July 5 1863 Official. To W. M.Bradford, 31st Tenn. Vol. (copied from the original by C. M. Smith 1st Lieut. Comgd. Co. D of the 31st Regt. Tenn. Vol.)
Headquarters, Paroled Prisoners
Vicksburg, Miss.
July 5th, 1863
Special Orders
No. I. Immediately after the troops of this army shall have been paroled at the several points designated for the respective organizations, each will be marched back under its commissioned officers to its proper camps. Neither officers or soldiers will be permitted to leave their camps unless by authority of brigade or division commanders.
No. II. It is to be distinctly understood that all previous existing rules of organizations, discipline, and police for the government of this army continued in full force. The parole in no manner relieving officers or soldiers from such duty as do not infringe upon the terms of the parole.
No. III. Soldiers, your defence [sic] of Vicksburg has gained for you the respect and admiration of the Enemy against which you have so long nobly contended, then let them see the notwithstanding your service so you can still maintain the discipline of a well organized army of the Southern Confederacy. So soon as I can confer with our government, I shall endeavor to procure for those of you who desire it the privilege of visiting your homes, your wives, your children.
J. G. Pemberton, Lt. General
[Note: I do not find this Special Order in the OR.]
Wednesday 8th July 1863
. . . 3 Oclk P. M. Payroller came, filled them up and the boys signed them. Ready now to take the solemn oath not to serve the Confederacy as soldiers until exchanged for.
Paroles, July 10, 1863
We marched to the city and took received each one his parole. Marched back to camp. The different rolls was called, hats off, right hand up, paroles read which contained the oath. Following men took the oath . . . . . 34 in all paroles.
. . . The men are not strong enough to storm the hot and dusty roads which will be crowded with soldiers to a place of transportation at Jackson or Meridian. Many will start from here that cannot keep up, I fear, and being scarse [sic] of money will be troubled to keep up or get along. I shall endeavor to keep the company all together and to assist each other along that may see their homes again. What a joy it would give our friends at home.
Tuesday, 13th July 1863 35 miles we have traveled in 3 days, our whole brigade [Reynolds] and 4 or 5 wagons. Great many men so weak can hardly keep up, hence we march 2 miles, stop for them to come up. Many of the men are bare-footed and sore. I can hear cannon towards Jackson.
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Separate subject, someone on one of these boards just recently made comment that Jefferson Davis encouraged the violation of these paroles.
I just stumbled upon this which may be the referenced document. I have no knowledge of these proceedings. Difficult to believe he would suggest such
action.
No. 9.--Message of President Davis, transmitting to the Confederate Congress certain correspondence with General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army.
[In part]
RICHMOND, VA., July 14, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,
Jackson, Miss :
Your dispatch of yesterday received. If lists of the paroled prisoners, as heretofore directed, be promptly furnished, there will be no need to detain the men in a paroled camp, as we shall insist on immediate discharge, and give to them an opportunity again to serve their country.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
OR V24 Pt. 1, p. 202