Tuesday, 27-Jan-2009 10:25:39 MST GAGenWeb Page

Georgia Military Records

Tuesday, 27-Jan-2009 10:25:39 MST GAGenWeb Page

Amnesty (Oaths of Allegiance or Loyalty Oaths)

Presidential proclamations granted pardon and amnesty to individuals upon the condition that they take an oath of allegiance. (8 Dec 1863; 29 May 1865; 7 Sept 1867 were the dates of these proclamations)

Southern men had to take this oath to have their "civil rights" or voting privileges restored.

___________________________

I do solemnly swear & affirm, in presence of Almighty God, that we will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereafter; and that we will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and Proclamations which have been made during the existing Rebellion, with reference to the Emancipation of Slaves--SO HELP ME GOD.
Signature

Sworn to and subscribed before me at [name of place, George] this _______ day of ___________ 1865.

Signature of official

___________________________

There were several series of "amnesty oaths" from 1863-1866.

Some series were lists of a group of men and might include:

Description: [Fair complexion, gray hair, grey eyes, 5 ft 8 in. ]
His Confederate military organization
Remarks like:
- Voted for secession contrary to better judgment.
- Minor in the beginning.
- Seccessionist.

Where can I find these Oaths?

In some instances they may still be in the County Courthouse
They may also have been transferred to the Georgia Archives
Some are in the National Archives in formerly called Record Group 59. These are described in General Records of the Department of State (Preliminary Inventory 157) compiled by Daniel T. Goggin and H. Stephen Helton 1963. One list is arranged alphabetically by surname under the STATE .
Another series (relatint to more than one individual) is arranged numerically by STATE.

Did everyone sign an Oath?

No, they may have refused.

Technically, if they signed BEFORE the surrender of the Army:
Army of Northern Virginia April 9,1865
Army of Tennessee April 18, 1865
ATM April 26, 1865....they are not accepted as a Confederate Veteran by the SCV or the UDC.

To contribute archive material for this master list of GEORGIA Military Information please click here. Virginia Crilley varcsix@hot.rr.com
If you find DEAD LINKS, please let me know! Virginia Crilley
GA Military Page last updated: Tuesday, 27-Jan-2009 10:25:39 MST

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