Existing comment:
This Oath of Allegiance and pass issued at Monocacy Junction on April 15, 1865, were acquired by the park a few years ago and remain an "item of interest," because it is not clear who used the pass or why it was necessary.
The oath is signed by Joseph S. House. It is unknown if he was a Confederate soldier who had come home at the end of the war and had to sign a loyalty oath, or a civilian. On April 20, 1865, The Examiner, a Frederick newspaper, related that a "Committee of 30" was enacted to confer with the government and ensure former Confederate soldiers swear an Oath of Allegiance to the United States or be imprisoned "for the preservation of good order in the community." It isn't know [sic] exactly when this mandate went into effect in Frederick.
The timing of the pass might lead us to believe that it was initiated during the manhunt after President Lincoln's assassination. The pass is extended twice, as noted in the writing over the original pass, once until May 10, and then again until May 31.
These are just a few theories about this loyalty oath and pass. The park will continue to research why and when a pass was necessary to get in and out of Frederick. If you have any information or resources you think might help, please tell a ranger or volunteer. |