The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Carter Morris, Island 10, Camp Douglas, Vicksb

Cathy,

I believe that the phrase exchanged September 4, 1862 at Vicksburg is a mixture of dates and terms related to the prisoner exchange.

Sept 4, would be the date that the prisoners physically left Camp Douglas by train for Cairo, Ill. There, they would be put on board one of nine transports beings used to transfer the prisoners to Vicksburg, which was the designated point of exchange for Western troops.

There were innumerable delays en route, including a coaling stop at Memphis, another stop at Helena, Ark., as well as having to free the heavier ships that ran aground; most notably the escort gun ship Eastport.

Also, the Confederates would not allow the Union flotilla beyond Young's Point, La This required disembarking the prisoners in lots and transporting them by ferry across the river to Vicksburg. Some prisoners had to wait on board the transport steamers for a couple of days before their turn came for release.

The "release" date denotes when the Confederate prisoners were received by the Confederate Commissioner of Exchange at Vicksburg. The exchange dates would then follow as the laborious processes were completed in accordance with the Dix Hill Cartel. Many of these soldiers were not "officially" exchanged until Nov 10, 1862.

As to the steamer John H Done, it is mentioned frequently in the official reports and communications and in the diaries of the prisoners. However, it was one of many such steamers used to convey the prisoners.

I have references to this steamer delivering prisoners to the Vicksburg are on Sept. 1st, Sept. 11th, and Sept. 20th. There are also references for Sept 22nd and Sept 23rd, although, that could possibly indicate separate delivery dates for batches of prisoners who actually may have all arrived on Sept 20th.

My records for the 11th Arkansas show them leaving Camp Douglas on Sept 4th, and being released at Vicksburg on Sept 17th & Sept 18th, as well as Sept. 23rd. The Sept 17th & 18th could very well be another case of batches from the same boat released on separate dates.

This information is from my personal notes compiled while researching these exchanged prisoners. The dates are not to be considered as complete by any means.

If I can be of any further help, just let me know.

However, I think you will find that Anthony Rushing, who has already responed, is the resident expert on the 11th Arkansas [see Ranks of Honor by Anthony]

Another 11th Arkansas book is:
The Raving Foe: The Civil War diary of Major James T. Poe, C.S.A., and the 11th Arkansas Volunteers, and a complete list of prisoners-by James T Poe (Author)

Also, I would refer you to Hugh Simmons on the Louisiana board and the Prisoners board. Among other credentials, Hugh is a member of the Fort Delaware Society, and certainly a valuable resource on these prisoner exchanges.

Good luck!

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