Viewing page 174 of 227

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

0858
Of the United States. "Yet it is believed that an oath in substance the same, as that required by the Act of 2nd of July 1862. Ch, 128. to be taken and subscribed by every person so appointed, should be required the present party before his contract received the sanction of the authorities. The enclosed oath which he has in fact taken though stringent in its language in regard to the obligations of future allegiance, contains no such declaration as that which the statutory oath commences, to with: a declaration to the effect that the party has never borne arms against the Government has never given aid &c., to the enemy, and has never exercised any office under the rebel Government or authority, or yielded support to the same.
It is recommended therefore that this surgeon be called upon to take the oath indicated in the act as a condition to his being retained in the aforesaid employment and that, if he refuses or declines to do so, his engagement be at once discontinued."
(signed)
J. Holt
Judge Advocate general 
(over)

Transcription Notes:
edited: changes and corrections, instead of typing parenthesis just type ( or )