This Day in History: July 28

Desertions of soldiers engaged for the war continue, or have rather encreased. A steady old serjeant, corporal and three men have gone off from the 5. Massachusetts regiment; some of them have families; it is thought they have gone to them, and that the service would be promoted by sending an officer after these and others. I have thought it might be attended with good consequences, for unless something is done to bring the deserters back others will be prompted to follow them. [More]