Field Exchanges of Prisoners

[Savez]

In the Robinson "observations and recollections" I posted about earlier in the "58th Alabama" thread, he talks about being captured at Jonsboro, GA and then exchanged a 30 day's later in the field. Did this happen often? I didn't realize it happened at that stage of the war.
He wrote:

We remained prisoners about 30 days. There was a field exchange of prisoners, we were marched out to the line of the exchange, the space between the Yankee Guards and the Confederates were about fifty or seventy five yards[.] there was quite a number of us passed through the lines, The Yankees going one way the Confederates another. Just as soon as all of the Confederats passed inside of their own lines of of the soldiers taken a Confederate Flag that he had concealed, [on] his persona hoisted it on a brush (limb), The Boys riased the old Rebel Yell and kept it up for a short time.

 

[M E Wolf]

Savez,

I'm certain this was a case in large numbers of captured men. I think Wilber has in the original Photographs of the Civil War thread a bunch of men covering hill and area in a huge number. And, another a trail of men under few guards.

It would make sense to exchange prisoners "in the field" especially if there weren't any POW camps close, lack of food for both Army and POWs, potential military movement by Division/Corps levels that prisoners would only impede and hamper the speed. If the generals were a couple of gentlemen and make a gentleman's agreement between them -- As to give 30 days after exchange of prisoners to 'engage' again and test the battlefield again... I can see it.

This is why the ACW is so very interesting to study. Be dueling one moment, trading stuff another (under truce flag or mutual understanding between pickets/guards), trading news and perhaps meeting brothers, fathers, sons, uncles --in warm fond embraces and depart to their respective sides as to shoot at each other next time.

With the exception of a few 'dirty fighters' -- Americans on both sides seemingly fought hard, honestly and knew a sense when it was time to be enemy and time to be neutral.

Just some thoughts.

M. E. Wolf

 

[Savez]

Its intersesting you should mention "embraces" Robinson also wrote about the day he was captured...

I saw Kentuckians meet that were neighbors before they enlisted (on opposite sides) in the army. They were glad to meet each other, it was so strange to see men grasp each other and weep, who not over half an hour before were in deadly combat.

Can you tell I'm excited about the stuff I received today. Haha!

 

[M E Wolf]

Its intersesting you should mention "embraces" Robinson also wrote about the day he was captured...



Can you tell I'm excited about the stuff I received today. Haha!

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh1:

ROFL

M. E. Wolf

 

[ole]

Of course it happened. POWs were an impediment.

Notwithstanding the (later) official position that there were to be no more paroles or exchanges, rapidly moving units would issue paroles or shoot the prisoners. If said unit could trade 30 opponents for 30 of their own, they did it and were thus relieved from shooting them or transporting them to the nearest stalag.

The situation was analagous to enlisting people of color. It was officially forbidden, but it happened anyway. Sound familiar?