U.S. Quartermaster document authorizing sea passage on the vessel “Arago” for a Confederate deserter from New York City to Hilton Head, South Carolina.  Document is dated March 4^th 1865 and is signed in ink by an individual who appears to be D. H. Dyer, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.  Document is stamped on the opposite side by the U.S. Transit Hospital stating “rations furnished” for March 6^th to March 10^th.  The “Rebel Deserter” named in the document is “J. Polk.”  Although there are over 100 men listed within the parameter of “J. Polk” in the American Civil War Database, James K. Polk of Alachua County, Florida is likely the individual mentioned.  James Polk enlisted in the 2^nd Florida Infantry in November 1861 and is recorded in the database as transferring to the 10^th Florida Infantry a month later.  This is likely a typographical error for “1864,” as the 10^th Florida was not formed until that year and served in the III Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia (Perry’s/Fingan’s Brigade).  James Polk ultimately deserted to U.S. forces at Petersburg on February 26^th, 1865 and made the Oath of Allegiance on the same day.

Document measures 4 ½” by 7 ½” is in very good condition and contains one pin-hole and one hole 1/16” by 1/8”.  Printing and ink are clear and legible.  Documents regarding wartime deserters are scarce items.  [JC][PH:L]

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