To His Excellency Andrew Johnson
President of this United States:
.....Your petitioner a citizen of the County of Caldwell and State of North Carolina respectfully represents; That he has not been connected directly or indirectly with the armies of the Confederate States, and that he has not given aid or comfort to said armies except such as was prompted by motives of humanity or in obedience to Confederate laws. You petitioner further states taht he received the appointment of Post Master at Patterson, N.C. in 1861 and he resigned the same in 1862 and he afterwards received the appointment of Confederate Tax Assessor for the County of Caldwell which was accepted principally with a view to the exemption it secured against service in the Confederate Army; Your petitioner therefore prays that he may be released from the disabilities incurred by the acceptance of said civil offices; and your petitioner as in duly bound will we pray.
Jas. C. Harper (signature)
Patterson, N.C.
July 18, 1865

.....I J.C. Harper do solemnly swear to affirm, in presence of Almight God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder; and that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God.
Jas. C. Harper (Signature)
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this the 27th day of July A.D. 1865
R.L. Patterson, _____(Signature)
(Source: National Archives. Transcribed from copy of original document)