(December 8, 1863), was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, and again on May 29, 1865 by President Andrew Johnson, to pardon and restore the rights of citizenship to those who participated in the Confederate rebellion. This plan for Southern Reconstruction included a statement to be sworn to by those receiving pardon for activities during the Civil War:
I, _______ ______, do solemnly swear, in 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 late rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God.3063