Written from “H.Q., Dept. of Northern Virginia” in November of 1864, this fascinating document, handwritten by Col. Walter Herron Taylor (aide to General Robert E. Lee), describes the various decisions, appeals, and sentences for a court martial proceeding against two soldiers from the 60th Alabama Infantry that allegedly deserted. The first accused, a Private Cheatham, was acquitted. The second accused, a Private Wood, was found guilty and sentenced “to carry a billet of wood weighing thirty pounds along the line of his regiment one hour each day for fourteen days?" Pvt. Wood apparently appealed this decision, a strategy that seems to have  backfired. Col. Talyor, writing on behalf of Robert E. Lee, explains that Confederate law sets a minimum sentence for desertion - one year of confinement. Explaining that the law must be followed for the sake of fairness, Wood’s sentence is adjusted to be in line with the minimum.

The document itself is in fine condition, with some very light soiling and wear and original fold lines. Taylor wrote on both sides of the paper, with most of the court martial described on the front and some on the reverse. The reverse is also docketed, and noted with Taylor’s bold signature.

This is an educational (and rare) look at the system of justice in Lee’s army.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]