Headquarters Twelfth Army Corps,
March 14, 1863.
The other day, at Acquia Creek Landing, a soldier attempted
to desert by putting off in a boat; a sergeant of a guard stationed there saw
him and ordered him back; deserter didn't come; sergeant of the guard fired
over his head and repeated his order; deserter laughed at him; sergeant fired
again, hit deserter in a vital spot and he died shortly afterward. Some of the
officers about there kicked up a row, and I believe put the sergeant in arrest.
The affair came to General Hooker's ears; he ordered the sergeant's release and
personally wrote to him a very complimentary letter and promised him speedy
promotion. These things take wonderfully well.
I am fully disposed to give General Hooker credit for every
good thing he does; I believe him to be an active, hard-working man, and that
he appreciates the very high position that he holds. I most earnestly hope that
he will meet with every success in the coming campaign. I believe that the army
was never in better condition in health and morale than it is now, very
different from what it was a month ago. The signs of the times are encouraging;
there doesn't seem to be so strong a desire on the part of the Government to
interfere with army movements. Just let the draft be started and enforced, then
we're ready for hard knocks.
SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 121-2
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