After a year in prison at Rock Island, John C. Bradley was released for exchange on Feb. 15, 1865. Two months later he reported to Federal authorities in Nashville as a Confederate deserter and took the oath of allegiance. I see no record of anyone named John Bradley (any middle initial) in one of the six U.S. regiments raised in prisoner-of-war camps. Jesse and Jacob Bradley served in the 2nd and 6th U.S. Volunteers, but no John.

The pension application should include a statement of service verification. That may provide useful information about his background and military career.