Robert E. Lee as well as Union Generals like Francis Barlow thought that deserters were of the worst kind and actually caused more courageous soldiers to lose their lives. Thus, the home gaurd, especially in the south where most of the battles were fought and desertion home would seem more feesible, was a very important piece of the army. Able soldiers, usually the harshest and with the most military bearing, were called to this duty. I also just watched "Cold Mountain" and was spurred to thought of this issue as well. These guys seemed harsh, killing fellow Confederates' families and all. Talk about taking the glory out of the realities of war.