Monday, July 6, 2009

Amanuensis Monday: 146 Years ago

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Ebenezer Denyer, a 2nd great grandfather on my mother's side, was a Confederate soldier, captured at the Battle of Vicksburg. Below is the oath he signed upon his release. (Emphasis is my own)

Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 7th 1863.

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, KNOW YE THAT:

I, Ebinezer M Denyer Private of Co. “E” Reg’t 2d Texas

Vols. C.S.A. being a prisoner of War in the hands of the United States Forces in virtue of the capitulation of the city of Vicksburg and its Garrison, by Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C.S.A., Commanding, on the 4th day of July, 1863, do in pursuance of the terms of said capitulation, give this my solemn parole under oath ----

That I will not take up arms again against the United States, nor serve in any military, police, or constabulary forces in any Fort, Garrison or field work, held by the Confederate States of America, against the United States of America, nor as guard of any prisons, depots or stores nor discharge any duties usually performed by Officers or soldiers against the United States of America, until duly exchanged by the proper authorities.
E. M. Denyer (signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before me at Vicksburg, Miss this 7th day of July 1863.

[illegible]Co. “G” Reg’t 31st Illinois Vols and Paroling Officer


After being duly exchanged, though, all bets were off. His name next appears in Confederate records in February of 1864, and his service was uninterrupted after that through April of 1865.

If you choose to join me in Amanuensis Monday and post your transcriptions, feel free to add a link to your post below, or in the comments.

No comments: