June 16, 1862
An Important Order:Swearing Railroad and Express Employees.:The following important order has been issued from Gen. Kelley's headquarters:
Headquarters R. R. District,
Cumberland, June 5, 1862.
General Order No. 4.]
To insure the transit of Federal troops, Government supplies, and the persons and property of loyal citizens over the Baltimore & Ohio and North Western Va. Railroads, from loss or damage or danger arising from the action of disloyal employees, if any such there be, operating on the said roads, it is ordered that all officers, agents, clerks, conductors and other employees of the Baltimore & Ohio and Northwestern Va. Railroad companies, and the agents, clerks and other employees of Adams' Express Company, or any other Express Company, within the limits of this Military District, take and subscribe respectively, before competent authority, the following oath of allegiance, and forward a certified copy thereof to these hea[d]quarters:
I, the undersigned, _____ of _____ county, State of _____ do hereby solemnly swear before Almighty God, that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and support its Constitution; that I will, at no time, and in no wise, aid or abet, by counsel or act, directly or indirectly, any of the enemies of said government, but that I will at all times conduct myself as a peaceable, loyal and obedient subject of the same, and faithfully discharge my duties as its law abiding citizens; all of which I swear of my free will and accord; so help me God.
In the event of any of the parties herein mentioned failing or refusing to comply with the conditions of his order within a reasonable time, the parties so failing or refusing, will cease to be employed by any or either of the said companies within the boundaries of this Military District.
By order of Brig. Gen. Kelley.
Thayer Melvin, A. A. G.
In obedience to above order, Capt. Over, acting Provost marshal, in the absence of major Darr, on Saturday, commenced swearing the railroad and express employees. We have as yet heard of none who refused to take the oath.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: June 1862