Wednesday, January 29, 2014

January 30, 1864---"It is not right to shoot a man."



JANUARY 30, 1864:  

A Confederate soldier stationed in Virginia, Joseph J. Hoyle, writes to his wife Sarah about the execution of a deserter. His letter reads in part:

 My Dear wife:

. . . Dear Sarah, I had to witness one of the most affecting sights to day, I believe I ever did in my life before. That was the shooting a man in our regiment for desertion. The whole brigade was marched out in a square to see it. Although I was out I could not look at him when they shot him, so I turned my eyes off him when they went to fire. I felt very solemn indeed, and all appeared very serious. I will agree with you now that it is not rite [sic] to shoot a man. Dear Sarah . . .  As ever yours in hope and love. My own dear Sarah. 

Joe

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