Rebekah Colburn
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Camp Parole, Maryland

3/25/2015

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If you live in the Annapolis area, you’ve probably heard of Parole and think of it as a place to eat dinner and go shopping. Well, here’s your fun history fact for the day: During the Civil War, it was actually a camp where Union prisoners of war were held for exchange. As large number of prisoners were taken by both sides, the parole system allowed for them to be housed by their own side with an understanding that they would not return to military service until formally exchanged.

The famous Civil War nurse, Clara Barton, (founder of the American Red Cross), had her headquarters at Camp Parole and worked to create a registry of missing Union soldiers in addition to providing for the physical and emotional health of the men detained there. Despite the government’s best efforts to keep the camp sanitary, a large number of men died due to illnesses such as small pox and typhoid, as well as accidents and violence.
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The Union established Camp Parole to hold Federal soldiers taken as prisoners by the Confederate Army. The Confederacy did not have specified camps for soldiers who had been paroled. They allowed their men to return home with the promise that they would not take up arms until exchanged, but that they would return to duty when an exchange had been accomplished. Understandably, some men took this opportunity to disappear.

The property for Camp Parole, a 250 acre farm near the Annapolis-Elkridge railroad, was leased from Charles and Ann Welch at a rent of $125.00 per month. Eighty-three buildings were eventually constructed there including a hospital with approximately 170 beds. However, the amount of men sent to the camp exceeded the facilities. As many as 20,000 Union men were camped at this location at one time during the conflict.
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The Annapolis National Cemetery on West Street was one of the fourteen national cemeteries established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. Many of the original interments were Union soldiers who died while being held at Camp Parole.

When General Ulysses S. Grant cancelled the prisoner exchange in August 1864, Union prisoners were no longer paroled. Camp Parole continued to operate until it was closed in late June, 1865.

Today, this history is all but forgotten as we associate Parole with shopping centers, restaurants, and apartment buildings. But only 150 years ago our nation faced its bloodiest conflict—not against a foreign nation but within itself. Nearly as many men died in captivity during the Civil War as were killed in the whole of the Vietnam War. Hundreds of thousands died of disease.  Roughly 2% of the population, an estimated 620,000 men, lost their lives in the line of duty.

Let this little history lesson be a reminder to us to value human life over ambition or pride, to strive for peace at all costs, and to remember that the Present has been shaped by the events of the Past.


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AS EAGLES SOAR, Book 3 OF WIND AND SKY

3/5/2015

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If you haven't had a chance to read the last book in the "Of Wind and Sky" series, here are a few reviews to inspire you. With all these snow days, it's a great time to cuddle up with a cup of hot tea and a good book!

 Just finished reading the last of the 3 book series of Rebekah Colburn's Novel... Was an outstanding and very moving ending. As Eagles Soar was a perfect ending, enriching the reader's life! It was a true work of Heart and Art. Read the whole book yesterday, until 1:28 am this morning. Couldn't, didn't want to put it down. D. H.

 I read the first book in this series, but did not know there were others. When I found books 2 and 3, I rushed to read them. I enjoy the historical time frame, as well as the interaction the characters develop with one another. This one concerned me, as I was afraid for the main characters and their safety. It was so well written that I had to "cheat" and look ahead to be sure they would be all right. I highly recommend this series, and look forward to future books by this author.  J.K.

My wife and I really enjoyed reading this book as we did the other two books by Rebekah Colburn. She captures your interest right from the start, and keeps you wanting more. A good read for all, we highly recommend it. L.H.

As Eagles Soar "Of Wind and Sky," love the series! I have read all three books in a months’ time which is almost as much as I have read in my life. I felt as if I were in the middle of the story with the characters. I truly enjoyed all the books how they developed, but with this last in the series brought so many paths together. I could feel their pain and sadness, I felt encouraged by the love that was there despite differences, and it really reminded me of forgiveness and what that truly means. So now that I am finished I can't wait for the next novel series. So hurray up! R.N.

I think this one may be my favorite of the series. There was so much going on, it always had something to keep your attention. The story had such a great flow to it that kept it moving so naturally. I loved it!!!! S.S.

AS EAGLES SOAR is available on Kindle and Nook in e-book form. You can purchase the paperback on Amazon, or you can always order an autographed copy directly from the author. Stay warm and let's keep dreaming of spring!

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    Rebekah Colburn

                   Novelist
    Historical Fiction/ Romance 

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