1834 New Hampshire Militia Sergeant Swears Oath of Allegiance

Manuscript Oath of Allegiance, 7 ¾” x 12, for Thomas Russell, Sept. 17th, 1834, swearing allegiance to the New Hampshire Constitution and to his duties as a militia sergeant. Notarized by Justice of the Peace Joel Eastman, a notable New Hampshire resident and friend of Daniel Webster. In part, “I Thomas Russell do solemnly swear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to the State of New Hampshire and will support the Constitution thereof so help me God.”  Russell also affirms “that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as fourth sergeant of this company of infantry in the thirty-sixth regiment, second brigade and second division of New Hampshire militia according to the best of my abilities…”

Russell was born February 22, 1768, at Andover, MA, and married Ruth Eastman Harriman of Conway, New Hampshire, on July 19, 1798. Russell was active in Bartlett Town government. In March 1813, he was voted Constable for the upper district. He was also Collector of Taxes. He died in 1853. He and his wife are buried at the Passaconaway Vistor Center in Caroll County, New Hampshire.

Eastman was born in Salisbury, MA in 1798 and died in Conway, New Hampshire in 1884. Eastman was a personal friend of Daniel Webster. He was also the United States District Attorney for New Hampshire, a member of the legislature and a Justice of the Peace. Eastman was also a New Hampshire Delegate to the Whig National Convention in 1838 and was selected as one of the nominees for Congress. This was covered in The New Yorker (included).

Document has some brushing to letters, but very readable. Irregular left margin with minor paper loss affecting nothing. One-inch tape repair affecting three letters of Justice of the Peace notarization. Great for framing. Research is included.

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