The "obligation" assumed by prospective candidates of the Know-Nothing Party for membership is spelled out in this handwritten document from Newburg, Pennsylvania in July 1854. It required candidates to "solemnly ... swear upon that sacred and Holy emblem before Almighty God, and these witnesses, that you will not divulge or make known to any person whatever, the nature of the questions I may ask you here, the names of the persons you may see here or that you know that such an organization is going on as such, whether you become a member or not!" The candidate was then required to pledge to elect only native-born citizens to office, to the exclusion of all immigrants and Roman Catholics.
Transcript of "Examiner's Questions for Admittance to the American (or Know-Nothing) Party"
"Examiner's Questions for Admittance to the American (or Know-Nothing) Party," July 1854. Courtesy of Library of Congress
