Naturalization Intent: John Shields

John Shields, an alien, who wishes to become a citizen of the United States, this day appeared in Court, and pursuant to the act of Congress in such cases made and provided make a report of himself, which report is in these words,

“I, John Shields, make the following report of myself to the County Court of Jefferson, in the State of Virginia, that is to say, I report that I was born in Armagh in the parish of Kadey, County of Armagh, Ireland on the 1st day of January 1798, being now in the 40th year of my age, that I am a subject of the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, owing allegiance to her and none other, that I migrated from Ireland to the United States in the year 1816, and that I intend to settle myself at Harper’s Ferry, in the State of Virginia, one of the United States. Given under my hand this 22nd day of May, in the year 1838. signed John Shields.

And the said John Shields declared on oath that it is bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to Victoria I. Queen of Great Britain and Ireland.