Prisoners; Medicine


Lt. John P. Sheahan, 31st Maine, ca. 1864

Lt. John P. Sheahan, 31st Maine, ca. 1864
Item 80497   info
Maine State Archives

Escape was on the minds of many POWs. Another alternative was being exchanged or paroled. Union and Confederate soldiers of the same rank – generally officers – might be exchanged.

Those who were paroled were released with the promise they not return to the war.

Lt. John P. Sheahan of Dennysville, a member of Co. E of the 31st Maine Infantry was taken prisoner on July 30, 1864 at the Battle of the Crater.

He was held at prisons in Virginia and South Carolina.

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