I John Mattox do acknowledge that I have voluntarily inlisted myself to serve One Years in the Marine Service of the United States, unless sooner discharged; upon the terms mentioned in the Act passed the first day of July 1797 entitled, [strikethrough: an act providing a Naval] Armament and at the pay of six dollars a Month the navy and that I have had read to me the rules and articles of [strikethrough: war] against mutiny and desertion, [strikethrough: relative to the administration of justice] WITNESS MY HAND, this 19^th day of November 1797 John his [mark] Mattox In the presence of Edward Rhode Marks — I John Mattox do solemnly Swear to bear true allegiance to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and to observe and obey the orders of the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles of [strikethrough: ——] the Navy —. Twentieth — SWORN before me, this 7 day of November 1797 George Leib [Endorsement:] Jn° Mattox / 19 Nov^r 1797 / [undecipherable] / [undecipherable]