This Day in History: October 24

Whereas sundry Soldiers belonging to the Armies of the said States have Deserted from the same; These are to make known, to all those who have so offended, and who shall return to their respective Corps, or surrender themselves to the Officers appointed to receive Recruits and Deserters in their several States, or to any Continental Commissioned Officer before the first day of January next, that they shall obtain a full and free pardon. And I do further declare, to all such obstinate offenders, as do not avail themselves of the indulgence hereby offered, that they may depend, when apprehended, on being prosecuted with the utmost rigour and suffering the punishment justly due to crimes of such enormity. [More]