> > men left camp to tend to their family or farms and then returned. >> > Sometimes men were drafted into service who didn't want to fight and I >> > suppose they could be called cowards. Men in the north with southern >> > sympathies, men in the south with northern sympathies were sometimes >> > forced into service and would desert to the other side and fight >> > honorably. Sometimes the first taste of battle was too much. Maybe the >> > unit commander was a jerk etc. These men came from Surry County and >> > they >> > were at Drewry's bluff so they were pretty close to home. I do not show >> > action at Drewry's Bluff for November 10 although the following sites >> > of >> > action in Virginia on November 10, 1862 may be near to the area [from >> > Dyer's Compendium: the Union units engaged are given in Dyer] >> > Nov. 10 Action, Newby's Cross Roads, near Amissville NEW >> > HAMPSHIRE--6th Infantry. NEW YORK--8th Cavalry. PENNSYLVANIA--3d and >> > 8th >> > Cavalry; 48th Infantry. UNITED STATES---6th Cavalry; Battery "M" 2d >> > Arty. >> > Nov. 10 Skirmishes, Markham Station and Barbee's Cross Roads >> > ILLINOIS--8th Cavalry. >> > Nov. 10 Skirmish, Gaines Cross Roads PENNSYLVANIA--4th Cavalry. >> > Nov. 10-12 Operations on Orange & Alexandria R. R. >> > MASSACHUSETTS---1st, 11th and 16th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE--2d >> > Infantry. >> > NEW JERSEY--2d Battery Light Arty.; 11th Infantry. NEW YORK--11th >> > Cavalry (Detachment); 70th, 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th and 120th Infantry. >> > PENNSYLVANIA--26th Infantry. OHIO--6th Cavalry (Detachment). UNITED >> > STATES--Battery "H" 1st Arty. and "K" 4th Arty. >> > Mike >> > >> > Derick Hartshorn wrote: >> >> While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a >> >> remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised >> >> in Surry County, NC. >> >> On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy >> >> at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that >> >> Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, >> >> 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union >> >> army. >> >> >> >> Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? >> >> Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so >> >> many mass desertions? >> >> >> >> The following is a list of the cowards: >> >> (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their >> >> units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) >> >> >> >> Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> >> Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined >> >> US >> >> Army >> >> Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined >> >> US >> >> Army >> >> Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 >> >> Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at >> >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) >> >> Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 >> >> Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported >> >> for >> >> duty) >> >> Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, >> >> Joined >> >> US Army >> >> Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US >> >> Army (deserted twice) >> >> Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 >> >> Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 >> >> Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 >> >> Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army >> >> Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's Bluff >> >> Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) >> >> McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at >> >> Camp >> >> Mangum >> >> Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 >> >> Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's >> >> Bluff >> >> Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> >> Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> >> Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US >> >> Army >> >> Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US >> >> Army >> >> Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 >> >> Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 >> >> >> >> --Derick > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Derrick, this would make for quite an interesting research project, to determine reasoning for these men all to desert their regiment on the same day - it would probably make for quite a book! Here in the north, I've encountered cases of desertion, also - and often, men later returned to their regiment, or joined into another. [Like you, I've also read of the men who went home to plant/harvest, and returned afterward.] However, there were those, also, who faced a firing squad or rope for their desertion. So - did that mean they would rather face a squad of their own men and be executed, rather than take their chances with the enemy? Difficult to know the mind of a man when faced with such decisions - especially since we are looking back in time, and none of us today can truly know their circumstances. Linda ----- Original Message ----- From: "Derick Hartshorn" <DerickH@charter.net> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com>; <mpruddy@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:37 PM Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > Alice, if we let the dead rest in peace, we wouldn't be involved with > genealogy, now, would we. > > As for the desertions, I am well aware of the circumstances that > brought on being aware from a unit. They varied and not all, by any > means, were based on cowardice. The reason many left their units was > to return home to plant of harvest crops. I have several poignant > stories and copies of letters on my web sites that illustrate the > subject quite vividly. Please see: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~nccatawm/lanier.htm and > http://carolinakin.com/Letter-index.htm > > Many folks are not aware of the Indian battles that occurred out west > during the time of 1861-65. There are lengthy records in the "War of > the Rebellion" series. > As for the Union units the deserters joined, I'm sure they didn't > have a choice as to whether they would be faced with fighting against > Confederates or Indians. > > The Nat. Park Service has one of the best sites on the web for > locating men and units, both Union and Confederate. > > See: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html Click on SOLDIERS. > For the example below, enter a last name from the list below of a > soldier who joined the Union army. > Click on UNION. Enter North Carolina. > > The response page will list the Regiment and a description can be > found for that unit. > You will note that nearly all regiments were organized in Eastern > Tennessee and were part of the Division of General Stoneman. > These regiments did to my area of North Carolina what Sherman did to Georgia. > Our Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp is named for a young Lieutenant > who was shot in the back by occupying yankee troops, ten days after > the war ended! > > Owning and working with 15-volume set of individual NC Companies and > Regiments "North Carolina Troops-A Roster 1861-1865," I have never > personally seen a company that had a record of desertions to the > degree of Co. E, 53rd Regiment. Within the accounts of that regiment > are those of many men who deserted and returned to their unit. Those > I did not list. We will likely never know the reason for these > actions on an individual basis. Two families I have studied were the > Cook and Jessup families, many of whom are listed below. They all > joined on the same day and deserted on the same day. I do know that > these families settled in Westfield Twp., Surry County in the early > 1700's. The rest is a mystery. > > --Derick

Alice, if we let the dead rest in peace, we wouldn't be involved with genealogy, now, would we. As for the desertions, I am well aware of the circumstances that brought on being aware from a unit. They varied and not all, by any means, were based on cowardice. The reason many left their units was to return home to plant of harvest crops. I have several poignant stories and copies of letters on my web sites that illustrate the subject quite vividly. Please see: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nccatawm/lanier.htm and http://carolinakin.com/Letter-index.htm Many folks are not aware of the Indian battles that occurred out west during the time of 1861-65. There are lengthy records in the "War of the Rebellion" series. As for the Union units the deserters joined, I'm sure they didn't have a choice as to whether they would be faced with fighting against Confederates or Indians. The Nat. Park Service has one of the best sites on the web for locating men and units, both Union and Confederate. See: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html Click on SOLDIERS. For the example below, enter a last name from the list below of a soldier who joined the Union army. Click on UNION. Enter North Carolina. The response page will list the Regiment and a description can be found for that unit. You will note that nearly all regiments were organized in Eastern Tennessee and were part of the Division of General Stoneman. These regiments did to my area of North Carolina what Sherman did to Georgia. Our Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp is named for a young Lieutenant who was shot in the back by occupying yankee troops, ten days after the war ended! Owning and working with 15-volume set of individual NC Companies and Regiments "North Carolina Troops-A Roster 1861-1865," I have never personally seen a company that had a record of desertions to the degree of Co. E, 53rd Regiment. Within the accounts of that regiment are those of many men who deserted and returned to their unit. Those I did not list. We will likely never know the reason for these actions on an individual basis. Two families I have studied were the Cook and Jessup families, many of whom are listed below. They all joined on the same day and deserted on the same day. I do know that these families settled in Westfield Twp., Surry County in the early 1700's. The rest is a mystery. --Derick At 05:20 PM 11/30/2007, Alice Gayley wrote: >Thank you, Mike. I was thinking along the lines of the fact that looking >back we all have 20-20 vision, and, how can you really judge someone until >you've walked a mile in their moccasins. The war ended 142 years ago. Why >not let the dead rest in peace? > >Alice Gayley >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Mike Ruddy" <mpruddy@gmail.com> >To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> >Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 4:27 PM >Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > > > > Derick > > I would not be too quick to saddle this unit or these men with > > cowardice. First if someone is missing the company clerk has to write > > down the reason and desertion is a catch-all phrase. On the other hand > > several of these men joined the US Army so desertion seems appropriate > > for them. It depends a lot on the circumstances of the specific > > incident. Sometimes men were captured and reported as deserted. > > Sometimes captured men were given the choice of staying in a prison camp > > or joining the US Army and going out west to fight Indians. Sometimes > > men left camp to tend to their family or farms and then returned. > > Sometimes men were drafted into service who didn't want to fight and I > > suppose they could be called cowards. Men in the north with southern > > sympathies, men in the south with northern sympathies were sometimes > > forced into service and would desert to the other side and fight > > honorably. Sometimes the first taste of battle was too much. Maybe the > > unit commander was a jerk etc. These men came from Surry County and they > > were at Drewry's bluff so they were pretty close to home. I do not show > > action at Drewry's Bluff for November 10 although the following sites of > > action in Virginia on November 10, 1862 may be near to the area [from > > Dyer's Compendium: the Union units engaged are given in Dyer] > > Nov. 10 Action, Newby's Cross Roads, near Amissville NEW > > HAMPSHIRE--6th Infantry. NEW YORK--8th Cavalry. PENNSYLVANIA--3d and 8th > > Cavalry; 48th Infantry. UNITED STATES---6th Cavalry; Battery "M" 2d Arty. > > Nov. 10 Skirmishes, Markham Station and Barbee's Cross Roads > > ILLINOIS--8th Cavalry. > > Nov. 10 Skirmish, Gaines Cross Roads PENNSYLVANIA--4th Cavalry. > > Nov. 10-12 Operations on Orange & Alexandria R. R. > > MASSACHUSETTS---1st, 11th and 16th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE--2d Infantry. > > NEW JERSEY--2d Battery Light Arty.; 11th Infantry. NEW YORK--11th > > Cavalry (Detachment); 70th, 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th and 120th Infantry. > > PENNSYLVANIA--26th Infantry. OHIO--6th Cavalry (Detachment). UNITED > > STATES--Battery "H" 1st Arty. and "K" 4th Arty. > > Mike > > > > Derick Hartshorn wrote: > >> While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a > >> remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised > >> in Surry County, NC. > >> On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy > >> at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that > >> Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, > >> 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union army. > >> > >> Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? > >> Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so > >> many mass desertions? > >> > >> The following is a list of the cowards: > >> (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their > >> units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) > >> > >> Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > >> Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined US > >> Army > >> Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined US > >> Army > >> Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > >> Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > >> Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at > >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > >> Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 > >> Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported for > >> duty) > >> Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, Joined > >> US Army > >> Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US > >> Army (deserted twice) > >> Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 > >> Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 > >> Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > >> Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > >> Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army > >> Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > >> Drewry's Bluff > >> Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > >> McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at Camp > >> Mangum > >> Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 > >> Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's > >> Bluff > >> Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > >> Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > >> Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army > >> Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US > >> Army > >> Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 > >> Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 > >> > >> --Derick

Derick, I am going to have to agree with Mike and others. I could not call these soldiers cowards. Perhaps something else describes them, but not cowards. It probably took more courage to switch over than it did to stay where they were. My great grandfather had the choice of going to prison or taking the oath. He took the oath, but he was not a coward--he did fight in the battle of Chickamauga/Chattanooga, Wheelers Raid into Middle Tennessee and a multitude of skirmishes. He probably did what was best for him and his family at the time. Lucky for me. David ----- Original Message ----- From: "Derick Hartshorn" <DerickH@charter.net> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 12:32 PM Subject: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a > remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised > in Surry County, NC. > On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy > at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that > Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, > 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union army. > > Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? > Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so > many mass desertions? > > The following is a list of the cowards: > (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their > units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) > > Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined US > Army > Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined US > Army > Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 > Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported for > duty) > Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, Joined US > Army > Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US > Army (deserted twice) > Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 > Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 > Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's > Bluff > Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army > Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff > Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at Camp > Mangum > Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 > Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's > Bluff > Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army > Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US > Army > Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 > Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 > > --Derick > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.11/1161 - Release Date: > 11/30/2007 12:12 PM >

Thank you, Mike. I was thinking along the lines of the fact that looking back we all have 20-20 vision, and, how can you really judge someone until you've walked a mile in their moccasins. The war ended 142 years ago. Why not let the dead rest in peace? Alice Gayley ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Ruddy" <mpruddy@gmail.com> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 4:27 PM Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops - desertions > Derick > I would not be too quick to saddle this unit or these men with > cowardice. First if someone is missing the company clerk has to write > down the reason and desertion is a catch-all phrase. On the other hand > several of these men joined the US Army so desertion seems appropriate > for them. It depends a lot on the circumstances of the specific > incident. Sometimes men were captured and reported as deserted. > Sometimes captured men were given the choice of staying in a prison camp > or joining the US Army and going out west to fight Indians. Sometimes > men left camp to tend to their family or farms and then returned. > Sometimes men were drafted into service who didn't want to fight and I > suppose they could be called cowards. Men in the north with southern > sympathies, men in the south with northern sympathies were sometimes > forced into service and would desert to the other side and fight > honorably. Sometimes the first taste of battle was too much. Maybe the > unit commander was a jerk etc. These men came from Surry County and they > were at Drewry's bluff so they were pretty close to home. I do not show > action at Drewry's Bluff for November 10 although the following sites of > action in Virginia on November 10, 1862 may be near to the area [from > Dyer's Compendium: the Union units engaged are given in Dyer] > Nov. 10 Action, Newby's Cross Roads, near Amissville NEW > HAMPSHIRE--6th Infantry. NEW YORK--8th Cavalry. PENNSYLVANIA--3d and 8th > Cavalry; 48th Infantry. UNITED STATES---6th Cavalry; Battery "M" 2d Arty. > Nov. 10 Skirmishes, Markham Station and Barbee's Cross Roads > ILLINOIS--8th Cavalry. > Nov. 10 Skirmish, Gaines Cross Roads PENNSYLVANIA--4th Cavalry. > Nov. 10-12 Operations on Orange & Alexandria R. R. > MASSACHUSETTS---1st, 11th and 16th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE--2d Infantry. > NEW JERSEY--2d Battery Light Arty.; 11th Infantry. NEW YORK--11th > Cavalry (Detachment); 70th, 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th and 120th Infantry. > PENNSYLVANIA--26th Infantry. OHIO--6th Cavalry (Detachment). UNITED > STATES--Battery "H" 1st Arty. and "K" 4th Arty. > Mike > > Derick Hartshorn wrote: >> While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a >> remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised >> in Surry County, NC. >> On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy >> at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that >> Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, >> 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union army. >> >> Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? >> Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so >> many mass desertions? >> >> The following is a list of the cowards: >> (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their >> units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) >> >> Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined US >> Army >> Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined US >> Army >> Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff >> Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 >> Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) >> Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 >> Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported for >> duty) >> Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, Joined >> US Army >> Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US >> Army (deserted twice) >> Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 >> Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 >> Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 >> Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army >> Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> Drewry's Bluff >> Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at >> Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) >> McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at Camp >> Mangum >> Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 >> Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's >> Bluff >> Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 >> Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army >> Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US >> Army >> Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 >> Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 >> >> --Derick >> >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >> quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> >> > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Derick I would not be too quick to saddle this unit or these men with cowardice. First if someone is missing the company clerk has to write down the reason and desertion is a catch-all phrase. On the other hand several of these men joined the US Army so desertion seems appropriate for them. It depends a lot on the circumstances of the specific incident. Sometimes men were captured and reported as deserted. Sometimes captured men were given the choice of staying in a prison camp or joining the US Army and going out west to fight Indians. Sometimes men left camp to tend to their family or farms and then returned. Sometimes men were drafted into service who didn't want to fight and I suppose they could be called cowards. Men in the north with southern sympathies, men in the south with northern sympathies were sometimes forced into service and would desert to the other side and fight honorably. Sometimes the first taste of battle was too much. Maybe the unit commander was a jerk etc. These men came from Surry County and they were at Drewry's bluff so they were pretty close to home. I do not show action at Drewry's Bluff for November 10 although the following sites of action in Virginia on November 10, 1862 may be near to the area [from Dyer's Compendium: the Union units engaged are given in Dyer] Nov. 10 Action, Newby's Cross Roads, near Amissville NEW HAMPSHIRE--6th Infantry. NEW YORK--8th Cavalry. PENNSYLVANIA--3d and 8th Cavalry; 48th Infantry. UNITED STATES---6th Cavalry; Battery "M" 2d Arty. Nov. 10 Skirmishes, Markham Station and Barbee's Cross Roads ILLINOIS--8th Cavalry. Nov. 10 Skirmish, Gaines Cross Roads PENNSYLVANIA--4th Cavalry. Nov. 10-12 Operations on Orange & Alexandria R. R. MASSACHUSETTS---1st, 11th and 16th Infantry. NEW HAMPSHIRE--2d Infantry. NEW JERSEY--2d Battery Light Arty.; 11th Infantry. NEW YORK--11th Cavalry (Detachment); 70th, 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th and 120th Infantry. PENNSYLVANIA--26th Infantry. OHIO--6th Cavalry (Detachment). UNITED STATES--Battery "H" 1st Arty. and "K" 4th Arty. Mike Derick Hartshorn wrote: > While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a > remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised > in Surry County, NC. > On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy > at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that > Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, > 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union army. > > Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? > Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so > many mass desertions? > > The following is a list of the cowards: > (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their > units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) > > Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined US Army > Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined US Army > Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 > Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported for duty) > Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, Joined US Army > Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US > Army (deserted twice) > Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 > Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 > Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 > Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's Bluff > Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army > Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff > Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at > Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) > McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at Camp Mangum > Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 > Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's Bluff > Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 > Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army > Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US Army > Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 > Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 > > --Derick > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >

While searching out the military record for a friend, I discovered a remarkable fact regarding Company E, 53rd Regiment, NC Troops raised in Surry County, NC. On November 10, 1862, eleven men from this unit deserted to the enemy at Drewry's Bluff, Va. While that may be unusual, the fact that Company E was deeply infected with the disease of desertion. In all, 23 men from this company deserted, a large number joining the Union army. Does anyone know of another unit with this degree of cowardice? Does anyone know what event occurred on November 10, 1862 to cause so many mass desertions? The following is a list of the cowards: (Not included are those who actually deserted but returned to their units. Otherwise, the list would have added another dozen names.) Adkins,Jerry - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 Allen,Joseph A. - enlisted 28 Feb 1863, deserted 21 Feb 1864, Joined US Army Beasley,John H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Colson,Charles H. - enlisted 17 Apr 1862, deserted 4 Oct 1863, Joined US Army Cook,Alfred D. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Cook,Eli - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Cook,James M. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Cook,John T. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Cummings,Henry H. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 Doss,Matthew M. - enlisted 2 Apr 1862, deserted 15 Oct 1862, at Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) Goins,William H. - enlisted 7 Apr 1862, deserted 1 Jul 1863 Gordon,Nicholas W. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted (never reported for duty) Gravelly,Hughes M. - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 28 Mar 1862, Joined US Army Gwyn,Johnson - enlisted 1 Mar 1863, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army (deserted twice) Hawks,Daniel - enlisted 31 Mar 1862, deserted 9 Dec 1862 Hicks,William H. - enlisted 13 May 1863, deserted 10 Aug 1863 Hunter,Jeremiah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Hunter,Lewis - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Jackson,Caleb - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863 Jessup,Jacob - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 24 Dec 1863, at Drewry's Bluff Jessup,Lee - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Jessup,Meshack - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Joined US Army Jessup,William S. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Linville,Newell H. - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 10 Nov 1862, at Drewry's Bluff (deserted twice) McBride,William P. - enlisted 16 Apr 1862, deserted 15 May 1862, at Camp Mangum Pell,Elijah - enlisted 16 Oct 1862, deserted 18 May 1863 Simmons,Amos - enlisted 27 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, at Drewry's Bluff Simpson,Sandy - enlisted 4 Mar 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 Simpson,William - enlisted 1 Jan 1863, deserted 18 May 1863 Tickle,James - enlisted 11 Jan 1864, deserted 12 Oct 1864, Joined US Army Watson,John H. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 15 Sep 1862, Joined US Army Watson,William A. - enlisted 29 Mar 1862, deserted 27 Aug 1862 Wilson,Enoch - enlisted 15 Apr 1862, deserted 1 May 1863 --Derick

Thanks

In a message dated 11/24/2007 8:09:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, efanslau@hotmail.com writes: Does anyone know where the plot records for this cemetery are kept? I didn't know if this cemetery was still under the control of a church or the city. Thanks. _http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/cem.html_ (http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/cem.html) This site says "The Historical Society of Pennsylvania has many Philadelphia cemetery records on microfilm or you may contact the individual cemetery." Eliz **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

If you go to the following site, it list all the burials in Hood cemetery, and a plot map. The contributer is Mr Stackhouse. Who I believe is on this mailing list. www.find-a-grave.com Ted Myers Elizabeth Fanslau <efanslau@hotmail.com> wrote: Does anyone know where the plot records for this cemetery are kept? I didn't know if this cemetery was still under the control of a church or the city. Thanks. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage.

Does anyone know where the plot records for this cemetery are kept? I didn't know if this cemetery was still under the control of a church or the city. Thanks.

Death in the Camp. George W. Fox, a member of the 21st New York Regiment, was shot by a party of rebels, while on picket duty last Thursday evening, and brought to the camp of the 21st Regiment, at Fort Runyon. Surgeon Wilcox and Chaplain Robie devoted their respective ministrations to the dying man, and he died about midnight in their presence. He has a brother living in Detroit, to whom he requested his remains to be sent. August 1-1861. Republican Advocate - Batavia NY

I have to respond. As an employee of Barnes & Noble we also have such a service. Go to www.bn.com and click on used or out of print books and search. Either service has proved very good. The bottom line is--read books! They are good for you. Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: <civil-war-request@rootsweb.com> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 12:03 AM Subject: CIVIL-WAR Digest, Vol 2, Issue 217 > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Hard to Find & Out of Print Books (Linda Schmidt) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:09:08 -0500 > From: "Linda Schmidt" <donlinda@2ki.net> > Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Hard to Find & Out of Print Books > To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> > Message-ID: <044701c82a05$bcc17fe0$ee054b18@lassie> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Going to amazon.com and doing a book search on a title can often result > in numerous book listings and also choices of stores/individuals selling > them - > I've often purchased titles through amazon in this way and their purchase > procedures are secure and very satisfactory. > Linda > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Edward Harding" <eharding2@suddenlink.net> > > >> Just a little note for anyone who might be searching for books that are > out of print or otherwise hard to find. I use a website that many > bookstores > use when trying to find books for customers. www.abebooks.com > > > > ------------------------------ > > To contact the CIVIL-WAR list administrator, send an email to > CIVIL-WAR-admin@rootsweb.com. > > To post a message to the CIVIL-WAR mailing list, send an email to > CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com. > > __________________________________________________________ > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > CIVIL-WAR-request@rootsweb.com > with the word "unsubscribe" without the quotes in the subject and the body > of the > email with no additional text. > > > End of CIVIL-WAR Digest, Vol 2, Issue 217 > ***************************************** >

Hello, There are about a dozen "used-book-finding web sites." Another is www.alibris.com And, I've obtained a few "town histories" for reasonable prices from eBay. And, there are at least 3 or 4 "genealogy-book publishers" in the U.S. - mostly on the East Coast. Betty (near Lowell, MA) Great-great-granddaughter of Joseph KIDDER, injured while fighting in the Civil War, resident of Princeton, Maine. I was able to obtain a picture of "Joe" taken about a year before his death ~1915. Remember to check the archives of all the Lists and Boards for your surnames and place-names. And, please remember to check the on-line auctions for for your surnames and place-names. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda Schmidt" <donlinda@2ki.net> To: <civil-war@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 12:09 PM Subject: Re: [CIVIL-WAR] Hard to Find & Out of Print Books

Going to amazon.com and doing a book search on a title can often result in numerous book listings and also choices of stores/individuals selling them - I've often purchased titles through amazon in this way and their purchase procedures are secure and very satisfactory. Linda ----- Original Message ----- From: "Edward Harding" <eharding2@suddenlink.net> > Just a little note for anyone who might be searching for books that are out of print or otherwise hard to find. I use a website that many bookstores use when trying to find books for customers. www.abebooks.com

Just a little note for anyone who might be searching for books that are out of print or otherwise hard to find. I use a website that many bookstores use when trying to find books for customers. www.abebooks.com Thought I'd pass that little tidbit along in case it might be of some help to someone. Edward Harding http://ehardingwbtsancestors.homestead.com/Index.html