Loyalty oath to U.S., Louisiana, 1862
Item 74502 info
Maine Historical Society
Among the controversial policies instituted by the occupying Union forces was the requirement that Union residents were attest to their loyalty to the United States, or have their property seized because they were not loyal to the U.S.
Gen. Benjamin Butler -- nicknamed "Beast" Butler by many in the state -- commander of the Department of the Gulf, required those who did not sign to provide a list of their property -- and be considered enemies.
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