Oath of Fidelity and Support

The Oath of Fidelity and Support was an oath swearing allegiance to the state of Maryland and denying allegiance and obedience to Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War and in the early days of American Independence. As enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 1777, all persons holding any office of profit or trust, including attorneys at law, and all voters were required to take the oath no later than March 1, 1778.[1][2] Exceptions were made for Quakers, those already serving in the military, Mennonites, and Dunkers. In order to identify those that did not take the oath, a census was taken in 1778 of all free men over the age of 18 in several counties.[3] The oath was signed by residents of every county, including 3,136 residents of Montgomery and Washington counties,[4] and at least 9,000 residents of the Eastern Shore.[5]

Consequences Of Avoiding The Oath

Free men over the age of 18 that did not take the oath faced many repercussions, including:

  • Higher taxes
  • Inability to file lawsuits
  • Inability to hold any political office or serve in the military
  • Inability to practice law or medicine, preach, be a tradesman, or teach at a school

Later, in 1781, Maryland allowed members of several religions (such as Quakers and Dunkers) to preach without having signed the oath. Two years later, in 1783, They gave this same permission to Methodists. [6]

Similarities To Other Documents

Declaration of Independence

Though the Oath of Fidelity and Support is different from the Declaration of Independence in that the former was a localized loyalty pledge central to the state of Maryland while the other focuses on the unity of the thirteen original states as a foreign country, they are similar in how they attempt to separate the American colonies from Great Britain. Both documents encouraged those living in the American colonies to join in the American Revolution and help the United States become an officially recognized nation.

Other Oaths in Different States

Each of the thirteen original states required some variation of the Oath of Fidelity and Support, but states like Rhode Island and Massachusetts didn't require citizens to swear fealty to the state itself, allowing them to simply affirm their support of the American Revolutionary War.

Eleven of the thirteen original states required signers to renounce their loyalty to the throne of Great Britain and anyone that would succeed King George III.[6]

Modern Legacy

Being a direct female descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. and the Daughters of the American Colonists.

Being a direct male descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Sons of the American Revolution.

References
  1. John Thomas Scharf, History of Maryland from the Earliest Period to the Present Day. Published by J. B. Piet, 1879
  2. Carothers, Bettie S.; Maryland Oaths of Fidelity; ISBN 1-58549-401-1
  3. "Maryland State Archives - Guide to Government Records". guide.msa.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  4. Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, Daughters of the American Revolution, Published by R.R. Bowker Co., 1916 v.50 1917 Jan-Jun
  5. 9,000 Men Who Signed the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity to Maryland During the Revolution, Vol. 1 (Eastern Shore), Bettie Stirling Carothers, Lutherville, Maryland
  6. Sinks, John D. (8 May 2021). "Oaths of Allegiance During the American Revolution" (PDF). District of Columbia Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
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