Pvt. Joseph Marfing, Co. E, 14th New York State Militia, Parole of Honor

Thanks to reader Bryan Ross for passing along this Parole of Honor for First Bull Run prisoner of war Joseph Marfing of the 14th New York (Brooklyn) State Militia. I’m not sure where Marfing went between signing this parole and being formally exchanged. The rules for prisoner exchanges varied, and for a good period of time paroled soldiers spent that period in a camp (you can read a pretty good account of one camp in Richard Moe’s The Last Full Measure), but he did wind up with his regiment again (the 14th NYSM became the 84th NYVI), and later still served in the Veteran Reserve Corps.

Click the link for an image of the actual document.

Transcription by Bryan Ross

Parole of Honor

We hereby pledge our word of Honor after our release from the Confederate States Military Prison at Tuscaloosa, Alabama to proceed forthwith to Norfolk Virginia by way of Petersburgh and City Point and report ourselves to General Huger. And that we will not under any circumstances take up arms against or do anything against the prejudice of the Confederate States, or any State composing said Confederacy, or the people thereof, until regularly exchanged, under such penalty as the Confederate States shall see proper to inflict for a violation of this Parole if taken thereafter. Transportation being furnished for this purpose.

Tuscaloosa Alabama February 26th 1862.

Joseph Marfing Company E 14th Regiment

Taken at battle of Manassas

Document image

14th NYSM Co. E Roster

Joseph Marfing at Fold3

Joseph Marfing at FindAGrave (possible)