Loyalty Oath

Camp Butler, Illinois
July 4, 1862

I, John Doe, private in Company I, 30th Tennessee Infantry, a prisoner of war, do hereby swear in the presence of the Almighty God that I will faithfully support and protect and defend the Constitution of The United States and the Union of the States of the Union thereunder; and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully support the acts of Congress during the existing rebellion with reference to slaves, so long and so far as not repealed, modified, or held void by Congress, or by a decision of the Supreme Court; and that I will, in like manner abide by and faithfully support all the proclamations of the President during the existing rebellion having reference to slavery so long and so far as not modified or declared void by a decision of the Supreme Court; so help me God.

Signed: John Doe
Notarized, subscribed and sworn to at Camp Butler Barracks, Illinois this 4th day of July 1862.

Description of man: The above named has fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes and is 5 ft., 9 in. high and is 29 years of age.
Signed: John Smith First Lieutenant and Post Adjutant

Another form of oath, called the parole oath, was in force while an exchange was being made of war prisoners.

Headquarters U. S. Forces
Thomasville, Georgia
May 4, 1865

I, the undersigned, J. B. Smith, private of the 18th Regiment of Tennessee Infantry do solemnly swear that I will not bear arms against the United States of America, or give any information, or do any military duty whatsoever against the United States of America, until regularly exchanged as a prisoner of war.
Signed: J. B. Smith

Description: Height 5 ft. 11 in., Hair dark, Eyes hazel, Complexion dark. I certify that the above parole was given me on the date written, on the following conditions; The above named person is allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by the Military authorities of the United States so long as he observes the parole and obeys the laws that were in effect previous to Jan. 1, 1861 where he resided. By order of Brigadier General E. M. McCook.

Signed: G. W. Burns
Captain and Provost Marshall

Note: This parole oath seemed to be made to order for those who deserted and gave themselves up, (captured as deserters) to Union forces.

In some cases a cash bond was required in addition to the above.

Provost Marshall's Office
Gallatin, Tennessee
May 7,1863

William Perry of Sumner County, State of Tennessee has taken the oath of Allegiance to the U. S. Government and filed bond in the sum of two hundred dollars for faithful observance of the same at this office.

Signed J. J. Scurrett Provost Marshall

When the Confederate forces were surrendered at the close of the Civil War in 1865 the men were given paroles or passes permitting them to go home unmolested. As few persons have seen such document we include a copy such as was given our Sumner County men.

Appomattox Court House, Virginia
April 10,1865

The bearer, Timothy D. Elizer, private, Company H, 44th Regiment of Tennessee Infantry, a paroled prisoner of the Army of Northern Virginia, has permission to go to his home and remain undisturbed.

Signed: G. T. Dodson
Commanding Company

This gentleman, Mr. Elizer, will be found properly listed on the roster of the 44th Tennessee Confederate Infantry, Company H among the men from Sumner County that served in that regiment.

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