Here is a sample of an "Oath of Allegiance" to the United States, that Confederate Soldiers were required to take in order to gain release from prison. Civilians took it to avoid harassment by occupying troops. Confederate penisons were denied to most of those who took the oath.. (Courtesy of Cleveland Public Library) United States of America I, _____________, of the County of ___________, State of ________, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign; that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution, or laws of any State, Convention, or Legislature, to the contrary notwithstanding; and further, that I will faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by the laws of the United States; and I take this oath freely and voluntarily, without any mental reservation or evasion whatever. This document, when completed, went on to even tell what the person looked like, such as height, color of hair, color of eyes, and type of complexion!!