Surrender negotiations between Johnston and Sherman.

[Barrycdog]

http://www.bennettplacehistoricsite.com/history/surrender-negotiations/

 

[Dave Wilma]

From the article
Each officer and man to give individual obligation in writing not to take up arms against the Government of the United States, until properly released from this obligation.

Is there a form that allows someone to take up arms against the Government of the United States?

 

[matthew mckeon]

From the article
Each officer and man to give individual obligation in writing not to take up arms against the Government of the United States, until properly released from this obligation.

Is there a form that allows someone to take up arms against the Government of the United States?

Sure. Soldiers were often paroled or exchanged. After exchange, they could again be part of the Confederate army. Of course that is not going to happen in this case, because the war is ending.