I will faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States....support all laws and proclamations made during the existing rebellion, with reference to the emancipation of slaves

7 1/2 x 4 1/2, imprinted form, filled out in ink.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I, R.T. Abernathy, of the County of Franklin, State of Alabama, do solemnly swear or affirm, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of States there-under; 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.

Sworn To and subscribed before me, this 31 day of Aug. 1865. R.T. Abernathy, (witnessed with signature of) David V. Rhea, Lt., Co. A, 7th Illinois Cav. The above named (Abernathy) has fair complexion, black hair, and black eyes, and is 5 feet, 10 inches high. Light age toning and wear. Very fine. Very desirable oath of allegiance for a Confederate surgeon from Alabama. Scarce.

Doctor R.T. Abernathy, served as a Surgeon in the 5th Alabama Cavalry, during the War Between The States.

Brief History of the 5th Alabama Cavalry:

This regiment was organized at Tuscumbia, Alabama, in December, 1862 and was sent into middle Tennessee, where it began a brilliant career by skirmishes at Chapel Hill.

After serving a short time in Martin's Brigade, it was transferred to General Philip D. Roddey's command, and served continuously during the war. It was in Florida for a short time during the fall of 1863, but much of its service was in northern Alabama and vicinity.

It captured a wagon-train at Hamburg, 60 prisoners and a train at Hunt's Mill, and 130 prisoners at Madison Station. It blocked the railroad in General William S. Rosecrans' rear, fought General Long at Moulton, stampeded a regiment at Oak Hill, and accompanied General Nathan Bedford Forrest on his Pulaski Raid.

It skirmished with General James B. Steedman as he marched into the Tennessee Valley, and fought General James H. Wilson all the way from Montevallo to Selma, where it took part in the defense of the city.

The greater part of the regiment surrendered at Selma, the remainder at Danville, Morgan County.

Colonel Josiah Patterson creditably commanded the regiment till the close of the war.

Source: Confederate Military History, Vol. VIII.