That was my assumption as well, but there are always exceptions. There were a large number of men (perhaps 1,000} who were captured inside Vicksburg and refused to be released on parole. The Federals at Vicksburg eventually sent them to Camp Morton, not knowing what else to do with them and not being authorized to give them Oath of Allegiance.

James Martin's military parole at Vicksburg did not prevent him from "ever" returning to duty. His parole promise at Vicksburg precluded him from performing any military duties for the Confederates until he was properly exchanged. Most of the able bodied Vicksburg parolees went straight home when released on 10 JUL 1863 at Big Black Bridge. Confederate authorities tried to get them into a parole camp at Enterprise, but because so many dispersed to their homes, a 30 day furlough was granted. Word went forth by word of mouth and printed circulars that those parolees at home were expected to report into Parole Camp to be available for an exchange declaration. Those who did report were eventually declared exchanged and returned to duty.

General Grant partially defended his decision to parole the Vicksburg garrison with the argument that most of these men were so demoralized that they would go home and never return to the war. In many cases, time proved him correct on this point.

Hugh