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Revolutionary War Oath of Allegiance Document Signed by Judge John Agnew

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:650.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Revolutionary War Oath of Allegiance Document Signed by Judge John Agnew
American Revolution
“Oath of Allegiance” By PA. Soldier “John Alexander”
October 10, 1786-Dated Post Revolutionary War, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “John Agnew” as Judge, Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity, by Act of the General Assembly, passed the 5th day of December A.D. 1778”, Pennsylvania, Choice Extremely Fine.
This rare original “Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity” Printed Form was completed October 10th, 1786, where “John Alexander” (a noted soldier in the American Revolution) has taken his Oath, according to the Act of 1778, Sworn in the presence of and Signed by Judge John Agnew. This original fully issued Oath form measures about 5” wide x 3” tall, boldly printed in black text with rich brown ink manuscript portions and signature on very clean watermarked period laid paper, overall having choice eye appeal and in very nice condition. Oaths such as these were often given to men of the local militia companies and white male citizens.

On December 5th, 1778, an Act of Assembly was passed, where by all white male citizens (with certain exceptions) were require to take an Oath of Allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania. Commissioners were appointed in all counties of the State, to administer the oath, and blanks of Printed Forms were supplied to them for use in the performance of that duty. This is one such completed “Oath” form and the first of its type we have offered.
John Agnew (1732-1814), was a Member of the York County Committee of observation in 1775, and was one of the first Associate Judges of Adams County, PA.

John Alexander, came to Carlisle, Pennsylvania after the year 1760, and distinguished himself during the Revolutionary war. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in Captain Abraham Smith’s Company, of Colonel William Irvine's Sixth Pennsylvania Battalion, raised in the Cumberland Valley, January 9, 1776; First Lieutenant, March 23, 1776; Captain of Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania line, March 20, 1777; appointed Paymaster of First Pennsylvania Regiment. August 27, 1778; transferred to Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, January 17, 1781. He is believed to have attained the rank of Colonel, but he resigned July 11, 1781, for the purpose of marrying, his betrothed being opposed to his remaining longer in service. He was major of militia at Carlisle, September, 1794, during the Whiskey Rebellion Insurrection.