Other instances of kidnapping occurred throughout the war, but they were generally isolated incidents. Some of the people who were kidnapped were soldiers who were taken prisoner, while others were civilians who were abducted for a variety of reasons, such as ransom or political leverage.
The kidnapping of civilians was often carried out by guerrilla bands who operated outside of the control of the regular armies. These guerrillas were often motivated by personal animosities or a desire for revenge, and they sometimes targeted individuals who were known to be Union supporters.
The Confederate government did not officially sanction the kidnapping of civilians, but it did little to stop it. In fact, some Confederate leaders even encouraged the kidnapping of Union officials and civilians. They believed that these kidnappings could help to demoralize the Union and bring an end to the war.