"You solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God and these
witnesses, that you will never reveal the secrets that are about to
be imparted to you, and that you will be true to the principles of
this brotherhood and its members; that you are not now a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, the Red String Order, the Union
League, Heroes of America, or any other organization whose aim and
intention is to destroy the rights of the South, or to elevate the
negro to a political equality with yourself; and that you will never
assist at the initiation into this Order of any member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, the Red String Order, the Union League, Heroes
of America, or any one holding Radical views or opinions. You
furthermore swear that you will oppose all Radicals and negroes in
all of their political designs, and that, should any Radical or negro
impose on or abuse or injure any member of this brotherhood, you will
assist in punishing him in any manner the Camp may direct; and you
furthermore swear that you will never reveal any of the orders, acts,
or edicts of this brotherhood, and that you will obey all calls and
summonses from the Chief of your Camp or brotherhood, should it be in
your power to do so; and that, should any member of the brotherhood
or his family be in jeopardy, you will inform them of their danger,
and go to their assistance. You further swear that you will never
give the word of distress unless you are in great need of assistance;
and should you hear it given by any brother, you will go to his or
their assistance; and should any member of this brotherhood reveal
any of its secrets, acts, orders, or edicts, you will assist in
punishing him in any way the Camp may direct or approve, so help you
God."
During the administration of this oath, the members surround the initiate,
dressed in long, white gowns, high, conical shaped, white hats, and their
faces shrouded in white masks. At the conclusion of the oath, the
candidate is made to kiss the book. The bandage is then removed from his
eyes. The Commander approaches, and proceeds to instruct him in the