1864 Maryland State Loyalty Questions
For the 1864 national election on October 12th, Maryland residents had to take a loyalty oath to the United States and answer the following loyalty questions, to eligible to vote. This was in addition to standard voting qualification of the time of being an adult, white male, in good community standing. While this seems a trivial action today, social norms on the mid-19th century placed high value on honor. Gentlemen were expected to be true to their word at all times, or face social embarrassment, even shunning. Also, the texture of communities in Maryland remained small towns where it was hard to keep anything hidden from public knowledge. So this act of fore-swearing any allegiance or complicity with the Confederate cause likely had a significant impact in keeping non-Unionists from participating in the election, as intended. This, not coincidentally, favored the Republicans (the party of the existing administration) in the election.
The terminology in these questions is illuminative. First, the Confederate cause is only referred to as the "so-called Confederate States". This is consistent with national policy of not recognizing the Confederacy as a legally constituted government. In Unionist view, the Confederates were illegally in rebellion from the United States. They were traitors. You might also note the description of "Rebel" in contrast to "Union" armies, near the end--a terminology fallen into misuse since, but common contemporaneously. These questions are remarkably thorough, citing all manner of support that citizens might offer to the Confederate cause. The last three questions are similar, small variation on the same theme "are you cheering for the Union cause?" Lastly, note that the last question is phrased in the present tense, as in the fall of 1864, the Civil War remains in open contest.
Have you ever been in armed hostility to the United States?
Have you ever been in the service of the so-called Confederates States?
Have you ever voluntarily gone within the lines of the so-called Confederate Sates?
Have you ever given aid, comfort, countenance or support to those engaged in armed hostility to the United States.
Have you ever sent any money, goods, letters of information to any person in the so-called Confederate States?
Have you ever advised any person to enter the army of the so-called Confederate States?
Have you ever given money to enable any person to join the army of the so-called Confederate States?
Have you ever, by word or deed, declared your adhesion to the cause of the so-called Confederate States?
Have you ever rejoiced at the success of the army of the Confederate States?
Have you ever rejoiced at the defeat of the army of the United States?
When the Union and Rebel armies meet in battle, which side do you wish to see success?