Historical Oath: Amnesty Oath of Robert E. Lee

Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction Plan

Historical Oath: Amnesty Oath of Robert E. Lee

08/31/1865

Historical Oath

The National Archives presents an 1865 historical oath, taken by General Robert E. Lee, that pledges his allegiance to the Union and grants him amnesty from retribution for his involvement in the rebellion of the Confederacy. The oath says that Lee will "abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves."

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The National Archives

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