At the beginning of the war, captured soldiers were expected to “give parole,” or promise not to escape. Paroled soldiers could expect to be sent back to their own lines under a flag of truce, at which time they would be sent home until an exchange was effected. Union and Confederate military officials reached an agreement in 1862 that stipulated that all prisoners were to be exchanged within ten days of capture. The fact that promises were made and kept demonstrates the gentlemanly nature of the Civil War during its first years — a mans word was his honor. However, if a soldier broke his promise by returning to the field unexchanged, he ran the risk of being shot or hanged. Gary.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:36:16 +0000