Pompey Bacon – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: Pompey Bacon is an old colored man & was a slave. He lived in Liberty Co. Ga. After 1844 hired his time paying his master $15 a month. He acquired some little property & it was all taken by the Federal Army in Dec’r 1864. His wife was free. He was a Union man as shown by the testimony. An agent has examined the claim on the spot. This report is herewith filed. There is no satisfactory evidence that the wagons, harness clothing & household effects were used by the army as supplies or taken for such use. We recommended the payment of $243.50.

[Transcriber’s Comments: At the end of this record, there was paperwork stating that Pompey Bacon’s allowed payment of $243.50 as of December 1876 was not to be delivered to Attorney Cay “till his past transactions are righted.” There was also a written note from Pompey Bacon, saying he was writing from McIntosh [post office], Liberty County, Georgia, on January 17, 1877, asking to be paid the money directly or to have it given to someone of his choice. Bacon signed by mark, indicating illiteracy.]

Testimony of Claimant

In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:

My name is Pompey Bacon, my age 75 years, my residence Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a farmer; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.

1. What is your name, age, residence, and occupation?

My name is Pompey Bacon. I was born in Liberty County, Georgia, I am 75 year[s] of age[.] I am farming and the claimant in this case.

2. Where did you reside from the 1st of April, 1861, to the 1st of June, 1865? If on your own land, what is the size of your farm? How much of your farm was cultivated, and how much was woodland? Where is it situated? What was your occupation during that time? Did you change your residence or business during that time? if so, where was your new residence, and what [was] your new business?

From the 1st of April 1861 and to the 1st of June 1865 I resided in Riceborough Liberty County Georgia.

3. Did you ever pass beyond the military or naval lines of the United States and enter the rebel lines? If so, how often, when, where, and for what purpose, and how long did you stay within the Confederate lines on each occasion?

Irrelevant.

4. Did you ever take any oath or affirmation to bear allegiance to the so-called Confederate States, or to aid or support them in any way, or to “bear true faith,” or “yield obedience” to them? If so, when and where? State fully in regard to the same.

Irrelevant.

5. Have you ever taken any amnesty oath? If so, when, where, and under what condition? Have you been pardoned by the President? If so, when and where, and upon what conditions?

The only oath I took was when I registered in Riceboro for voteing and I think in 1867.

6 to 24 inclusive to each and every question the claimant answered no.

25. Was any of your property ever taken by the Confederate authorities, or by any officer, soldier, or other person acting or assuming to act on their behalf, or in behalf of any State in rebellion? If so, what property, when and for what use, and have you received pay therefor?

After the Union Army passed through the rebels came in and took every little thing the yankes [Yankees] left – some blankets and a few clothes – they left me as naked as a bird they did not pay me a cent.

26. Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments? If so, state when, by whom, and what the threats were?

They used to threatin [threaten] me all the time and often very hard during the war because I was a friend to the yankees, I cant [can’t] mention the names – there were so many of them they threatened to shoot me and many other things but they never carried their threat into execution.

27. Were you ever molested or in any way injured on account of your Union sentiments? If so, state fully all the particulars.

I never was molested, one of them drew his Gun on me and demanded my money. I told him to shoot if he dare and he rode off. I was standing in the door of my own house when he threatened me.

28. Did you ever contribute anything—any money or property—in aid of the United States Government, or in aid of the Union army or cause? If so, state fully as to the same.

I was a slave and had no opportunity of doing anything for the United States Government.

29. Did you ever do anything for the United States Government or its army, or for the Union cause, during the war? If so, state fully what you did.

After the Union Army came into the County I did all I could in the way of cooking and feeding the poor soldiers[.] One poor fellow came to me almost naked. I gave him my own hat, clothed and fed him, that was a very common thing at that time for the colored people to do we thought of nothing then but our freedom & these who made us free.

[30 to 39 inclusive to each and every question claimant answers “no”]

40. At the beginning of the rebellion did you sympathize with the Union cause, or with the rebellion? What were your feelings and what your language on the subject? On which side did you exert your influence and cast your vote? What did you do, and how did you vote? How did you vote on ratifying the ordinance of secession? After the ordinance of secession was adopted in your State did you adhere to the Union cause, or did you “go with the State?”

At the beginning of the war I sympathized with the Union cause, I felt very much like rejoicing and as if the time would soon come for us all to be free – I said to my friends, “Wait the Lords time it surely come, dont look a head too fast he is working it out in his own good time. That was my feelings till the Yankees came and released us all.

41. [Original Question 34.] In conclusion, do you solemnly declare that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, your sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; that you never, of your own free will and accord, did anything, or offered, or sought, or attempted to do anything, by word or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success, and that you were at all times ready and willing, when called upon, or if called upon, to aid and assist the cause of the Union, or its supporters, so far as you means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted?

In conclusion I do solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, my sympathies were constantly with the Cause of the United States, that I never of my own free will and accord did anything, or afford, or sought or attempted, to do anything by word or deed to injure said cause or retard its success and that I was willing and ready when called upon or if called upon to aid and assist the cause of the Union so far as my means, and power, and the circumstances of the case permitted.

[Question 42 asked only of women.]

43. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? When did you become free? What was your business after you became free? How and when did you come to own the property named in your petition? How did you get the means to pay for it? Who was your former master? Are you now in his employment? Do you live on his land? Do you live on land purchased of him? Are you indebted to your former master for land or property, and how much? Has anybody any interest in this claim besides yourself? State fully all the facts in your answers to these questions.

At the beginning of the war and from my birth I was a slave and continue a slave till the raid passed through. I was a Carpenter for many years and after I got the renumation [remuneration] I went into the coopering business, and after [word] I continued that business and doing a little at it yet together with farming. I was a Carpenter and hired my time I paid my master $15. a month. I commenced hireing [hiring] my time 1844 and continued it till the Union Army came in the County. After paying my Master I had money left and I put it down till I could buy a horse and so on anything else I wanted I bought a cow and then raised Cattle, I bought a sow and raised from her all the hogs I wanted, I raised Corn and rice, My Master gave me liberty to plant on his plantation all the Land I could work, I used to hire men to work it for me some times. I bought Corn & Rice both, but generally I raised all I wanted. I belonged to Thomas Mallard he died in on the 4th day of July 1862. I am not in the employment of any of the family, I do not live on any Land belonging to the Estate – I do not owe any of them a red cent. I am the only party interested in this Claim – it is property of my own earnings.

Interrogation by Claimant’s Atty:

I belonged to Thomas Mallard. I lived in Riceboro where the raid passed through. Mallard Plantation is a mile below Midway Church. I hired my time and could go, come and hire when I pleased. My wife was a free woman from birth she lived in Riceboro and I chose to live there. Riceboro was my home and I had been living there for 37 years. My master permitted me to live in Riceboro or any where I pleased. I paid wages by the month when it was not convenient I paid two or three months at a time. My wife’s maiden name was Bella Golding – she was my second wife. I have no wife living[.] My wife was a free woman could hold and own property the same as Slaves were allowed by their masters to hold property. I kept my property at my wifes house in Riceboro. Joseph Andrew was my wife’s Guardin [Guardian] when I married her, after he went to Florida W.A. Walthour acted as her Guardin [Guardian]. All the property I have charged in my account was taken from me by the Yankee soldiers – they came into Riceboro on the 15th day of Dec 1864 – the Army at Midway Church near Genl [General] Kilpatrick they were at Midway about 3 weeks they went all over the County collecting supplies – they passed through Riceboro day and night. I dont [don’t] think there was any white men in the “Boro” there were a plenty that knew I have the property but none saw it taken, for they were not here (I mean white men) I made the rice on them at Mallard Plantation he did not charge me a cent, I suppose my monthly wages satisfied him.

2d Set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner:

1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?

I was present where the property specified in my petition was taken.

2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.

I saw it all taken except the Corn and Rice.

3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]

The soldiers did not say anything only they were in need of the property & would have it. They said they never got provision until they got to Liberty Co among the colored folk. This is a rich county. The county was well supplied with stock of all kinds cattle, and hogs, horses and provisions. They went right on then & took the property.

4. Where were the articles taken? When were they taken? Give the day, month and year, if you can? By whom were they taken? Did you see more than one soldier engaged in the taking? How many soldiers were present? State the number as near as you can? How many helped take the property? How long were they engaged in taking the property?

This property was taken at Riceboro at my home and in my yard in 1864 Dec the 15th day by the soldiers of the Union Army. I couldn’t number the soldiers. They were ?unnumbered? to my judgement. Most of it was taken at once & then they came along & took the balance of it a little at a time.

5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?

My wife, and her neice [niece] Tira Scriven [alt: Tyrah Screven], and Tony Axon [alt: Toney Axson] and myself were present when this property was taken.

6. Was any United States officer, either commissioned or non-commissioned, present at the taking? If so, state his name, rank, regiment, and the command to which he belonged. Did he order the property to be taken? Did he say anything about the taking?

I didn’t know the officers from privates. I did not hear any order given to take my property.

7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.

They went right into my stable and took my horse. They took my buggy out of the shed & put my harness on their horse and harnessed it up to my buggy. I didn’t see the cows taken. I saw them take the corn and salt. Went up in the loft & took the salt it was in sacks, and barrels rolled them down, they broke the door down. Some of the corn was in the ear and some shelled. They took the sacks & filled them & took it off. I didn’t see them take the rice. They killed the hogs and cut their ?heads? off & put them on the horse and that which was already killed they put in their bags. They came right in to the house & you could not hide a thing from them they broke into every thing and took everything I had a nice overcoat cost some $17 or 18.00. I bought it in Savannah and I didn’t want them to take that I held on to it, but they pushed me round till they carried the coat and left the sleeves in my hands. I had some nice linen shirts I used to keep to go to communion in, and they took them and I grieved when they went off with them. I wanted them to meet the “Lourd [Lord].”

8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.

That part of the property which was taken in the “Boro” here, was taken in wagons & on horse.

9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?

They removed this property to the camp. I didn’t follow them, but they said they were going to the camp.

10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.

Of course they moved the property for bread, & bread is the staff of life, and they couldn’t do without that. The horse they used to take [few words] thing they got. I saw them use the horse, and feed some of the corn to the horses and the balance they carried off.

11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.

I did not make my complaint to any officer on account of the taking of the property.

12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.

I did not ask for a receipt or voucher. I didn’t know who to ask, and didn’t know if there would be any [word] for it therefore I didn’t ask for it.

13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?

They took the property in the daytime most of it. Some of it was taken in the night. They were camped right here in the street, close to my house and they came and took the corn & salt at all times, as they wanted it not all at one time. Sometimes in the night they came for these things.

14. When the property was taken, was any part of the army encamped in that vicinity? If so, state how far from the place where the property was taken, and what was the company, regiment, or brigade there encamped? How long had it been encamped there? How long did it stay there, and when did it leave? Had there been any battle or skirmish near there, just before the property was taken? Did you know the quartermasters, or any of them, or any other officers of the army for whose use the property is supposed to have been taken?

The Army were encamped at Midway & at the “crossroads” when this property was taken from me. The headquarters was at Midway the plantation was about a mile from Midway Church, & Riceboro where I lived 4 ½ mile. It was Kilpatrick’s army I was told. They were not there long perhaps a day when they came and took this property. There had been no battles nor skirmishes hereabouts before this property was taken. I think they stayed there about 3 weeks till Savannah surrendered, then they all left. The soldiers were foraging all through the county. Riceboro was desolation after the army left. Everything was gone. Some parts I heard were not quite so badly used that were farther from the camp than we were. They would have the cattle in some places I heard. But mostly the county was stripped. I did not know any of the quartermaster or other officers of the Army.

15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking? Thus, if corn, was it green or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock, or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks, or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?

This property was in very good order when taken.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No 1. This mare was about 5 years old. A medium sized mare in good order well broken to the harness, saddle, plough, or ?anything?. I bought this mare’s mother & raised this one from her. I have horses ever since I was a man. I think I have owned 7 or 8 altogether.

Item No 2. This was a one horse family wagon without springs to hard wood, & the harness I bought when I bought the wagon. It was not new but in good order, been used about 2 years.

Item No 3. This was a nice spring buggy & in good order. The buggy harness was new. I had been using the buggy about 4 years or a little more. I had just had it repaired, put in good order. I had also just had the wagon put in thorough order. They drew the wagon and buggy out of the shed where they were and hitched their horses to them with my harness and drove off. They took my mare away under the saddle. They took my buggy and wagon right over to C. C. Jones plantation with them. I saw them and they came back loaded with poultry to my horse.

Item No 4. I had one cow & her calf 1 ½ years old. The cow would weigh I don’t know how much. She was about 2 years old and in good order for beef. She was a pretty large, stout cow. I didn’t see the cow taken she was at the plantation.

Item No 5. I think I had 40 bus [bushels] of salt. I had 5 or 6 sacks some would hold 2 bus. and some 3 bus. apiece. I had 3 or 4 large clothing boxes of salt besides the sacks, & 1 large barrel what you call ½ rice twice and 4 flour barrels full of salt. I believe they left 3 pecks or more, & took all the rest. They said they were in want of the salt & must have it.

Item No 6. I had I know I had more than 35 bus. [bushels] of corn but I put it at that. I did not measure it but it was in a room and the room was about ½ full. Some of it was shelled. I got this in pay for my cooperware. I think it would make more than 30 bus. [bushels] altogether of shelled corn. I helped them shell the corn & I [1 word] some of the corn corn there and some of it they hauled away.

Item No 7. The rice was in the sheaf in the house. There was 60 bus [bushels]. They took it for the horses. I had about 2 acres planted. It was the best crop I ever made in my life. I think there was all of 80 bus [bushels] because I had had rice in that building before. I always kept my rice in that house & it made 80 bus. when as full as it was this time. I did not see the rice taken it was up at my master’s plantation.

Item No 8. I had 4 bacon hogs. I think they would weigh 200 lbs a piece. They were 9 years old and large and fat. They killed the hogs and chopped the heads off and threw them across the horse & the rest was in the barrel and they just put it in their ?bags?.

Item No 9. They took all my clothes. I had 2 superfine [note: type of cloth] coats, and pants, and vests, 2 suits all [word] & 2 prs [pairs] of good shoes and plenty of shirts. They took 7 new prs [pairs] of drawers, & 7 new shirts I had bought to have something to wear during the war. The suits I had not long to me from Savannah with, they were new. I had besides a plenty of common everyday wear clothes. I had an overcoat cost me $18.00. It was a woolen coat the best kind of wool. They took all the clothing away stripped me clean. They didn’t take all my wife’s clothing, they took all her underclothing to make sacks to carry off corn and things.

Item No 10. Bed clothing. We had a good deal of bed clothing. I know we had 6 blankets some were new, & some had been used. I had a very nice wife & she kept things in order. I had 4 quilts, & 5 sheets, and 2 moss mattresses, which they cut up and used for sacks and saddle cloths and they took the covers of the bolster. They took all our bedding but our 2 feather beds.

Item No 11. They took the pots and ovens and coffee pots, plates, knives and forks, copper kettles, tubs and pails. I had about $40.00 worth of cooperware in the shop, tubs and pails, and buckets and piggins [note: type of pail] and they took all those for use in the shop. I had 6 bee hives taken from me.

Item No 12. I had 2 doz of hens, & 10 ducks. They killed the poultry by knocking with stick, and shooting.

This property in my account was all mine. I saw it all taken except the corn and rice. I believe from information that the soldiers took these too. I went over to the plantation as soon as they had cleaned me out here and thought to save something there but they had cleaned me out there too. I never got any pay for any of this property not a cent. This is the first and only claim I ever presented to the Government.

Pompey Bacon

Witness
E.E. Adlington

Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia

Testimony of Witness (Joseph Bacon)

Interrogatories of Special Commissioner:

My name is Joseph Bacon. I was born in Liberty Co Ga a slave; became free when the Union Army came here. My master was old Thomas Mallard. He is dead. I am 74 years old. I live on the same place Thomas Mallard’s. I plant for a living. I know the claimant. I am his brother. I have no beneficial [interest] in his claim. He was a good union man during the war. He praised the Yankee people up. He had great delight in it & I believe has great delight in it till this day.

2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner:

1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?

I was present at his house on the plantation when this property was taken.

2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.

I saw his rice, and the cow & yearling taken.

3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]

They said they come to get the cattle, & carry them off. They then went on & killed some of the cattle and took the rice.

4. Where were the articles taken? When were they taken? Give the day, month and year, if you can? By whom were they taken? Did you see more than one soldier engaged in the taking? How many soldiers were present? State the number as near as you can? How many helped take the property? How long were they engaged in taking the property?

This property which I saw taken, was taken at my brother’s house on the Thomas Mallard Plantation in Christmas month and when the Yankee’s came, it was taken by the Yankee soldiers.The soldiers were as thick as the trees in the woods. I think they were about a fortnight taking the rice away, they took it just as they wanted it. It did not take them long to take the cow and calf.

5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?

Simon Cassel [alt: Cassels], Jacob Quarterman, and myself, and Sina Mallard were there when this property was taken.

6. Was any United States officer, either commissioned or non-commissioned, present at the taking? If so, state his name, rank, regiment, and the command to which he belonged. Did he order the property to be taken? Did he say anything about the taking?

There were plenty of officers there. I know there was officers because they were fixed different. I didn’t hear any orders given to take the property.

7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.

They drove the cow and calf off. They came and took the rice just when they wanted it.

8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.

They removed the rice in wagons and they drove off the cattle.

9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?

They removed this property to the meeting house where they camped. I know they took it there because they said so. I didn’t follow it.

10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.

I always supposed they took the property to eat and feed their horses. I saw them using some of it. I beat some of it myself for them.

11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.

I did not hear him make any complaint to any officer on account of the taking of his property.

12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.

I did not hear him ask for any voucher or receipt.

13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?

They took the property in the daytime and in the night. They would take till about 8 oclock at night and begin about daybreak. They were taking other property from the plantation besides his.

14. When the property was taken, was any part of the army encamped in that vicinity? If so, state how far from the place where the property was taken, and what was the company, regiment, or brigade there encamped? How long had it been encamped there? How long did it stay there, and when did it leave? Had there been any battle or skirmish near there, just before the property was taken? Did you know the quartermasters, or any of them, or any other officers of the army for whose use the property is supposed to have been taken?

The Army were encamped when this property was taken, all around Midway Church, about a quarter of a mile from claimant house. The army was camped on the plantation. It was called Kilpatricks Army. They staid [stayed] there 3 weeks I think.

15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking? Thus, if corn, was it green or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock, or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks, or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?

This property was in good order. The rice in the sheaf and the cows in the pasture, in good order and healthy, when taken.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No 1. I know my brother had a mare but I don’t know how old. She was a good broken mare. I did not see her taken.

Items No 2 and 3. He had a wagon and buggy I know and 2 harnesses. He had these to ride back and forward on the place.

Item No 4. He had the 2 cows. He had 1 milking cow and 1-2 years old. The cow was about 5 or 6 years old. I think the cow would weigh 45 pounds to the quarter and the young one 30 lbs to the quarter. I saw them take the cattle away.

Item No 5. I don’t know anything about the salt.

Item No 6. I don’t know anything about the corn whether he had any or not.

Item No 7. I think from the pile 81 bus [bushels] of rice. He had it in a small house say 10 by 12 foot. They had to just press into so as to shut to the door. I don’t know how much he planted. I saw them take the rice away.

Item No 8. I don’t know about the hogs. I heard him say the hogs were taken from him. I know he used to raise hogs down here.

Item No 9. I know he was a man who had a heap of clothes. I don’t know anything about the clothing more than this.

Item No 10. Bed clothing, He had his house well furnished, with beds and bed clothing.

Item No 11. He had his house well furnished with kitchen furniture.

Item No 12. I saw him have poultry, a pretty plentiful supply in his yard.

When I came here after the raid, I found him with his house stripped, and he a poor boy. My brother was a carpenter and cooper, and used to make a great many cooper works. He used to make tubs and pails.

Joseph Bacon

Witness
E.E. Adlington

Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia

Testimony of Witness (Jacob Quarterman)

Interrogatories of Special Commissioner:

My name is Toney Axon [alt: Axson]. I born in Liberty County. I was free born. I am 50 years of age reside in Riceboro, I am a blacksmith by trade, I know the claimant Pompey Bacon, I am not related to him in any way. I have no beneficial interest in his claim. I have known him ever since I was a boy, and all through the war intimately, we lived near together in Riceboro. I knew him to be a good Union man always – he was a slave and could not do much for the cause of freedom. His wife was free – he belonged to Thomas Mallard.

2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner.

1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?

I was present in Riceboro when claimants property was taken.

2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.

I saw most of the property specified in the petition of claimant taken.

3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]

I did not hear them say anything when they came up to claimant’s house. There was such a crowd and confusion little notice was taken of what was said. They went to work taking anything they wanted – that he had.

4. Where were the articles taken? When were they taken? Give the day, month and year, if you can? By whom were they taken? Did you see more than one soldier engaged in the taking? How many soldiers were present? State the number as near as you can? How many helped take the property? How long were they engaged in taking the property?

The property of claimant that I saw taken was at his house here in Riceboro in December about the middle in 1864, when the Union Army came to Riceboro. The property was taken by the soldiers of Genl [General] Kilpatrick Army they were all on horses, so many I could not count them. I think they were about 3 days taking the property off and on or near as I can remember now.

5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?

I was present, the claimant, Crawford Spence, he is dead, Mary Dunham she has left the county, I do not know where she is. There were a great many other present but I can’t call to mind now – their names.

6. Was any United States officer, either commissioned or non-commissioned, present at the taking? If so, state his name, rank, regiment, and the command to which he belonged. Did he order the property to be taken? Did he say anything about the taking?

I saw officers present. I don’t know their rank or whose command they belonged except to Genl [General] Kilpatrick Command or Army. I heard them tell the soldiers to take anything they saw that the Army could use.

7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.

They run the wagon out of the wagon house, put one of their horses into it using his harness and drove off. Next came another soldier and took the buggy out of the shed, put his own horse to it, using claimants harness and drove off. They rode the mare away. The salt was up in the corn loft. It was brought down as they wanted it, a peck or half a bushel at a time. They was suffering for salt. He was a cooper and traded cooper work for salt. Was a great hand to trade. He could do all most anything – was a very ingenious man. They took the corn just as they wanted it to feed and about in the same way they did the salt. They killed the hogs right in his yard, cut off the head cut them open and let out the insides and carried the meat off. I did not see how they took the clothes, bedding and house hold effects. I did not see them take the Poultry. He had a large lot of it the claimant told me the soldier took it, was all gone and I suppose they did take it the corn and the rice was up on the Plantation and I did not see them taken. I know he always had a plenty of rice on the plantation and I heard him say he had cattle there.

8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.

The property was removed in wagon some on horse back and a good deal was used right here. This was the direct road to headquarters at Midway Church and the foraging parties would often camp here for the night and take such things as they wanted.

9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?

The property was removed to Midway Church. What they did not use up here, I did not follow it. I could stand here and see them cross the bridge and take that road and there was no road to lead in any other direction they must have gone then to camp at Midway.

10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.

They took the property for their own use. I saw them using “Much” of it right here. I don’t think they would have carried away what they did not intend to use.

11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.

I did not hear any complaint made on account of such taking by the Claimant.

12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.

I did not hear any order or receipt asked for.

13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?

The property was taken in the day time when they camped here. They may have taken some things at night but generally they did not go about at night at all.

14. When the property was taken, was any part of the army encamped in that vicinity? If so, state how far from the place where the property was taken, and what was the company, regiment, or brigade there encamped? How long had it been encamped there? How long did it stay there, and when did it leave? Had there been any battle or skirmish near there, just before the property was taken? Did you know the quartermasters, or any of them, or any other officers of the army for whose use the property is supposed to have been taken?

When the property was taken the Army was encamped at Midway Church. It was Genl [General] Kilpatrick command that camped at Midway. They stayed at Midway about 3 or 4 weeks, they were raiding all over the county gathering up supplies and taking it to headquarters. Liberty County was one of the richest counties in South eastern Ga. When they left the County was stripped of every thing the people were nearly starved. They were going in every direction for to find something to eat. Whenever the soldiers [word] they would go and pick up Corn and rice left by the horses and eat that. The colored people stood it better than the White, for they were used to such fair [fare]. The colored people was so rejoiced they did not mind it they could rough it most any way. I did not know any of the Quartermast[er]s or other officer of the Army.

15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking? Thus, if corn, was it green or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock, or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks, or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?

The property was all in good condition.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No 1. The mare I should think was about 8 years old. Was a fine animal, medium size well broke he kept her for his own use & in nice order[.] I saw them ride his mare off.

Item No 2. The wagon was a one horse Jersey wagon a good farm wagon. The wagon was I should think about half worn. The wagon was in thorough repair, I had just put it in order at my shop. They put one of their own horses to the wagon using his harness loaded it with corn and salt and other things and clear off.

Item No 3. The buggy was a good second hand buggy – bed was on springs. From afar I think it was a square bed I am not sure about that now. I know it was in good order for he always kept his things in good order. They took this away as they did the wagon. The buggy harness was new. The other for the wagon had been used some time, but was in good working order. They put one of them on horse in the buggy and went off. They put a splendid horse to the buggy.

Item No 4. The corn I did not see taken. They were on the Plantation. I heard him say this had taken them from there.

Item No 5. I don’t know how much salt he had – I saw boxes and barrels large boxes and one big barrel the other barrels I should think were flour barrels. I should think 30 or 40 bushels at least of salt. I did not see it measured. He was a cooper and made buckets tubs and other articles and he took salt for pay instead of the Confederate money which he knew was not worth much and would not be worth anything when the Yankees came. He was a ?Knowin’? old man. I saw them take his salt away.

Item No 6. I don’t know how much corn he had. He bought some as he did the salt, and raised some. He had a big pile of corn. I think he planted three acres of corn – I should think from the pile he had what would be 60 or 70 bushels of Corn and there he had the shelled corn which he had bought. I saw the soldiers take all he had.

Item No 7. I do not know anything about the rice only which I have heard from. I know he always raised rice – and a good lot. He hired hands to work for him at rice and corn and he would work in his shop make money and pay them.

Item No 8. He had 4 hogs and had just killed one of them for his own use. The other three the soldiers killed. I should think the three in the pen would weigh 1 of them 160 the other 2 190 each. They were very large and fat. I saw the soldiers kill and take the three and the meat of one Claimant had killed. I think the one he killed was a little smaller than the other. He said he had killed the smallest & would wait till the weather got cooler before he killed the largest over. I think from my recollection of the hog he would weigh 150 lbs.

Item No 9. Claimant had a good supply of clothing. I don’t know how much or many. I did not see any of them taken. I know he was pretty well stripped.

Item No 10. He always had a plenty of bedding to make him comfortable. I can’t state anything about the quantity. I know when the soldiers left he had nothing left in his house.

Item No 11. His house was well furnished with Pots, Kettles, Plates, Knives and Forks, Pails, Tubs, and a large lot of cooper ware such as Piggins, Pails, Tubs, Churns, etc and when they went away everything was gone. That is all I can say about his household effects.

Item No 12. He had a good lot of Poultry but I did not see it taken. I know after the soldiers left the Poultry was gone.

The property all belonged to him. I know because he paid his master wages, worked for himself at his trade and had a chance to make money in that way. He was a hard working man – his wife was a free woman neat and tidy hard working and industrious and they together got along nicely. I never heard any body pretend to own his property or any part of it. There is no question in my mind but what he had all of the property charged in his petition and that it all belonged to him. He is a man who stand high with white and colored.

Tony Axon

Witness
Virgil Hillyer

Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia

Testimony of Lazarus J. Mallard about the claimant

Savannah Ga
July 18th 1876
Honorable Commissioner of Claims
Washington City

I have the honor to report, in the case of Pompey Bacon, #21464, Liberty County Georgia; that I visited the section of the County in which Claimant lives; that I learn that he is a negro of fair character; that I obtained the evidence of Mr. Lazarus J. Mallard, a citizen of Liberty County, and who stands high as a gentleman. Mr. Mallard certifies, that he knows nothing about the loss, or the taking from Claimant the property. Witness knows that Claimant had a mare, about the time Gen Sherman marched through Georgia, that the mare was worth one hundred dollars; that claimant had a vehicle worth about $50 – but witness knows nothing about a wagon and harness. Witness says that Claimant had two cows, that they were valuable, and worth $15 a piece. That the barrows (hogs) were worth $7 per head. Witness stated that he knew nothing about the salt; that the negroes took much salt from the salt works after they were abandoned. Claimant was a carpenter, and hired his own time – It is possible that Claimant had the corn and rice, which was worth $1 per bushel. Witness says that he knows Claimant did not have $200.00 worth of clothing, few gentlemen have that much, thinks Claimant had $25 worth. Witness thinks the bed clothing and household effects, valued too high. He could not state what they were worth, but thought as a general thing, the bed clothing, and household effects, of negroes were not worth as much as Claimant claims.

I learned that Claimant lived near the march of the army of Gen Sherman, and gentlemen think he lost what property he may have had.

Very respectively
W.W. Paine
Special Agent