The National Republican. DC, August 20, 1862 US
The oath of allegiance will not be administered to any person against his will. It must, in all cases, be a voluntary act on his part. Nor will any compulsory parole of honor be received. But oaths taken and paroles given to avoid arrest, detention, imprisonment or expulsion, are voluntary or free acts, and cannot be regarded as compulsory. All persons guilty of violating such oaths or paroles will be punished according to the laws and usages of war.
(Comment) So, you were under no compulsion to take the Oath, just because if you didn't you would be imprisoned, or driven from your home, or worse. Would that mean that you are under no compulsion to hand over your cash to an armed robber? You did have the choice of being shot.
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