The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-05-22
The Heroes Of America or Red Strings.
Secret Radical organization inthe South.
Terrible Oaths and Stringent
Charges to the Red String
Knights J! &C, &c.

during the war 1t was well known that a
secret political organization, known as Red
Strings or Heroes Of America, existed in
Southwest Virginia, North Carolina and
other Southern States. It is still in exis-
tence and is encouraged and kept up by the
Radical party North. Below we give a
true copy Of the ceremony ofinitiation.- N
Comment is not necessary at present.
Forewarned, Of the damnable designs OF
our enemies, all true men in the United
States should prepare to counterfeit them.
INSTRUCTION TO KNIGHTS.
| will confer upon you the highest hon
ors in my power at this time, and create
you Knight. / now constitute and Gre
ate you Knight, devoted to the cause of
Liberty and Union. Extend your right
hand. This shield of which you we're de-
priyedby my guard, ! now, with pleasure,
return to you as true and centurious
Knight. When you bear it, let it be in
dependence Of a just and virtuous cause,
and the cause Of your country. Having
faith in God We may reasonably hope for
Victory: ever remembering to extend the
hand Of charity to fallen foe. That you
do hereby solemnly declare your devotion
to the Union Of these States that in the
discharge Of your duty as American citi-
zens, that you will uphold, maintain and
defend it. That you will disQncourage
and discountenance any and every at
tempt, coming from any and every quar-
ter, which you believe to be designed or
calculated to destroy Or subvert, or to weak
en- its bonds, and. that you will use your
influence, so far as in your power, in en-
deayoring to procure an amicable and equi-
table adjustmentofall political discontents
OF differences which may threaten its in
jury or overthrow you do furthermore
promise and swear, or affirm. that you will
not vote for any one to fill any office Of
trust. honor or proft Of political charac-
ter who you know to be, or believe to be,
in favor Of dissolution of the Union Of
these States, or who is cndeavoring to pro
duce that result That you will vote for,
and support, for all civil or political Offices,
third-degree members ofthis order. IN pre-
ference toAll others. That if it may be
done consistently with the Constitution
and Laws of the land. you will, when
elected or appointed to fill any Office Or
place which may be conferred upon you,
exercise your poaoer to renaoue from office
orplaee all persons who you know to be,
or believe to be. in favor of dissolution
of this Union, or who are endeavoring to
produce that result, and that you Will in
no case appoint any persons TO any politi-
cal Office or place whatever-all this you
promise and swear or affirm, upon your
honor as American citizens and friends of
the American Union, to sustain and abide
by, without any hesitation or mental reser-
walton whatever: you furthermore promise
and swear or affirm, thar this and all 9th
er obligations which you have previously
taken in this order, shall cuer be Kept Sc
cret and inviolabIe to all this you pledge
your lives, your fortunes and your sacred
honors, 50 help you God, and keep you
steadfast. Each one ansuers, I do.