Hampton's "Beefsteak Raid".....

[Jamieva]

Also have to take into consideration that the south had lots of draftees as of winter of 64/65, so they didn't want to fight to start with, not being fed or clothed well, maybe the family is suffering at home now that their income earner is gone.

Time to go home.

[5fish]

Thank you, for that illuminating post, trice

I wonder how many deserters were executed in the first three months of 1865, by Lee's orders.

There was a moral payoff for the soldiers who stuck it out until Appomattox for I have been told the confederate vets. that had parole papers form Appomattox were hailed in high esteem by the southern public in the years following the war. Like a Badge of Honor.....

[ole]

I wonder how many deserters were executed in the first three months of 1865, by Lee's orders.

That would be as hard to quantify as black confederates and USCT conscripts.

I'd be loathe to believe that many were executed by Lee's direct, reluctant order. But, outside of the impossibility of feeding and sheltering the troops, the primary deterrent is to shoot a couple or three just to remind the others that walking away was a costly option.

Just a thought.

ole

[Jamieva]

I doubt Lee shot any, if just a few. If he did, it obviously didn't work because the ANV just disappeared over the winter of 64/65.