In regards to what happened after the prisoners left Andersonville, here are some basic observations. Basically what happened is that when Sherman was in Atlanta there was great fear that he would come and liberate the prisoners. Towards the end of Aug and early Sept 1864, the prisoners were divided into two groups. One was sent to Charleston, SC & the other to Savannah, GA. Those that were not able to walk or too sick to travel were left behind at Andersonville. The Confederates had no concerns if these prisoners were liberated by Sherman. The prisoners who were sent to Savannah & Charleston were told that they were heading to the coast to meet up with flag-of-truce boats so that they could be paroled. This of course was not true, but simply a way to keep control over the situation and limit the escape attempts along the way. When Sherman began heading on his "March to the Sea", those that went to Savannah, were moved out of the way of advancing Union troops & sent to several prisons in GA (Millen, Blackshear, Thomasville, etc.) a finally made their way back to Andersonville. Those that were sent to Charleston were kept at the Charleston Race Course & City Jailyard. Charleston was basically a holding point until a new stockade could be built at Florence, SC. Towards the middle of Sept 1864 ex- Andersonville POWs began to arrive at Florence. During late Nov & early Dec 1864 there was a rather large parole at Florence and other places. The most sickly that were held at Florence were chosen for parole. These prisoners were sent to Charleston during Dec `64 to be paroled. Florence eventually would close in Feb 1865. Those still at Florence were sent to Greensboro, NC & N. E. Ferry, Wilmington, NC for parole. For further info on the Florence Stockade, see the following web site: <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/qmsgtboots/florence.html">FRIENDS of the FLORENCE STOCKADE</A> http://members.aol.com/qmsgtboots/florence.html Edward Boots