It is my understanding that in Spring 1865 prisoner exchanges in the Eastern Theater took place at City Point, not at Aiken's Landing. Is this correct? I am trying to obtain more details on the exact process by which prisoners were exchanged - this is needed for a piece of fiction I'm currently writing. My Confederate prisoner has been at Point Lookout, and proceeds south to the exchange on a steamer; but how were the prisoners handled once they disembarked? Can anyone tell me? I need to know if they were simply let go, put on railroad cars (I know this was done after the war, but the time I am interested in is Feb/March 1865), or ?

I also know this process was not without exceptions, as my own ancestor was imprisoned at Point Lookout, was not released until after the war ended, and had to make his way home on foot - he was never given the opportunity of a railroad car.

Many thanks for any info you can give. The more details, the better - and if you have links you can provide, that is much appreciated as well.