Execution of a deserter.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] Louisa County, Va.; Jan. 10.
Yesterday J. B. Martin, a deserter from the Orange Artillery, Carter's battalion was executed.
He deserted in June last, while this army was en route to Pennsylvania.
The scene was a sad one and long to be remembered.
At 12 o'clock the battalions of the corps were drawn up in three sides of a square, and on the fourth side sat the condemned man near his grave and coffin.
He leaned back against a post, his arms being stretched out on a board, which formed a cross.
Rev. Mr. Page, of Jones's battalion, attended the unhappy man in his last moments.
The condemned, after he was blindfolded, was bade farewell to by his friends, and the guard detailed to shoot him. He remarked to several of them, "I hope we will all meet in heaven.
He died to save us all" The guard took their position at ten paces from him, and at the word fire their bullets penetrated his breast.
His head raised twice after the fire, then sunk on his breast, and the soul of the unfortunate man was with its Maker.
The deceased was 26 years of age, and leaves a wife and three children. Gen. Lee has issued an order granting a furlough of thirty days to every enlisted man who shall furnish a recruit for the war liable to military duty.--Our friends at home can help us now. If they will expose any of the skulkers who are successfully dodging duty in the army, and send them to this army, they can get a thirty day furlough for their friends in this army. There are plenty of skulkers in Richmond. Send them up.
