Week 7 The theme for Week 7 is "Outcast." Sadly, it isn't uncommon to find someone who was set apart from their family or who was rejected by society. This week, you could give them back at least part of their story. You could also take a different angle and write about an object that was cast out, or maybe getting a cast-off. Feel free to be creative!
This prompt outcast brings to mind one specific kin. I present my 4th Great Uncle Rufus Simmons. Rufus was the brother of Albert Simmons, my 3rd great-grandfather. The reason I chose Rufus for this post was he was executed for desertion during the civil war. Nothing screams outcast like being killed by your government. I have come across the orders for his execution and provided them below. Rufus was born about 1840 and grew up with his family in Trussville, Alabama. In November of 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army. He was in the Alabama 25th with many of his brothers. In March of 1862, he was on furlough for sick leave at the hospital in Mobile, which upon release was to return to service, by May 18th, 1862, he was dropped from the rolls as a deserter. He did return to the army on 6 Jun 1862. Then again on 24 Apr 1863, he deserted from Shelbyville, TN, and stayed away until he returned to service yet again on 29 Aug 1863. Finally, he had one more desertion in October of 1863. This time when he returned Gen. Hindman chose to make an example of him. At Dalton, GA on 30 Dec 1863 Rufus was sentenced to be shot to death by musketry.
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