Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register, Ms2009-022, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register was purchased by Special Collections in 2008.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register commenced and was completed in February 2009.

Historical Note

On May 29, 1865, U.S. President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation granting amnesty to those who had directly or indirectly aided the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Upon taking an oath to support, protect, and defend the U. S. Constitution, those granted amnesty were restored their property rights (with the exception of enslaving people). A number of groups were excluded from the amnesty offer, but those not granted amnesty could apply to the president for clemency.

Scope and Content

This collection contains a register of men, mostly from Scott County, Virginia, including names, ages, occupations, and places of residence. Though the list is not preceded by a descriptive title, it is believed to be a register of men to whom the amnesty oath was administered following the American Civil War. The last 16 names on the list are specifically identified as men to whom the oath was administered. The list contains 1086 names, with ages ranging from 15 to 78 years. While the vast majority are listed as residents of Scott County, a few are from neighboring areas in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Handwritten in the front of the book are three names: "Lieut. J. E. Morse, 1st U. S. Mtd. Rifles, Asst. Provost Marshal, Estillville, Va.;" Lt. Royal V. Paine, 1st Lt. Asst Pro. Mar., Goodson, Va.;" and "[Canny?] A. Walker, Capt. and Asst. Pro. Mar."

The book also contains several poems, apparently copied from popular publications. One poem, "Good Bye" is signed by Miss Susie C. Primmer of Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1866, though it, too, was copied from a published piece. The final page includes a list of three soldiers to whom Lieutenant R. V. Paine provided transportation to Christiansburg, Virginia.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).