5

to the bribery of voters; or preventing legal voters, or pro-
curing illegal votes to be given.

I do further swear that I will bear true allegiance to the
United States, and support, protect and defend the Constitu-
tion, laws and Government thereof as the supreme law of the
land, any law or ordinance of this or any other State to the
contrary notwithstanding; that I have never, directly or indi-
rectly, by word, act or deed, given any aid, comfort or en-
couragement to those in rebellion against the United States,
or the lawful authorities thereof, but that I have been truly
and loyally on the side of the United States against those
in armed rebellion against the United States; and I do fur-
ther swear that I will, to the best of my abilities, protect,
and defend the Union of the United States, and not allow
the same to be broken up and dissolved, or the Government
thereof to be destroyed under any circumstances if in my
power to prevent it; and that I will, at all times, discounte-
nance and oppose all political combinations having for their
object such dissolution or destruction.

Immediately after subscribing the oath, (Mr. Valiant af-
firming,) the Commissioners proceeded to the office of the
late Board, and were informed by Deputy Marshal John Man-
ley, that the Board had adjourned, and that no business
could be transacted until the next morning.

The Commissioners then endeavored to have an interview
with his honor, John Lee Chapman, Mayor, and after three
unsuccessful efforts, published in the papers of the next morn-
ing the following card.

ADDRESS TO POLICE.

BOARD OF POLICE, Baltimore, November 2,1866.

Having been appointed Police Commissioners by his Ex-
cellency, Governor Swann, vice Messrs. Samuel Hindes and
Nicholas L. Wood, removed, we desire to state that in the
prosecution of the duties assigned us we do not design inter-
fering in any respect with the police as now organized, or to
remove any person connected with it for his political opin-
ions, provided he does not hereafter render himself amenable
to the laws now in force for the government of the police of
Baltimore.

We believe the officers and men in the department are dis-
posed to be, what the laws require them to be, conservators of
the peace, and it is hoped and expected that they will cheer-
fully aid us in preserving the quiet of the city.

We also invoke all good citizens to assist us by their coun-
sel and example, and that they will use their best endeavors
to prevent any undue excitement, and that they will also ad-
vise all disposed to act otherwise, to quietly and peaceably ac-