Civil War Confederate Oath of Allegiance Stafford, Virginia

Description

Wonderful Oath of Allegiance pertaining to a "Mr. Hansbrough", of Stafford, Virginia.
This document is the hand-written copy that the army kept for their records
, whereas the original Oath of Allegiance was kept by Mr. Hansbrough to present to authorities upon request. The Oath itself was taken on December 9 (in the body of the oath), and the official copy was transcribed on July 30th (dated at the top, right corner).
There is a modern ballpoint pen date that was added to December 9, indicating the year
1862
. The transcription on this particular copy was likely done on July 30,
1863
, after the 6th Corps returned to Virginia from the Gettysburg Campaign, and from Falmouth they would have been in position for their westward movements during the Bristoe Campaign in the fall. In regards to the identity of "Mr. Hansbrough", our research has been inconclusive.
A Historical Data Systems search turned up a total of 13 Confederate soldiers from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Of those, only two were listed on a website that listed the Confederate soldiers from Stafford County, Virginia:
Elijah T. Hansbrough
- 19 Year Old farmer, 5/25/1861 enlisted as a Private in Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry. Transferred out on 8/8/1863, and on the same date mustered into Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry. 10/15/1861 was listed as Absent/Sick (Place not stated), and returned on 12/15/1861. He was wounded on 7/3/1863 at Gettysburg, PA (Pickett's Charge). He was again wounded on 5/15/1864 (Place not stated). Hospitalized 5/17/1864 at Charlottesville, VA (with gunshot wound to left arm). Listed as on the rolls 10/6/1864. (Date and method of discharge not given).
William Hansbrough
- Enlisted 3/10/1862 as a Private in Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry. He was listed as detached on 4/15/1863 (place not stated). Absent, sick on 5/15/1863 (place not stated), and returned on 10/15/1863 (place not stated). Prisoner of War on 11/10/1863 at Harwood, Virginia. Confined 11/15/1863 at Point Lookout, Maryland. Exchanged 2/24/1865 at Point Lookout, Maryland.
Oath of Allegiance 5/27/1865
.
While it is a possibility that this Oath of Allegiance could have belonged to one of these men (whereby they took an Oath under circumstances not documented in their record), it is also possible that "Mr. Hansbrough" refers to a civilian (and likely relative of the two men listed) who was required to take an Oath of Allegiance. This is definitely plausible as Stafford County was often under Federal occupation throughout the war, and in order for civilians to operate in some sort of normal capacity, they were, in many instances, required to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Federal government - this was especially true for those in higher, more influential positions in society.
One of the individuals who signed the document, certifying it as a "true copy" was one Natt Ellmaker. This is likely Colonel Peter Ellmaker, Commanding Officer of the 119th Pennsylvania Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps.
The document remains in good condition, showing signs of age, use, and wear. Age toning and minor foxing is present. The left edge of the document shows age toning and soiling, and is ragged from being torn from two-page folded stationary. Document shows creases from being folded. Modern ballpoint pen annotation by adding the date
1862
to the original date of "December 9". Otherwise fine. Please see the pictures for more detail.
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"
Head Qrs. Division
Falmouth, July 30th
To all whom it may concern
This is to certify that Mr. Hansbrough of Stafford, has this day taken the oath of allegiance to the U.S. government and that he is entitled to the protection thereby granted, nothing will be taken from him unless by authority from these Head Qrs.
By Command of Gen. King
Signed R. Chandler A.A.G.
Head Qrs. 3Div 6th Corps
December 9th (1862)
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original
Signed Mr. Russel A.A.G.
A True Copy
Sgn. Natt Ellmaker"