Sep 29, 2022 - Sale 2615

Sale 2615 - Lot 72

Price Realized: $ 1,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
(CIVIL WAR--CONFEDERATE.) Oath of loyalty to the United States sworn by a released Confederate veteran. Partly printed Document Signed by released prisoner J.W. Gillett and signed twice by William W. Bamberger as colonel of the 5th Maryland Infantry. One page, 4 3/4 x 8 inches, with docketing on verso; folds, moderate foxing. With original stamped but uncancelled envelope addressed to Gillett, care of his regiment in the Army of Northern Virginia. No place, 15 June 1865

Additional Details

After the surrender, Confederate soldiers were required to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States to gain their release, promising to "protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies" and "perform all the duties which may be required of me by the laws of the United States." This oath was taken by John Widley Gillett, a "released prisoner of war" from Bath, VA who had served in the 52nd Virginia Infantry. It was signed by the colonel of the 5th Maryland Infantry, who had twice crossed out "Capt & Supt, Prison" from his credentials. On verso, the colonel had ordered "the Q.M. Dept. will furnish transportation to Bath Co., Va."