The Loyalty Oath of Lewis County
Local citizens gather to formalize their support for the Union and renounce the 'Knights of the Golden Circle' during the Civil War.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
At a meeting held in Claquato by the citizens of Lewis County on May 8, 1863, Hon. T. M. Pearson was called to the chair and J. D. Clinger was appointed Secretary. The object of the meeting was explained by Rev. J. S. Douglas. A resolution was unanimously adopted, stating that because of the suspected existence of the 'Knights of the Golden Circle' in the county—a group dedicated to opposing the administration's efforts to subdue rebellion—the citizens pledged to oppose such organizations. They further pledged to support the Constitution and the U.S. Government against insurrection or rebellion, without any mental reservation, and to assist in electing only reliable Union men to offices of trust.
“Resolved, That we pledge our honor to support, protect and defend the Constitution, Government, and the Administration of the United States... without any mental reservation whatever.”
This meeting highlights the deep political fissures present in Washington Territory during the Civil War. Even far from the front lines, settlers were forced to navigate intense partisan loyalty tests that echo modern civic polarization regarding federal authority.
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