Mack Golding – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant was a slave and was allowed to own property by his master, according to the testimony of his master’s son, and he did own property. The claimant and two witnesses testify to his ownership and to the taking by Sherman’s Army of the items charged and these are indications of truthfulness [in] the statements which[2 words] to full credit. We therefore allow $320. The claimant has accumulated property and purchased land since the war which furnishes indications of thrift and justifies the belief that he might have acquired some property while a slave.

A.O. Aldis
J.B. Howell
O. Ferriss } Comm. of Claims

[Transcriber’s Comments: The original claim had five items; the fowls and clothing were divided into separate items. By the time it was submitted, the two had been consolidated into one. See note at the end adding the light bay mare as a 6th item. Also note that image numbers noted in brackets below are the image numbers from the Ancestry records, provided for convenience.]

Testimony of the Claimant 

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

My name is Mack Golding, my age 45 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?

[image 64] My name is Mack Golding. I was born in Liberty County on Thomas Mallard Plantation, a slave and became free when the army came on their raid. I am 45 years of age. I reside right where I was born on Thomas Mallard’s Plantation. I am a farmer and the claimant in the 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 first of April 1861 to the 1st of June 1865 I resided on Thomas Mallard’s Plantation I did not change my business or residence between these dates.

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 ever remember of taking was when I registered for voting and in Riceboro Liberty County Georgia.

6. Were you ever directly or indirectly, or in any manner, connected with the civil service of the socalled Confederate States? If so, how, when, and where, in what capacity, and for what periods? Was any oath required of you for such service; and if so, what?

6 to 28 inclusive to each and every question the claimant answer[ed] no.

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.

The only thing I had a chance or an opportunity of doing for the Yankees was after they came into our county. I then helped them all I could in camp waiting on them and carried things for them [image 65] to the camp. I helped them for two weeks. They did not pay me anything I did not ask them I was only too glad to do what little I did do.

30. Had you any near relatives—any husband, son, brother, or nephew—in the Confederate army? If yea, state his name, whether he is now living, and where he resides. Did you furnish him with any military equipments, any clothing, or any money? Did you contribute in any way to aid or support him while in the rebel service? [Each of the questions under No. 30 must be fully answered.]

30 to 39 inclusive to each and every question claimant answer[ed] “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 was on the Yankee side and continued when they came through and set us all free.

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 the war against the United states to the end of it my feelings were constantly on the Union side and that I never did anything by word or deed to injure the Union cause or retard its success and that I was willing at all times to aid and assist the Union cause when I could but I was a slave at the time and had no opportunity to do anything till the Yankees came into the county and I could not do much then only to help them as I have before stated.

[Question 42 only asked of women.]

If the claimant be a colored person, ask the following questions: 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 I was a slave and became free when Genl [General] Sherman’s Army came into Liberty County after I became free I continued right on farming [image 66] I continued farming on Thomas Mallard’s place where I was born. I worked cooper work & got money to buy fowls & then I bought some hogs & so on. I sold my hogs to my master. I never sold any to anybody else. I raised poultry & hogs about 5 years before I bought the mare. I first bought this mare [as] a little colt & raised her. I had this first mare sometime before the war commenced. I paid $25.00 for her. I raised 2 colts from her. I had 3 horses when the Army came here 2 mares & one colt. The old mare was 11 years old when the Yankees took her. The next one was 7 years old & the youngest was 6 months old. She belonged to the old mare & the Yankee soldiers took all 3 of these horses from me but I didn’t charge anything for the colt. I sold hogs & first bought a cow & a calf. I bought the calf one year & the following year bought the cow. I continued to raise cattle then after that. My master was old Thomas Mallard. I am not in his employment. I live on my land bought of my master’s heirs. I owe $40.00 to the grandson of my old master Thomas Mallard. I owe him this for the land. No one has any interest in this claim but myself. I have a wife & one big boy, big as myself. He is my only child. [image 67]

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 at my house when the soldiers took this property from me.

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

I saw it taken all of it.

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 just came up & caught the horse. They said they wanted the horse. I helped them with the horses they said they wanted the horses & cows & I must cary [presumably carry] them to the corncrib. I showed them the way to the corncrib. I helped them load the wagon train. It was my old Master’s corn-house. They loaded the wagon there & carried them to the Church I helped them & went to the Church with them.

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 from my house at Arcadia on Robert Mallard’s Plantation. This used to belong to old Thomas Mallard. It was taken in Dec. I don’t know the year. Kilpatrick’s company took this property. I didn’t count the number there was a whole drove of them. They were 2 days taking it before they got all.

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

Henry Stevens, Cudjo Quarterman, myself & wife, Phillis [alt: Phyllis] Jones, [name] Jones [or James] were there.

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 no officers there when this property was taken. I did not hear any orders given except the soldiers ordered me to take the things down to the camp. I heard the soldiers order the ?private? soldiers to [word] [image 68] load the wagon.

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 came there with the saddles on their own backs & ordered us to saddle the horses & we did so & they put the saddles on & they rode them out of the gate. They made us drive the cows up from the pasture & drive them up to the camp. The hogs were in the potato field & they went there & shot them down & made me help put them in the wagon. They shot the fowls down & I picked them up & put them into the wagon. They came right into the house & pulled off their clothes & put mine on & left their old clothes right there. They went into the house & took the blankets right out. [image 69]

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 moved the property in the wagon train & the cows & horse they drove off.

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 Church.

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 wanted some of this property to eat & some of it to ride. I saw them eating & using some of this property.

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 any complaint to any of the officers 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 anybody for a roucher 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 this property in the day time. [image 69]

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 from me all round Midway Church. They did not camp in the Church. This camp was 3 miles from my house. They had been there 2 days in camp when they came up to get my property. They staid there 3 weeks. They went all about foraging while they were there all the time. They took all the property out of the county that they could get before they left, all they didn’t use in camp they took with them. It was Kilpatrick’s company that was encamped at the Church. There had been no battles or skirmishes about there. I did not know the quartermaster except I knew him at the camp. He was given orders. They took charge of the property as fast as it was brought in.

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 all in good order when taken from me.

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 old mare was 11 years old. I raised her from a colt. She was a large mare, in good order, well broken to the harness & the saddle. They rode the mare out of the gate.

Item No. 2: I had 9 head of cows, 1 large steer & 4 milk cows & the rest half grown cattle. The cows would weigh 300 lbs a piece. The steer would weigh 800 lbs [image 70] These were northern cattle came from Virginia. The half grown cows were 2 years old some of them. They would weigh 9? lbs. I helped drive these cattle to camp. They put them into the graveyard at the Church.

Item No. 3: I had 5 fattening barrows. They were fat, would weigh 150 to 200 lbs. They killed them there put them into the wagons & took them off.

Item No. 4: I had 30 head of fowls. They shot them down & I helped them put them into the wagon.

Item No. 5: They took [rest of sentence too faded]. There were 4 ?pairs of? pantaloons & 3 [word] all wool. They took 3 woolen blankets good new white blankets. It was [few words illegible] took the clothing & blankets & put them in the wagon.

Item No. 6: The young mare was 7 years old. She was a large nice mare. They took the mare just as they did the other mare. They took them together. I told [words] to put iit down, I gave it to him to put down but he didn’t put it down. The old mare had a young colt 6 months old. This property all belonged to me. I saw the soldiers of the Union Army take all of this property. They did not pay anything for my part of it. This is the first & only claim I have ever made [image 71] against the government. When the cattle would not drive to camp they shot them down & left them there in the road, but mine were none wasted. They drove them all to the camp at the church.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[signed] Mac Golding [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (Joseph Quarterman)

Interrogatories by Special Commissioner:

My name is Joseph Quarterman. I was born in Liberty Co, a slave, became free after the army came here. Wm. [William] John Way was my master. I am about 6? years old. I reside on Way’s old place below Midway Church. I am a farmer. I know Mack Golding the claimant. I am not related to him. I have no beneficial interest in his claim. I have known him since a young boy. He was a good Union man during the war.

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 when this property was taken by the soldiers.

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

I saw the soldiers take this property. [image 72]

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 rode up to the house & fell right at it. We plead & begged but it was no use. They said they come to free us, & we must follow them & they would give us what they have taken from us. 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?

They took this property at Arcadia at claimant’s house on Mr. Jones plantation. Robert Mallard married Jones’ daughter. The property was taken just before Christmas can’t tell the year. It was in Dec. It was taken by Yankee soldiers belonging to Kilpatrick’s Army. There were 5 soldiers came up first a calvary [cavalry?] company. The next was about 20 the “infant” [presumably infantry] company that is a foot company. They were about 2 days off & on taking the property.

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

Henry Stevens, Mac Golding the claimant, & myself were there at the taking of this property, & others.

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 officers there when this property was taken. I did not know their rank I heard them order the soldiers to take the property. They said “[you or we] must take everything [1 or 2 words] your friends are & if you want it you must follow us.”

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 just drove these horses up & catch them & carried me with them. ?Two? of the soldiers came up there with saddles on [image 73] their own backs & they put them on the horses & jumped on & went off. They drove off the cows & drove them off to the camp at Midway Church & put them in the graveyard there. They got them from Mac Golding, the claimant’s house. I helped them. They caught the hogs & killed them & put them in the wagon train. They shot some of the fowls all they couldn’t catch & put them into wagons & took them. They went into his house & just helped themselves & put his clothes on & blankets they put under the saddle some of them & took them all off.

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 horses they rode off & the other property they removed on horses & in wagons.

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 at Midway which was [illegible number] miles from claimant’s house. I saw them take the property there because I helped them.

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 this property to eat & to ride. I saw them using the hogs [rest of sentence too faded].

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 claimant make any complaint to any officer on account of the taking of this 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?

The property was taken in the ?clear? [image 74] day time.

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 this property was taken the army was encamped at Midway, 3 miles from the claimant’s house. It was Kilpatrick’s army called so. As soon as they got there at the camp some went [word] off foraging & some staid there. They came the same day to the claimant’s place. There had been no battles or skirmishes there or near there. They staid there about 3 or 4 weeks. They were foraging all that time. I did not know any of the quartermasters or the other officers.

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 pretty good order when taken. They could cook themselves the cows & hogs.

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 he had 3 horses or 2 & a colt. The old mare I think was about 9 years old & the other mare 7 years old. The old one might be a little older. The colt was young not a year old. They were pretty good large horses & in fine order for a colored man they belonged to the claimant. It was a common thing at that time for colored men to own horses & buggies. On Sunday you could hardly tell which was colored & which white for the horses & buggies. They rode these horses away I saw them.

Item No. 2: He had 9 head of cattle they were cows & 1 steer. 2 or 3 milk cows I think besides the [2 words] I think the steer would weigh 100 lbs to the quarter I think the ?steer? would weigh 300 lbs a quarter. The young ones 150 to 170 lbs a piece. They drove the cows down to the camp I helped drive them.

Item No. 3: He had 5 head of fat hogs I think they would be 120 lbs a piece. They killed these & took them in the train. I helped clean them.

Item No. 4: He had 30 head of fowls. Some of them they killed & some they carried [word] & took them on horses & in wagons.

Item No 5: Clothing & blankets. He had 3 coats & 4 pants. I saw them they were really nice Sunday clothes. They were good. The blankets were white wool. There were two of them. They took their own clothes off & put on the claimant’s. They rode on some of the blankets & [word] some of them to the horses.

These articles all belonged to the claimant I saw them taken [2 words]. I know it belonged to him & not to his master because he raised it & always claimed it & if anyone were to try & take it from him his master would intercede & prosecute him. The [image 76] claimant was a hard working industrious man. He’s a smart fellow. His master worked all his hands by the task & when they had done that the rest of the day was theirs to do what they pleased with. All the owners in the county worked their hands by the task. You couldn’t find one who did not do it in the whole county. Some would give them more & overworked their hands.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[Signed] Joseph Quarterman [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (Henry Stevens)

Interrogation of Special Commissioner.

My name is Henry Stevens I was born in Liberty County Georgia on Thomas Mallard’s Plantation a slave and became free when Sherman’s Army came into the county I belonged to Robert Mallard. I am 52 years old I reside on my own land bought of John S. Andrews and a farmer. I know Mack Golding. I am not related to him one “spark” I have no interest in his claim. I know him to be a good Union man all through [image 77] the war not a half way Union man a whole one – no discount on him at all.

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 right at claimant’s house when the Yankee soldiers took the articles of property specified in his claim.

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

I saw it all 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.]

When they came up to his house they said we want your horses, we want your cows, your corn, potatoes every thing you have got, and they went right in and helped themselves to anything they could get their hands on.

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 was taken at claimant’s house on Arcadia his young master Robert Mallard’s plantation it was taken in December near Christmas I don’t know the year I think it was on the 14 day of December I know it was just before Christmas it was taken by the Union soldiers belonging to Genl [General] Sherman’s Army, commanded by Genl Kilpatrick. When they first came up there were only 5 soldiers on horses, and two wagons, with six mules each, next day they came with a big lot of soldiers and came and just stripped the claimant of every thing left they were part of two days taking what claimant had.

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

I was present at the taking. Joseph Quarterman [image 78] Mack Golding, the claimant, and Bartholomew Stevens and others were present when the 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 did not know officer from private then. I think the soldiers came without officers. I don’t know though. I did not hear any orders given by any one, all was confusion and excitement I remember very little that was said I remember about the property for that was our living.

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 just took the horses put saddles on to them and rode off, they brought saddles and bridles with them on their backs. The cows were in the pasture they drove them up and to the camp, the hogs they shot down cleaned some of them there and hauled them off to the church where they were encamped. The poultry they shot down put some into wagons and some on horses and carried them off the clothes and blankets they rushed into the house put the clothing on and the quilt they carried off to the camp.

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 property on horses & in wagons & drove some of them.

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 the property to Midway Church to their camp. I helped them drive it day by day to the camp so I know they took it there.

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 this property I think to feed their horses & to eat it themselves. I saw them using some of it at the camp I been right there with 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 the claimant make any complaint to any officer or someone else on account of the taking of this 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?

This property was taken in the big day time.

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 soldiers took this property the army were encamped at Midway, 3 miles from claimant’s house. It was Kilpatrick’s command. They came up to get his property the same [words] I don’t know how long they staid there but long enough to clean the whole neighborhood out I never heard a ??fowl crow?? in six months after they left. There had been no battles nor skirmishes near here [word] before this property was taken. The [word] all took to the woods. I didn’t know any of the quartermasters or any of their officers.

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 fine order all of it.

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 & No. 6: He had 3 head of horses, 2 grown & 1 colt. He told me that the old mare was 11 years old & the young [image 80] one 7 years old. I think so too from [1 ow 2 words]. The colt was a young thing suckling the mare. These horses were fat & good heavy animals. Well broken to the saddle & harness. They rode them off those soldiers. Some of them ?brought? saddles on their backs. He got those horses through his own industry. He bought a colt first & raised her & then from that he raised the other horse & colt. He had been raising horses many years. I can’t tell how long. He had 9 head of cattle. I can’t tell how many of them were milking cows but I think they were half of them full grown. I think they would weigh from 300 to 400 lbs. They were large [few words] not bigger than the common cattle round here but heavy cattle. The half grown were more than half grown I think they would weigh 200 to 250 lbs a piece. They drove the cattle [word] down to the church. I helped them [1 or 2 words] day to drive them.

Item No. 3: He had 5 meat hogs barrows. I think they would weigh about [number too faded] lbs some of them. They killed them dressed them & threw them into the wagons.

Item No. 4: He had 30 head of fowls. They shot them down in the yard & threw them into the wagon train & across the [image 81] horses.

Item No. 4 [sic, should be 5]: Clothing & blankets I think he told me he had 3 coats & 4 pr of pants woolen all winter clothing. They just stripped off & put his clothes right on & threw their own away. They were much in need of clothing some were almost naked. I didn’t see them take any blankets.

This property all belonged to the claimant. I was right there with him & I saw him labor for it. He was a no 1 hand in slaving time. He worked on the task every day. His master worked all of his hands in the field hands in this way. All of the masters worked their slaves in this way.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[Signed] Henry Stevens [signed by mark]

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

Duplicate

No. 20653 In the Case of Mack Golding vs. United States } State of Georgia Liberty County Before Special Commission Virgil Hillyer Esq., Riceboro, Ga

In the above case No. 20653 your petitioner and claimant begs leave to amend his account by adding thereto item No. 6 one light bay horse omitted from the original account and petition and which was taken by the United States Army and used by them one light bay horse $160.00 your petitioner begs leave to introduce witnesses to ?prove? the taking and using of said property all of which is respectfully submitted

W.H. Sykes
Claimant Counsel

Witness: E.E. Adlington
[Signed] Mack Golding [signed by mark]

Sworn to and subscribed before me
31st day of July 1873

Virgil Hillyer Esq.
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia

[image 83]

In the case of Mack Golding vs. United States } Before Special Commission Virgil Hillyer Esq., Riceboro, Liberty County, Georgia

We have no further testimony to offer further than asking permission to amend the original bill of items and hereby submit the same to the consideration and decision of the Hon. Commissioners.

W.H. Sykes
Claimant Counsel

[image 84]

[Following document was testimony of Lyman B. Mallard on February 27, 1878, taken by Special Commissioner Henry Way] [image 90]

Additional evidence in case of Mc Golding Col Liberty County Ga

Lyman B. Mallard witness in case answers the questions as follows

2 1 Lyman B. Mallard aged 22 years Liberty County Ga all my life farmer
2 2 Not related to claimant not interested in success of this claim
2 52 Mac Golding
2 53 All my life
2 54 about 3 miles
2 55 frequently
2 56 no
2 57 no
2 58 no
2 59 [word] nothing
2 60 Don’t know
2 61 Don’t know
2 62 Don’t know
2 63 no
2 64 no
2 65 no
2 72 was not present but know claimant was allowed to own & did own property before & during the war.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 27 Feby 1878
Henry Way Spec Comm.

[image 93]

Claim No. 51837
Sett. No. 3826

Mack Golding of Ga.

$220.00

Due him
Out of the appropriation for
“Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies furnished during the Rebellion.”

For amount allowed by the Commissioners of Claims
R.
Reported Mch 22, 1879
Returned Mch 27, 1879

Requisition No. 2054, dated April 10, 1879, transmitted for
Warrant Apl 15, 1879

[image 94 is copy of the draft for $220]

[image 95]

Office of the Commissioners of Claims
Washington, D.C. October 26, 1878

Memorandum:
Golding } 20653
Geo.

One of the mares allowed for in this case was entered in the application after the time had expired for filing additional items and should be stricken out; thus reducing the amount claimed $100.

The report will then stand clmed $340.50 – allowed $220 – disalld $120

State of Georgia
No. 20653
Mack Golding
Allowed $220.00

We are the attorneys of record in this case, having filed with the Commissioners of Claims a power of attorney from J.M. Simms to Chipman Hosmer & Co to prosecute all the claims in which he has a power of attorney.

Mch 11/79 Gilmore & Co.