I declare

English edit

(US) Expressing surprise or admiration.
Synonym: I do declare
- 1855, The New England Farmer, volume 7, page 490:
  “Well, I do declare now, if you haven't got a work-shop,” said Farmer S., “and all your tools seem to be in such excellent order, and you have a turning lathe, and a grind-stone, on friction rollers, and a set of planes and saws, […]