Thomas F. Walters was conscripted in February 1863. He failed to report and was arrested in May of that year. On May 25, 1863, he was enrolled in Company A, 51st Regiment North Carolina Troops. He deserted in July 1863 while his unit was at Sullivan’s Island. Walters enlisted in Company B, 50th Regiment North Carolina Troops on February 28, 1864. He was later court martialed for an unspecified offense, likely for deserting from the 51st Regiment. Walters survived the war.
In the letter below, written while Private Thomas was absent from the 51st North Carolina, Thomas is appealing to Governor Vance to be assigned to another regiment. This transcript was copied from the Private Voices website at https://altchive.org/node/298. Copyright © 2014, eHistory. All rights reserved.
Vance 206 (from Private Thomas Walters)
Transcribers: Andrea Cudworth & Michael Ellis
Transcription Date: November, 2011
Proofers: Andrea Cudworth & Michael Ellis
Proof Date: November, 2011
This october 18th 1863
Mr Governer vance dear sir
I this day Seat my self
to in form you that I
wais prest in to Servis
and when I wais tuck I
wais making proper at[??]
to go to acompany and
the Carried mee to the
51 regiment and I left &
Caim home & I neaver Sined
any in listing roles I
onley resieved the State
bounty and I beg unto
you to let mee go to
Some other Company that
I have ackwaintances in
I have bin at home a
bout one monthe & ef
you will let mee go
to some other Co
[page 2]
I will do the best
duty that is in my
power I nowe that
I owe my Servis to
the Confedersa and
I am willing to pay
hit please Answer
thos Cuestions
youre obedient
servent
Thomas walters
Brooklyn
No ca