This is the information I got from Randy Gilbert (who is a great researcher and an expert on Camp Ford) on your ancestor:
The February 25, 1865 exchange rolls lists a Thomas McCain[sic], seaman from the Clifton. He made an "X" instead of signing his name. However, 25 of the 96 men from this vessel could not sign their name on the lists. There were no notations on the list as him being absent. I am assuming that this is the same person and will look at the lists to verify the spelling, but a variant this minor was somewhat common. When you transcribe 5,700 names, it is possible to misread one or two of them. The official exchange point was "Red River Landing" which was where the Red River flows into the Mississippi.

Of the 96 names I have from this vessel, there were 3 deaths when they were held at Shreveport in the winter of 62-64 and 3 deaths at Camp Ford. Seven of the total were Marines. Nine show as having escaped. The February exchange included most of the naval personnel at Camp Ford. Some of them had been held for over two years.

As to the travels of the Sabine Pass Prisoners, they were initially sent to Camp Groce, near Hempstead, Texas. In late November 1863 that camp was closed and the men sent to Tyler, arriving there on Christmas day. The officers were detained at Tyler, and the enlisted men sent on to Shreveport in anticipation of an exchange that did not materilaize. They were held there until March 1864 when they were returned to Tyler. Your forebearer had about 500 marching miles while he was a prisoner.

I would apreciate your sharing the material relating to your ancestor at Camp Ford if that would be posible.

Also, for what it is worth, there is a Harper's Weekly issue from March 4, 1865 showing the interior of Camp Ford with a related article about the exchange. The woodcut was made from a drawing by George W. Simmonw, Paymaster of the Clifton, who was also in that exchange. This issue has been put on line at http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1865/march/camp-ford.htm To get the drawing from the point of exchange to New York, do the engraving, and be printed in 9 days was the Civil War equivalent of "Fillm at 6". Copies of this particular paper come up fairly regularly on E-bay.

Hope this helped.

Randy Gilbert

Tyler, Texas