Respited.
--Yesterday was the day fixed upon for the execution of Harrison Futch, a member of the 3d North Carolina regiment, convicted before a court-martial of desertion and of being engaged in the murder of Adjutant Mallett, who was killed while in pursuit of a band of deserters; but for cause satisfactory to the authorities the execution was postponed till further orders. The convict in this instance is said to be a young man of irreproachable character before the war, and his friends believe that he was persuaded to desert by associates who exercised undue influence over him, ten of whom have already been shot to death for murder and desertion. If the Government should spare the life of this young man it will only be because of the sufferings he has already endured and of the high character he has heretofore born. Desertion is now an unpardonable offence, bringing death and disgrace to the soldier, and misery and woe to his family and friends. Let mothers and wives take warning — let them never whisper to their loved ones aught that can dissatisfy them, but rather encourage them to fight on to the end, always hoping and praying for independence and peace.
