Abstract:
Despite romantic portrayals that Confederate soldiers were led by Southern loyalties, desertion was a major issue for the Rebel leaders. Compiling historical data, the author estimates that at best desertion rates were at 27 percent and 51 percent at worse by the end of 1864. Drawing on newspaper accounts, previous historical research, and personal correspondence the author looks at which of the state's regiments were most affected by desertion and soldiers' motivations.