requires a sterner admonition to those who
have abandoned their comrades in the hour of peril.

"A last opportunity is offered them to wipe out the disgrace and
escape the punishment of their crimes.

"By authority of the President of the Confederate States, a pardon
is announced to such deserters and men improperly absent as shall
return to the commands to which they belong within the shortest
possible time, not exceeding twenty days from the publication of
this order, at the headquarters of the department in which they may
be.

"Those who may be prevented by interruption of communications, may
report within the time specified to the nearest enrolling officer,
or other officer on duty, to be forwarded as soon as practicable;
and upon presenting a certificate from such officer, showing
compliance with this requirement, will receive the pardon hereby
offered.

"Those who have deserted to the service of the enemy, or who have
deserted after having been once pardoned for the same offense, and
those who shall desert, or absent themselves without authority,
after the publication of this order, are excluded from its
benefits. Nor does the offer of pardon extend to other offenses
than desertion and absence without permission.

"By the same authority, it is also declared that no general amnesty
will again be granted, and those who refuse to accept the pardon
now offered, or who shall hereafter desert or absent themselves
without leave, shall suffer such punishment as the courts may
impose, and no application for clemency will be entertained.

"Taking new resolution from the fate which our enemies intend for
us, let every man devote all his energies to the common defense.

"Our resources, wisely and vigorously employed, are ample, and with
a brave army, sustained by a determined and united people, success,
with God's assistance, cannot be doubtful.

"The advantages of the enemy will have but little value if we do
not permit them to impair our resolution. Let us, then, oppose
constancy to adversity, fortitude to suffering, and courage to
danger, with the firm assurance that He who gave freedom to our
fathers will bless the efforts of their children to preserve it.

"R. E. LEE, _General_."

The Senate did nothing on Saturday but discuss t