Aiken's Landing was located on the north bank of the James River (the Richmond side), just above Varina, and just below the site of where the Dutch Gap Canal was built, in the general vicinity (but up-river)of Deep Bottom. Obstructions had been placed in the James in the neighborhood of Drewry's Bluff, so Aiken's Landing was a convenient down-river point at which to transfer Confederate and Federal prisoners. From Aiken's Landing, newly released prisoners would make their way (normally) along the Varina Road to the New Market Road, and thence on into Richmond, a distance of about 10 miles, but a hard trip for the emaciated and often sick and wounded paroled prisoners. Of course, the trip was just as long for the paroled Federal prisoners going to the Landing for transfer to the North. Once in Richmond, the paroled men would normally go to a Parole Camp awaiting exchange, but most (if they were not hospitalized) would be given a furlough home to recuperate.

I am of the impression that the Parole Camp was at the Fair Grounds, in the northwest suburbs of Richmond.