Guys, I don't know how relevant this is to your conversation. But, from what I have recently read, late in the war the 144th Illinois Inf was formed primarily to do guard duty at Alton. I have identified at least three of these guards who were relatives of men from SEMO who were POW's there. I can't prove yet that any favors were provided or that any escapes were facilitated. I would be surprised however if that did not happen.