when the 125th was paroled in early 1863, willard was in charge until it was exchanged for captured confederate troops. during that period, the new yorkers were encamped at camp douglas in chicago, illinois. then they were assigned to the defenses of washington, d.c. in the division of brig. gen. silas casey, part of a brigade of new york veterans of harpers ferry led by brig. gen. alexander hays. the brigade became the third in casey's division of the xxii corps in february 1863. willard testified before the military commission that investigated the surrender of harpers ferry and was critical of the conduct of miles. he also was quoted by another officer as thinking the garrison's commander unfit to be in charge.