Date Created:
Place Created: Lexington, VA
Year Created: 1865
Historical Theme:
Collection this Document is Affiliated with:
Description:
After the South was defeated and General Lee surrendered, he signed this amnesty oath
promising to uphold the Constitution of the United States. In the oath, Lee expresses his support for the laws and proclamations of the Constitution and specifically refers to his support for laws regarding emancipated slaves.
Categories of Documents:
Office of Notary Public
Rockbridge County, Va., October 2nd 1865
Amnesty Oath
I Robert E. Lee of Lexington Virginia do solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder, and that I 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.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 2nd day of October 1865.
Robert E. Lee
C.A. Davidson Notary Public
Citation: Amnesty Oath of Robert E. Lee; 10/2/1865; General Records of the Department of State, Record Group 59. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/amnesty-oath-of-robert-e-lee, April 10, 2025]