Lee's Amnesty Oath Document, October 2, 1865

Lee's Amnesty Oath Document, October 2, 1865

Text of Document

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.

R.E. Lee

Sworn to and subscribed before me,
this 2nd day of October, 1865.

Chas. A. Davidson, Notary Public

Actual Document

After Robert E. Lee surrendered his troops in April 1865, he promoted reconciliation. This statement reaffirmed his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. Image Source: NARA.