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Military history: North America / United States / American Civil War Start‑class

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Examples of paroles from Union Army soldiers, 1861[edit]

Copy of parole given by the officers.

SALURIA,TEX., April 25, 1861

TO THE AUTHORITIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA:

I give my word of honor as an officer and a gentleman that I will not bear arms nor exercise any of the functions of my office under my commission from the President of the United States against the Confederate States of America during the existence of the war between the said Confederate and United States unless I shall be exchanged for another prisoner or prisoners of war, or unless I shall be released by the President of the Confederate States. In consideration of the above parole it is understood that I am free to go and come whenever I may see fit, except that I shall not attempt to enter or depart from any fort, camp or garrison of the Confederate States without the sanction of its commanding officer.
C. C. SIBLEY, Major Third Infantry, U. S. Army

Copy of oath taken by the enlisted men.

SALURIA,TEX., April 26, 1861

TO THE AUTHORITIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA:

We do solemnly swear that we will nor bear arms against the Confederate States of America, nor in any way give aid and comfort to the United States against the Confederate States, during the existence of the war between the said United States and Confederate States, unless we shall be duly exchanged for other prisoners of war, or until we shall be released by the President of the Confederate States. In consideration of this oath, it is understood that we are free to go wherever we may see fit.

From the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, Vol. 1, 1894, p. 51.

W Webb Research (talk) 05:50, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Joint Resolution of Congress, December 11, 1861[edit]

Joint Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives Dec. 11, 1861.

Whereas, the exchange of prisoners in the present rebellion has already been practiced indirectly, and as such exchange would not only increase the enlistment and vigor of our Army but subserve the highest interests of humanity and such exchange does not involve a recognition of the rebels as a government; therefore

Resolved, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to inaugurate systematic measures for the exchange of prisoners in the present rebellion.

From the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, Vol. 3, 1898, p. 157.

W Webb Research (talk) 06:27, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Examples of field commanders reluctant to exchange captives[edit]

Brig. General Ulysses S. Grant to Confederate Major General Leonidas Polk, October 14, 1861: (excerpt)

"In regard to the exchange of prisoners proposed I can of my own accord make none. I recognize no Southern Confederacy myself but will communicate with higher authority for their views."

Official Records, Series II, Vol. 1, 1894, p. 511.

Union Brig. General John A. McClernand to Colonel N. B. Buford, October 23, 1861: (excerpt)

"In your conversation with the commandant or with his representatives you will avoid all discussion upon the rights of belligerents and place my action herein simply upon the ground of humanity and a desire to relieve the unhappy war now waged between kindred of peculiar and aggravating difficulties. Beyond this limit I do not deem it advisable for you to go."

Official Records, Series II, Vol. 1, 1894, p. 512.

Confederate Major General Leonidas Polk to Brig. General Ulysses S. Grant, November 8, 1861: (excerpt)

"My own feelings would prompt me to waive again the unimportant affectation of declining to recognize these states as belligerents in the interests of humanity, but my Government requires all prisoners to be placed at the disposal of the Secretary of War. I have dispatched him to know if the case of the severely wounded held by me would form an exception."

Official Records, Series II, Vol. 1, 1894, pp. 515-516.

Union Brig. General Charles F. Smith to Confederate Brig. General Gideon J. Pillow, November 26, 1861: (entire body of letter)

"SIR: I am in receipt of your communication dated on the 24th instant requesting an exchange of prisoners. To do this would imply that the Government of the United States admits the existing civil war to be one between independent nations. This I cannot admit and must therefore decline to make any terms or conditions in reference to those we mutually hold as prisoners taken in arms without the orders of my Government.
As an act of humanity and until otherwise instructed I shall always treat those whom the fortunes of war place in my hands as prisoners of war."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. F. SMITH"

Official Records, Series II, Vol. 1, 1894, p. 523.

W Webb Research (talk) 07:17, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]