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Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2009-022

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.

Dates

  • 1865 - 1866

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

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.

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.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

The collection contains a ledger listing men, mostly from Scott County, Virginia, including name, age, occupation and residence. It is believed to be list of men to whom the amnesty oath was administered following the American Civil War.

Source of Acquisition

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

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/).

Processing Information

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

Title
Scott County, Virginia Amnesty Oath Register, 1865-1866
Status
Completed
Author
John M. Jackson, Archivist
Date
2009 (CC0 1.0)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308