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0705

and the whole truth to be stated as between me and the U. States and the Estate of John C. Wise, dec'd, on the one hand, and as between me and William H. Parker, on the other hand. 

As between me and the U. States, I declare that I am still a Paroled Prisoner of War that I have taken no Test Oath whatever, and mean to take none; because I have ever been in allegiance to the U. States, and am so still, under the protection of their Constitution and laws passed in conformity thereto, to be adjudicated by the proper tribunals of their Government, especially the Courts of Civil jurisdiction, and I resume the right to their judgement in all cases and matters affecting either my person, or my property; and because I reverence and cherish the Constitution, the Union and the Civil Liberty of my whole Country too well to set, or to follow so corrupting, demoralizing and enslaving an example. I have asked for no Pardon for any alleged offence because none has been alleged in a legal or judicial form: I am conscious of no offence and would need the help of Infinite Goodness to grant pardon for the offences which have been committed