I have been reading Fitz-Clarence’s Manual of Outpost Duties, and very interesting it is too. It includes a letter from William Napier, he of the Peninsular War history, in which he refers to his brother Charles, having his exchange certificate signed by Wellesley, and then going under a flag of truce to the French about it. Charles had been captured at Corunna, badly wounded, and allowed by Ney to go home. Does anyone have any idea how the exchange system worked, or where I can read about it? When he went to the French under a flag of truce it was while Ney was besieging Ciudad Rodrigo and he was with Crauford observing. I wonder if it was simply a courtesy call?
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One source states that his release on parole was for a specific length of time, after which he was to return. So that seems like what happened.