[Tamaroa]

Hey y'all I think this topic deserves its own thread since we have all been knocking our heads together to try to find copies of these oaths we have been talking about.

Here is the August, 1861 oath with reference to the "National" government:


"The cadet oath begins, ?I _____, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and bear true allegiance to the National Government; that I will maintain and defend the sovereignty of the United States, paramount to any and all allegiance, sovereignty, or fealty I may owe to any State or Country whatsoever?.?

This vow of loyalty to the nation over the states dates from August 1861, when former Superintendent Robert E. Lee and 295 fellow West Pointers had thrown in with their native South. Agonized Lee, ?I have been unable to make up my mind to raise my hand against my native state, my relatives, my children & my home. I have therefore resigned my Commission in the Army & never desire again to draw my sword save in defense of my State.? For choosing Virginia over the Union, Robert E. Lee would be separated from today?s West Point."

Bill