.OTg0.NjI5OTE
18
Whereas the National Council did adopt an act dated and approved July 13th 1865 which said act is in the following language to wit: "Whereas certain citizens of the Cherokee Nation became involved in the war in the United States, on the side of the Rebellion. And whereas the success of the Union army has closed that war and now offers a suitable opportunity for the return to the Cherokee Country of such citizens as became enemies to the Government of the Cherokee Nation, by joining and adhering to said rebellion. And whereas the National Council are sincerely desirous of restoring peace and harmony and of reuniting for as practicable all the Cherokee people in the support of the Constitution and laws of the Cherokee Nation regardless of past differences.
Therefore be it enacted by the National Council that the Principal Chief be, as he is hereby authorized and directed, to offer amnesty and pardon to all citizens of the Cherokee Nation who have directly or indirectly participated in the rebellion in the United States and against the existing Government of the Cherokee Nation except as hereinafter excepted on the condition that every such person shall subscribe in his return to the Cherokee Nation the following oath which shall be registered and preserved in the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation. To wit - "I do solemnly swear or affirm in the presence of Almighty God that I will hereafter faithfully abide by, support and defend the Constitution and laws of the Cherokee Nation." And all such persons so subscribing said oath are declared to be thereby readmitted to citizenship in the Cherokee Nation and restored to all rights & privileges enjoyed by other citizens, except the right to possess or recover any improvements or other property that has been or