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Collection Reference Number GLC08954
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1847 
Title General orders - No. 281
Date 8 September 1847
Author Scott, H. L. (Henry Lee) (1814-1886)  
Document Type Military document
Content Description Proceedings of a Court Martial for 29 soldiers accused & convicted "of desertion to the enemy" during the Mexican War. The men, all privates, all pleaded not guilty, all were sentenced "to be hanged by the neck until dead." Three, who deserted before war began, and four others, had their sentences commuted to fifty lashes and being branded. Another was remitted because his son, "remained faithful to his colors." The remaining men were executed on 10 September 1847.
Subjects Mexican War  Latin and South America  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  Court Martials and Courts of Inquiry  Desertion  Military History  Military Law  Death Penalty  
People Scott, H. L. (Henry Lee) (1814-1886)  
Place written Tacubaya, Mexico
Theme The Mexican War; Foreign Affairs; Law
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information Henry Lee Scott was the son-in-law of General Winfield Scott, and served as his aide-de-camp during the Mexican War. Served as Colonel and Inspector General of the United States Regular Army during the first year of the Civil War, then retired from service.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859