Seeking information about Riker's Island Soldiers during the civil war!

Hi, I'm from the UK and recently had info off an uncle that one of our American ancestors either refused to sign up or deserted during the civil war. As a punishment he was allegedly sent to Riker's Island which I believe now operates as a prison. during the civil war however, I understand it was used as a military base. does anyone know where I might find records of the men who were at the base during the civial war years and why they were sent there? The peron I'm looking for was from North Andover, Essex, MA if that helps anyone with identifying records?

Many thanks for your time

Nickie

it was used as a military camp durring the war .if you know the persons name the national archives can get you his military record and maybe more info .look up the archives on line and they might be able to help

But if he refused to sign up surely there won't be any military record for him? Or will there?

well if he refused to sign up perhaps there info in the judge advocates office again maybe the national archives in washington -maybe the new york historical society,new york public library,nyc might itself have a society with records- carlisle pennsyvania is where you can reasearch alot about the usarmy history at the barracks,maybe masschettuets has on census roles 1860 or before- goodluck

Thanks Kakman...I've just fired an email off to New York Central Library- if they can't help then at least they might be able to forward the email on to someone who can- it's just so difficult trying to research anything on him from here!