Was it usual practice to parole a Confederate officer by bond? My relative George W. Dotson was paroled (late July 1863)almost 2 months after being sent to Fort Donelson (May 31st,1863) Besides giving his oath of loyalty to the United States he was required to be bonded for the penal sum of $10,000.00. His father and family friend(civilians) were also bonded for the same amount each, for his release.
A telegraph message was sent days before his parole; from Nashville to the Colonel Sanders D. Bruce at Clarksville; stating that Lieut.
Dodson was to be released and allowed to return home,upon taking the usual parole. Ordered by command of Major-General Rosecrans. Could it be possible that his father whose signature appears on the document, requested his release by contacting the headquarters of Rosecrans? Would it had been possible for a civilian to request a P.O.W.'s release?
Best Regards!
John