Peter V. Foland, Part IV

Camp Chase. Columbus OH.

Need to catch up? Click here: Peter V. Foland: Part I

Writing history often feels like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle, one in which many pieces are missing and other pieces compete for a single spot with conflicting information. Such is the case with the war record for Peter V. Foland.

Despite a charge of desertion (see Part III) at the new year, Foland was clearly with his Regiment in Knoxville. There, on February 5, 1864, he was captured by the Union Army. That same day he was released and returned to his company, possibly exchanged for a Union prisoner.

During March–June 1864, he was once again present on his company’s muster roll. Then, on November 14, 1864, he was captured again at Morristown (or possibly Mossy Creek, located southwest of Morristown), Tennessee. This time he was taken to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. According to one record he was held there until March 12, 1865 and was among a detachment of paroled prisoners on March 14, 1865.

Contradicting this information, a “Memorandum from prisoner of war records,” states that Foland was transferred to and confined in Danville, Virginia (13 February 1865), paroled at James River, Virginia (22 February 1865), reported at Camp Parole, Maryland (no date). He was furloughed on March 5, 1865 for thirty days.

Today, the historic marker at Camp Parole reads: “Located in this vicinity, one of three camps established during the Civil War to accept paroled Union prisoners of war for Confederate prisoners similarly confined in the south. Over the course of the war, thousands of soldiers were held here until they were returned to their regiments or sent home. Many who did not survive are buried in Annapolis National Cemetery.”

Foland’s final release from duty came on May 18, 1865. He was promoted to Corporal and given two months’ pay in US currency. He was also entitled to pay for thirty days “rations on furlough.”

Assuming that Peter Foland was sent to Camp Parole, Maryland, where did he go when he was released? Had he already been contacted by his grandfather’s executors in Scottsville, Virginia, informing him of his inheritance? Did he return to Tennessee or did he head straight for Scottsville?

Learn more about Peter Foland’s contributions to life in Scottsville in my newest book: Peter Field Jefferson: Dark Prince of Scottsville & Lost Jeffersons.

Coming next: Peter V. Foland, Part V