Amnesty Act of 1872

Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, May 29, 1865

President Andrew Johnson issued an amnesty proclamation to “induce all persons to return to their loyalty” to the United States of America. This was the third of such proclamations, but the first to offer amnesty at the conclusion of the war. Johnson offered an oath to all participants in the “rebellion.” After swearing this oath all rights of property would be restored on the individual except that of owning slaves. Exempted from the benefits of the oath were fourteen “classes” of individuals who engaged in the war against the Union from civil or diplomatic officers of the Confederacy to individuals who conducted piracy against Union commerce during the war. However, individuals in the “excepted classes” were allowed to apply for pardon from the President.

“To the end, therefore, that the authority of the government of the United States may be restored, and that peace, order, and freedom may be established, I, ANDREW JOHNSON, President of the United States, do proclaim and declare that I hereby grant to all persons who have, directly or indirectly, participated in the existing rebellion, except as hereinafter excepted, amnesty and pardon, with restoration of all rights of property, except as to slaves, and except in cases where legal proceedings, under the laws of the United States providing for the confiscation of property of persons engaged in rebellion, have been instituted; but upon the condition, nevertheless, that every such person shall take and subscribe the following oath, (or affirmation,) and thenceforward keep and maintain said oath inviolate; and which oath shall be registered for permanent preservation, and shall be of the tenor and effect following, to wit:

I, _______ _______, do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) in presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the union of the States thereunder; and that I will, in like manner, abide by, and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God.”

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Amnesty Act of 1872, May 22, 1872