In late August of 1862, Confederates prisoners were moved by rail to Cairo IL, and then transported south aboard steamboats from Cairo to a point near Vicksburg MS for exchange. The steamer mentioned most often was the John H. Done. Time spent in prison counted as part of a soldier's regular enrollment, spanning both the original term of twelve months and the additional term of two years or the war. In late September new elections were held under the Conscript Law of April 16, 1862, so all exchanged regiments and companies should have completed their required reorganizations by the end of the month. The exchange was formally recognized by the POW cartel at Aiken's Landing VA, Nov. 10, 1862, so former POWs could be used in combat operations after that date.