Vicksburg, Miss.

On Friday, March 6, 1863, the right wing of the regiment was sent again to Warrenton on picket duty. The remainder of the regiment along with the 3rd and 59th regiments formed at noon to witness the execution of a soldier convicted of desertion.

Issac Stamper records that soon the convict arrived in his shroud, riding on his coffin. The picture of death was upon his countenance. Upon his arrival a deadly silence reigned all through the Division

Soon he was placed against his post and [in] a minute was shot dead, dead, dead.

This was a solemn occasion. He was a deserter from our Army and had joined the enemy and taken prisoner. Three others were shot the same day for similar charges. . .

Thus we see that examples must be made for the good of others.

Isaac Stamper, Fife Major, 43rd Tennessee Infantry, CSA