Rights of Kentuckians To Vote After the War

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Broadside, 1p. folio, PROCLAMATION, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Executive Department, Frankfort, Kentucky, July 19, 1865, signed in type by Governor Thomas E. Bramlette, it is addressed to the "Officers of Elections" and reads in part: "…The purity of the elective franchise can only be preserved by a faithful enforcement of the laws governing the same. For their enforcement the officers will be held responsible. Every free white male citizen, 21 years of age, who has resided in Kentucky, two years, and whose residence has been in the district where he offers to vote for 60 days next preceding the election; and each white male citizen who, not having two years residence in the State, but has resided one year in the county, and sixty days in the precinct where he offers to vote, next preceding the election, is entitled to vote; providing he has not expatriated himself and lost the election franchise by coming within the provisions of the following act: CHAPTER 509. An Act to amend chapter 15 of the Revised Statutues, entitled 'Citizens, Expatriation, and Aliens.'…That any citizen of this State who shall enter into the service of the so-called Confederate States, in either a civil or military capacity…or shall give voluntary aid or assistance to those in arms, shall be deemed to have expatriated himself…" This is followed by an OATH, which states "You do solemenly swear that you have not, since the 10th day of April, 1862, been in the service of the so called 'Confederate States' on in the Provisional Government of Kentucky, in either a civil or military capacity, and that you have not given, directly or indirectly, volunteer aid and assistance to those in arms against the Government of the United States or the State of Kentucky, or those who were intending to join the armed forces of the so-called 'Confederate States', and you will bear true and faithful allegiance to said Governments of the United States and State of Kentucky, so help you GOD.'…This is followed by a second address by E.B. Harlan, Captain and A.A.G and made Official by Ben. W. Sullivan, Lieut. and Acting A.A.G., dated July 26, 1865, and reads: "The near approach of an important election, to be held in all counties of the State and Military Department of Kentucky, renders it proper, in the Judgement of the General commanding, to require all officers commanding troops to give to the officers of the State, charged by law with the duty of conducting elections, and to the legal voters of the State, the most complete protection. Martial law prevails in the Department of Kentucky, and certain classes of persons are especially under military surveillance and control; these are: 1st. All rebel soldiers, whether paroled or not, and without regard to the fact, that they have or have not taken any of the oaths prescribed by law or executive or military orders, or have registered under orders from the Headquarters of the Department of Kentucky. 2d. All guerrillas and others who, without belonging to regular rebel military organizations, have taken up arms against the Government, or have in any way operated against the Government or people of Kentucky, or any other state or territory. 3d. All persons who by act or word, directly or indirectly, gave aid, comfort, or encouragement to persons in rebellion…4th. All deserters from the military or naval service of the United States…All persons who were, or have been, directly or indirectly engaged in the civil service of the so-called Confederate Government, or of the so-called Provisional Government of Kentucky…all such persons are disqualified from voting by the laws of the State of Kentucky, and the act of Congress of March 3, 1865…The peace of the country can be secured by obedience to the laws…" Light foxing, three small stains on verso, else VG. A nice end of the War broadside pertaining to elections for the new Kentucky government.

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