John as you probably know Camp Chase was much more than just a prison for Confederates. Among others things it was where regiments were mustered in and organized. As the War drew to a close many Northern states including Ohio kept forming regiments for many reasons among them to occupy the territory gained by Northern troops and many three year regiments were coming home.

Many soldiers changed sides during the War for many reasons. The horrid conditions at Camp Chase reached its peak in February of 1865. Approx. 1 out of every 4 deaths at Camp Chase during the entire War occured in February of 1865 alone. The last Confederate soldier to die at Camp Chase did so on August 20, 1865. Hundreds of Confederates joined the Union ranks at Camp Chase in various forms, ie Navy, Cavalry duty in Western territories, and regular Union regiments like the 195th OVI. Some joined, planning on deserting at the earliest opportunity to get back home. There are even some former Union troops buried at the Camp Chase Cemetery who had joined the Confederacy and had been captured and died.

The majority of prisoners at Camp Chase were released in May and June of 1865. Those who were willing to take the oath were given transportation back South. Those who did NOT found their own way home. Many stories are told about former Confederates walking back home from Northern prison camps including Camp Chase.