My g-g-grandfather was also classified as a deserter from the Union Army. He
became sick; returned to his home and did not return to his unit. He did
later go to another state and enlisted under a different name. He apparently
was not punished according to his War records because there is no record of
dishonorable discharge and his wife was able to apply for a widows pension. Both
different last names are recorded in one record.
Desertion was a very common event according to US Civil War records.
Karl E. Wahl, ancestors from Dorum and Beverstedt
Bellevue, WA
In a message dated 2008/01/28 7:01:12 Pacific Standard Time, cgrote@rush.edu
writes:
I have a desertion story from my family as well.
My Scottish g-g grandfather was court-martialed for desertion from the
Union Army during the Civil War. It was later rescinded and he got his
Civil War pension in the 1890s, as the authorities apparently bought his
excuse of "The battle was over. I hopped a fence with a jug, got drunk and
passed out, and when I woke up the Union Army was gone, so I decided to walk
2 days back to my Kentucky home". He rejoined the army a year or two later,
They put him on a chain gang and then promoted him to prison guard where he
Was later shot (but survived) by a Confederate sympathizer.
When you look at his regiment, some 20% or so were court martialed for
desertion, a lot of them apparently going home at harvest time to help on
the farm.
Chris
Chicago