Franklin County: John R. Agnew to Thaddeus Stevens,
April 23, 1862
Summary:
Suggests that oaths of allegiance to the Union should be administered.
Thaddeus Stevens
Thursd. March 20/62
Mercersburg Penna
Hon. T. Stevens
Dear Sir,
Can there not, in some way a provision be made, requiring at once, or very soon an oath of every person in the land -- that no oath, past, or future, to any society, Secret, or open shall be as obligatory, as that to support the State & National Laws, & Government.
I am thoroughly persuaded, that most persons, because they have never taken an oath to support the State & National Laws & Government, believe themselves to be under more solemn obligations to support that organization & it laws, to which they have given their oaths. I have never taken an oath to any Secret Society, least my conscience, perverted, might cause me to sin. Such oaths, I fear, have had much to do with this Rebellion; and will have power, greatly injurious, in settling terms with traitors.
Very Respectfully Yours,
John R. Agnew
