The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Parole
In Response To: Parole ()

Frank, typical language in a Union army parole guaranteed that "The within named soldier will not be disturbed by United States authorities as long as he observes his parole and the laws in force where he may reside." In a few cases with unusual extenuating circumstances, the soldier might be required to remain north of the Ohio River, as a condition of parole. Otherwise, there was no restriction on where the soldier might reside.

Are you sure that Govan signed a parole, instead of an oath of allegiance? Paroles were normally granted only to soldiers who were captured or surrendered. Deserters, discharged soldiers, and civilians normally signed an oath of allegiance; although, as in just about everything else in the Civil War, there were exceptions.

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