NEWS FROM WASHINGTON: Reports of a Deserter from Lee’s Army; THEY “WANT TO GO HOME” (8/12/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/12/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Aug. 11.

A private letter received here to-day from a prominent officer at Warrenton, says that a rebel Lieutenant, who deserted from their army and came into our lines last Sunday, reports that great dissatisfaction exists among the North Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi troops, particularly among the former, at the condition of affairs in their respective States. The North Carolina troops threaten to mutiny unless they are sent back to their homes. Once there, they say they will throw down their arms, and abandon the rebel cause, of which they are heartily sick. It is only with great difficulty that the officers restrain the men. The disaffection also extends to the officers, and is increasing among the rank and file of the troops from the Southwestern States, who argue that there is no use of further resistance, since Vicksburgh and Port Hudson have fallen, and the National troops have gained possession of the Mississippi. The Mississippi and Tennessee levees are also clamorous to go home. The defeat at Gettysburgh seems to have, completely broken the spirit of LEE's army, and the utmost apathy prevails among both officers and men. They have lost all hope of the South being able to achieve its independence. The men are almost unanimously in favor of peace at any cost. The rebels are making desperate efforts to organize another effective cavalry force, and are impressing into the service all the horses in Virginia. Whole regiments of infantry are being mounted, and converted into cavalry.

It is known that Mr. LAIRD, the British shipwright, who has been so conspicuous in building piratical vessels for the rebels, has endeavored in his recent speech in Parliament lo excuse or to palliate his professional enterprise in that direction by charging that during the Crimean war a vessel-of-war,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4174411/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

News from Washington: Reports of a Deserter from Lee’s Army – 2
The Army of the Potomac: Oppressive Heat – 2-3
The Draft in New-York: Another Letter from the President to Gov. Seymour – 3
The Mississippi Naval Campaign: Injured Ships to Return – 3
Affairs in the Southwest: Gunboats to Co-operate with Gen. Steele’s Expedition – 3-4
News from Fortress Monroe: Rebel Officers Transferred to Fort McHenry – 4
The War in Kentucky: Gen. Burnside at Lexington – 4
Officers and Soldiers of Colored Regiments to be Protected – 4
Reading Matter for the Soldiers – 4
Cricket and Base Ball – 4-5
Editorial: Gov. Seymour and the Draft – 5
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad – 5-6
Editorial: The President and the Governor – 6
Confederate Cruelty – 6

[RWGinger]

Think how it must have been for the average Rebel soldier. Never owned slaves and the cry for states rights never really resonated. What they likely most wanted was to survive and get home to their families and farms.
This was hard to read knowing how long still stil had to struggle, feeling it was hopeless.

[Wilderness Conservative]

Democrats fighting for elites while the elites dont give a damn about them goes back a long time. Old habits are hard to break.