James W. Skates was captured June 21, 1864 near Wilimgton, N.C. He was sent to Point Lookout, Md. and then transferred to Elmira Prison, N.Y.
On October 11th he was chosen for exchange and paroled at Point Lookout. A report from Elmira on September 15th states that he was conscripted May 14, 1863 and that he desires to take the oath and to stay in the South.