Greensborough Patriot

November 13, 1862

Page 1

For the Patriot

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

Messrs. Editors: I notice in your columns among the soldiers advertised as deserters from the 22^nd N. C. Regiment the name of Sergt. M. T. Mitchell, of Co. H.

The object of this letter is to explain the conduct of Sergt. Mitchell, and to do justice to him as an honorable and devoted patriot and soldier. He was severely wounded in the battle of Seven Pines, and came home on furlough sometime in the latter part of June. He remained at home about three months, reporting three times by a surgeon’s certificate, and rejoined his Regiment in the latter part of September, over a month before the advertisement appeared.

I make this brief statement in order to relieve Sergt. Mitchell’s name of the odium that is very justly attached to a deserter. His friends are very well satisfied that his conduct as a soldier during the eighteen months that he has been in the service, is very praiseworthy and commendable, but I fear the same cannot be said of all of his comrades.

--JUSTICE--

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]