I, William Dowsett, do solemnly declare, being of sound mind and body, that I voluntarily offer myself for enlistment into the Foreign Legion in the service of His Imperial Majesty, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Having considered the duty and peril which such service demands, I herein dedicate my arms and person to the cause of the people and to the principles of liberty, enlightenment, and national glory.
I pledge unwavering obedience to my superiors, steadfast courage in the field, and faithful devotion to the honour of the Legion and the Emperor.
Signed,
William Dowsett
Dated this 19th day of February, 1817