Thank you Alan...my ancestor service record does not contain a parole record...which I felt was odd? Then I read that his unit, disbanded the night before the surrender, and went home. This would explain a lot. Without this slip of paper, they would not be able to vote or conduct certain types of business, correct? I have heard of ex-soldiers who held out for years before finally breaking down and accepting defeat?
I am curious as to were I can look to find my ancestors record of taking the Oath? Also what about soldiers who had been medically discharged before the surrender. And if they were in Federal territory, and forced to swear and Oath before April 9,'65 would this keep them from a pension? Just curious.

Thanks again