His old command, the 21st Arkansas Infantry, was paroled and exchanged back in Arkansas. It was eventually consolidated with other regiments to form the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry (Trans-Mississippi Department). A few stragglers were left east of the Mississippi River -- men on furlough or on detached service. Like Private Bird, most of them joined other units there. A few joined the 3rd Missouri Battalion Cavalry, one joined the 66th North Carolina Infantry.