Nearly every man here has taken the Oath of Allegiance and I am afraid that the paroled men will have some trouble to get away f
rom here. I don't want to take the Oath but if they send me to prison I will take it for I am satisfied that the South is gone up the spout and it is no use for me to linger for a long time in prison for no purpose. Why is Watson willing to take the Oath of Allegiance?
He does not want to go to jail.
He feels pressured because all soldiers are taking the oath.
He is satisfied with the way it is worded.
He knows that the South has lost the war and believes that it is useless to ignore the oath.
