From ?Libby? to Camp Chase?

[Al Murray]

Our local library has put in Fold3 that includes access at home!

I have some questions about some things I found about my relatives. Henry Moneypenny was in the 15th WV Infantry from 1862-1865. For the period I am not sure about his cards say this:

Sep/Oct 1864 absent missing since Battle of Berryville
Nov/Dec 1864 and Jan/Feb 1865 absent captured Battle of Berryville
Mar/Apr 1865 absent paroled prisoner
14 Jan 1865 Company Muster Out roll dated Richmond, VA remarks absent paroled prisoner

This is obvious.
But the detachment muster out roll is dated Camp Chase, OH 9 Jun 1865 remarks: paroled prisoner transferred Wheeling to Columbus (he was charged over $10. for transport)

His brother and cousins mustered out of the same unit at the same time, all in Virginia. Does anyone have an idea of why this one apparently got out of a rebel prison and then was shipped to Camp Chase before being mustered out? Apparently he "reported" there.

I'll post question about another one in another thread. THANKS!

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

Camp Chase was not only a prison; it was also a major training/mustering facility.

 

[34thovib]

I'm new here and am trying to learn about these POW memorandums. It seems obvious that it is a Union document but what is the "source of the information" - for example: what is the word immediately following "Records of".

Does the fact the form identifies the prison as "Richmond" necessarily mean he was held there and not at Salisbury? Many prisoners that fall went to Salisbury, I think.

Thanks

 

[major bill]

Union soldiers who were returned to the Union Army might have to wait to be officially exchanged. They were held at Camp Chase until exchanged. I understand some were held almost they were prisoners.

 

[Frederick14Va]

After capture he was briefly confined in Richmond (most likely not at Libby) and sent off to the POW camp in Danville Va soon thereafter. He likely was transferred off to either Salisbury or even Andersonville.... since he was paroled at Northeast Ferry... which was near Wilmington NC and the usual prisoner exchange point for those paroled from Salisbury, Andersonville, and assorted smaller facilities in those regions... as opposed to Aikins Landing where majority of the prisoners still held in Va were usually exchanged from.

The document stated he was paroled at "NE Ferry" (Northeast Ferry NC), and sent to "Camp Parole" (Annapolis Md.)... which was the usual Federal check in and holding facility for paroled prisoners awaiting formal exchange.... then he was transferred on to Camp Chase...

Remember that the prisoner swap format was a two part endeavor.... "Paroled"... he was released from captivity back to his own side... but part of the prisoner exchange cartel agreements he was not allowed to retake up arms nor rejoin his unit till he was formally "exchanged".... Meaning one prisoner was swapped/exchanged for another from the other side of equal rank or rank rate values thereof ... Once that was accomplished he would be declared "Exchanged", then could leave and rejoin his regiment if he still have enlistment time remaining... or allowed to go home if his term of enlistment had already expired or unfit to further serve in the field...

During this era of the war the prisoner exchange process had generally been suspended... However there were small concessions and periodic swaps of small numbers of troops.... Of course each side habitually selected troops that were seriously ill, sick, chronic diseases, debilitated wounds, and/or their enlistment terms had already expired or was close to be... hence less likely those exchanged would be going back into the opposing ranks anytime soon... if ever again... Also taking into account the war was still ongoing when all this took place... and was discharged the same day he arrived at Camp Chase.. likely because it was closer to his home...