Naval Order “Guilty Verdict in the Charge of Desertion”. July 16, 1864, Navy Department General Order No. 39, Choice Mint.. Signed in print by Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. 8.5” x 5.5” printed “general orders”: No. 39. Describes a Naval General Court Martial where Acting Third Assistant Engineer William J. Moffit was tried on the charge of “Desertion”. There are two specifications of this act and the court found him guilty. He was sentenced “To be reduced to the rating of First Class Fireman, to serve for the term of two years, and to forfeit all pay now due him.” .