Thanks Norm, I had a g.g.granduncle who was at home because he was gravely ill, but was reported as absent without leave. He eventually rejoined the 61st Illinois, and served out the rest of the war. Norm Witherbee wrote: > The book by E. B. and Barbara Long, The Civil War Day by Day, for Tuesday, > Mar 10, 1863 states: > "President Lincoln issued a proclamation of amnesty to soldiers absent > without leave if they reported before April 1; otherwise they would be > arrested as deserters."