During the Canadian and American Wars; when you signed an oath...?

Question: During the Canadian and American Wars; when you signed an oath!.!.!.!?

For example, I remember reading in my history text book that if you were either a Canadian or American soldier and caught prisoner by the opposing side in the 1800's etc, and if you promised to an oath, you will fight for the enemies against your friends and be a transformed soldier!? That in particular made me confused and if anyone have more knowledge on this please do shed some light!? Maybe I got the concept wrong!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Up until the American Civil War there was a practice called "parole!." This applied to military prisoners, most often to officers!. You basically promised not to fight the side that captured you!. This remained in effect until you were "exchanged!." The exchange required each side to swap rank for rank!. Once back with your side, you could fight!. As a paroled prisoner you might be housed with the enemy or sent back to your own side to wait for the formal exchange!.

Cornwallis and his army, after the surrender at Yorktown, was paroled!. This required him to return to England (with his army) and not fight in North America!.

The parole system broke down when it was seen that it benefited the Confederacy!. Union troops might capture the same Confederate just days after he had given his parole!. Further, with smaller population, the South couldn't afford to have many held as prisoners!.

During the European wars, many of the armies were composed of mercenary's!. Serving for money they could change sides!. To do this there reversed their uniform coats and marched to the other side!. Hence the term "turncoat!."

Finally there were cases in the military where prisoners were offered the change to join the other side!. It was no doubt better then life in prisoner but they weren't really trustedWww@QuestionHome@Com