David Stevens – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant was a slave & lived on his master’s plantation in Liberty Co. Ga – was overseer – with the other slaves on the place was permitted to acquire & hold property. He favored the Union cause & did nothing for the Confederacy. The property was taken in Dec’r 1864 by the Union Army. Two horses were taken – one wagon was loaded with corn potatoes etc & taken away – harness & saddle are not proved – the cows are not proved – the hogs corn & 10 bushels rice are proved – the claim has been investigated by an agent & his report favorable to the claim is herewith filed. From that report the prices charged are too high. We recommend the amount of $243.

A.O. Aldis
O. Ferris
J.B. Howell } Commrs of Claims

Testimony of Claimant

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

My name is David Stephens, my age 50 years, my residence Capt A. Winn’s place, 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 David Stephens. I was born in Liberty County a slave became free when the Army came through here. I am about 50 years old. I live at Capt A Winn’s place. I am a farmer. I am 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?

I lived from the 1st of April 1861 to the first of June 1865 at the same place I am now. Capt A Winn was my master. I farmed for my master. 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?

I only took the oath when I went to register to vote.

6 to 28 inclusive, to each & every question the claimant answers 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.

I never did anything for the Union cause until the Army came through. I never had any opportunity to do anything and then I did what I could. I took things back and forth in Midway camp for them.

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.]

I had no relatives in the rebel Army.

31 to 39 inclusive the claimant to each & every question answer 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?”

When I first heard of the war I was on the Yankee side. I used to hear of the war from my old master’s talk sometimes he would say they were the Yankees & sometimes the Yankees went forward. I was on the side of course for me the side of the United States there was no other way for me. 3 or 4 years before they came here I rejoiced in the war, when I first heard of it. I said of course when they do come I will join the Yankees and I felt so [word] they did come.

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?

I solemnly declare in conclusion that my sympathies were with the United States and I never did anything to injure that cause. I was always ready when called upon to aid and assist the Yankees so far as I could do so.

[Question 42 only asked 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.

When I first heard of the rebellion I was a slave I became free when the Yankees came here. I continued farming for myself when I became free. First I started raising hogs for myself first I raised two horses or rather first I raised some chickens, and then I bought the hogs and sold those & bought a cow and went on raising till I bought a fine horse, after this I bought a breeding sow and commenced raising stock. The horse was a breeding mare I had this same mare 8 years and raised 2 colts and sold them and had this colt and mare when the raid came through. Capt A Winn was my first and only master. I live on his place now. He is now living I rent land of him and give him a third of the crop. I do not owe my master a cent. No one has an interest in this claim but myself.

Questions by claimant’s attorney:

I was living at Capt Winn’s plantation when the Army came. I had the mare they took from me 8 years. The Yankees took the mare from the place and carry it to the camp, at Midway. They rode her off. They rode her back to the plantation once, and I never see her again no more. They took the wagons and filled it with my potatoes, and carry it off. They took all the other articles mentioned here in my application. It was carried to Midway except they camped and fed there two nights. As near as I can judge it was camped at Midway Church between 2 and 3 weeks. This was 3 miles from Capt Winn’s place. They were at the plantation as long as they were camped at Midway Church & [word] time to time. They took my horse and wagon the 2nd day and then keep a taking till all were gone. I can’t till how long they were taking because they kept on every day the camp was so near till all was gone. I saw Capt Gilmore and talked with him. He belonged to the horse company.

2nd set of Int[errogatories] 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 the soldiers came and took my property.

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

I saw all of it 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 first came up they called for horses and mules and everything and then from that they called for Bacon and then they turned to work and took corn and filled up the wagon and carry it off to Midway, they said they wanted these things and must have them. These soldiers were on horses.

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 were taken at my house on Capt Winn’s plantation. There were a number of Winn’s Capt A Winn Washington Winn Lawrence and James Winn. They were all planters and owned slaves and lived in the same settlement. They lived from a mile and a half to 3 miles apart. They owned from 20 to 30 hands I can’t tell exactly. Capt A Winn owned about 20 to 30 hands and a 100 big and little. This property was taken in December about 10 years ago I think. It was taken by Sherman’s Army. I saw a crowd taking the property. They all seemed to be taking every man that came in took something. I think about 3 days they were coming and taking my property.

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

There were present Peter Winn, Prince Ripley, Albert Wilson and myself and many soldiers.

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 but I only knew Capt Gilmore who talked with me. He told the soldiers to take the property. I told him this was my property and he said he couldn’t help that he must have it, and someday I would get pay if I lived long enough and we were to be made free.

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 took the mare and put her in the wagon using my harness. They took the bacon hogs out of the pen and killed them and just fetch em to the wagon. They first took the corn from the house and the rice too and potatoes from the bank and the bee hives they just broke up and took out the honey. The chickens they just took and bundle em up and carry them 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.

They moved the things in wagons and on horse back and any bag to get them off. They camped there 2 nights and what they didn’t use there, they took to camp.

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 moved the things to camp at Midway. I did not follow it had they were in camp then and they went in that direction and I suppose they went 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 it for eating and to use. I saw them using the mare and & colt & eating & feeding their animals right there at my door. They were encamped there two nights.

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.

The only complaint I made was to Capt Gilmore, when he came to take my horse and other things and said to him Capt that’s mine, and he said he couldn’t help it he must have it. He belonged to the cavalry.

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 any voucher or receipt for the property.

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?

It was taken in the daytime. They took my horse and wagon about 10 o’clock in the first morn they came. None of it was taken secretly.

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 about 3 miles from my house at Midway when they took my property. I think it was called Sherman’s Army. They came up to my place the first morn after they got into camp. They staid [stayed] there about 3 weeks. There had been no battles or skirmishes there just before or after the property was taken. I only knew Capt Gilmore.

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 in fair condition 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 The mare was bought by me when 2 years old, and I had her 8 years when the Yankees took her, which makes her 10 years old. She was a large, healthy mare. They hitched her to my wagon with my harness and took her away.

Item No 2 I raised this colt from my mare he was 3 years old and past we were just breaking him when they took him. He was as big as his mother I did not use him because and wanted him to be strong. They saddled him horseback and rode him off.

Item No 3 One spring wagon, set on springs. I had it new and used it about 2 years. They took my horse and my harness and hitched up and drove off with a load of potatoes and corn.

Item No 4 3 hogs, big, fat hogs weigh about 200 a piece good. They took them in the wagon, skinned them and cut them up and carried them off.

Item No 5 They took good 20 bush [bushel] and shelled corn of my own raising. They fed some right there and some they hauled off in wagon to haul a part of it. I had 3 acres and a half about, planted to corn that year. My master allowed me to plant corn or anything I could raise. They took all my corn away, did not leave me a bit.

Item No 6 About 10 bush [bushel] of rough rice of my own raising. It was all thrashed out and measured. They hauled the rice off in wagons.

Item No 7 I had 2 banks sometimes. I put 30 bush [bushel] in a bank I had not measured them but think then might be 15 bush [bushel] good in each bank. They went to the bank and opened them and used some there and hauled the rest away.

Item No 8 I had 10 Beehives. They first smashed up the hives and took the honey I think they killed them the bees with [two words]. A good hive will [word] out 3 or 4 gal. . These were full good hives.

Item No 9 I had about 30 head of chickens full grown. They bundled up these chickens and took them off.

17 & 18 Passed.

19. I never received a cent for my part of this property. This is the first and only account I have ever made out against the Gov. It all belonged to me. I was the only party interested in this claim.

[Signed] David Stephens [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Peter Winn)

My name is Peter Winn. I was born on Capt Winns place in Liberty County a slave and became free when the Union Army came through I am about 30 years old I live at Capt Winns place and never left his place at all I am a farmer now I used to be a carpenter – I am not related to the Claimant we used to belong to the same man I have no beneficial interest in this Claim of Mr. Stevens – I have known Mr Stevens [Stephens] as long as I have known anybody – he was a first rate friend to the Yankees – We did not know much [about] the Union or anything else in them times When we got a right understanding of it we were all in favor of the Yankees and was glad when they came to make us free – he and I used to talk about it a good deal and wished for them to come – I felt bad when they first came and took my property but when I found they gave me my time I felt ?prime? – proud and as if I could do anything in the world for the Yankees.

2nd set of Int(errogatories)

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

I was there when they took Claimants property at his house.

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

I saw them when they took his horse and hitched him up to his wagon & led them off and I saw them take his colt I saw them take his wagon. I did not see them take the hogs, the corn or rice but I saw them take one bank of potatoes after the beehives and chickens.

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 say they must have it [word]. He asked them if we going to get [word] back and they told us to go to the Church to in the morn [morning] and we would get [word] back but we didn’t go we were happy to be free and we cooked big dinners for them and did all we could for them, many of them was fine mens.

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?

These things were taken from Mr Stephens house on Capt Winns place. They were taken about 3 weeks before Christmas I can’t tell the year. I think it was Shermans Army. They were about 3 days taking the things.

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

Myself and David Stephens, Prince Riply [Ripley], Albert Wilson, and my brother Toby Pinckney.

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 dint know the officers from the regular ?built? soldiers at that time. There were always some ordering them to drive along to get these things

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 first took the spring wagon and mare and put in potatoes and took it off about 10 oclock in the morn [morning].

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 drive their wagons there and what I saw was taken 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?

The property was taken right from Stephens house to the camp at Midway Church. They went right that way and I knew it that way. They camped with us two nights and then went to Midway Church and camped there and I knew this because the mens on the place went there and came back and told me they were 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.

I think they took it to feed off. I saw them use potatoes there on the place and they made us go to the mill and grind corn and bake bread for them. They had good times then and mine was good times too.

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 Mr Stephens make any complaint to anyone on account of the taking of the property from him.

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 a voucher or receipt from anyone.

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 daytime, all times in the day but not much at night.

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 Capt Winns place. They came there to claimants house the next day after they camped at Midway. I think they staid [stayed] there at Midway about 3 weeks or more. There had been no battles or skirmishes. I did not know any of the officers at all there.

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 he had on fine 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. It was a mare, large sorrel mare I don’t know how old she was but he had her 8 years at our place He raised 3 colts from her. The one they took was one of her three.

Item No 2. I think the colt was a little better than 3 years old and they had just commenced riding him

Item No 3 One spring wagon. I think he had it on the place about 4 years It was a good spring wagon with iron axle round and round. I saw them take the two horses and the wagon. They hitched the mare to the wagon and put in potatoes and drove her off I saw it myself.

Item No 4 I don’t know how much hogs he had, I know he had hogs.

Item No 5 I know he had corn but I don’t know how much. I did not see them take corn.

Item No 6 I don’t know whether he had any rice or not.

Item No 7 I don’t know how many potatoes he had. I saw them working at one bank putting them into the wagon.

Item No 8 I know he had hives in the garden I do not know how many I saw there was fighting at them in the garden smoking them. I did not see the honey taken away.

Item No 9. I could not tell how many he had I saw the the soldiers running round the garden after it. I did not see them take it.

17-18-19 passed.

All his property he calls for now was his’n. He had um and raised it right there where we were living all our lives together thats all the way I can tell. Mr Winn allowed his slaves to raise just as much as they want, to sell as much as they could get time. They worked by task and when their task was done, they had all the time to work for themselves.

[signed] Peter Winn [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Prince Ripley)

My name is Prince Ripley I was born in Liberty County a slave and became free when the Yankee “rade” [raid] got through Capt Winn was my master – I am over 50 years of age I think – I am farming for myself I am not a relative of the Claimant only a fellow servant I have no interest in his claim I have known him as long as I have known any body – I knew him to be a good Union man and a good friend to the Yankees We were all for them as soon as we knew what it was all for – we didn’t know much about it the war had been going on for some time.

2nd set of Int(errogatories)

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

I was present when the soldiers took Claimants property – I was in my own house about ten feet from his house.

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

I saw all the property taken that Claimant has specified in his Claim.

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 first came on to the place they were up and said: Where are all of the horses. We told them they was out in the old field they ordered us to go and drive them up we went and drove them – they first asked when is that d.d [damned] old reb – they then took the horses and drove off. When they came to Mr Stevens [Stephens] house they said they wanted his things and must have them they went into his house and helped themselves.

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 were taken right on Capt Winn’s place from Mr Stephens house when the Yankee Army came in Dec [December] could not tell the year. They all seemed like soldiers to me. The plantation was full of them. They could have taken it in one day. We were so frightened we did not pay much attention to the time.

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

All the people on the plantation were there but not right at his house. I do not remember who was at his house besides Mr Stephens and his family.

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 dont know the officers from the soldiers. I did not hear any order 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 just go and take the horses and put them in the wagons and drove off and the hogs they shot down and carried them off. The corn sometimes they full up their bags sometimes the wagons. They full up the bags and take them off in the bags and go to the wagons and empty them in.

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 took it some in wagons and some on horseback.

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 took it to Midway Church where they camped. I know because they couldn’t go anywhere else. They came right from camp and went right back 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.

The hogs they eat it and the horses they ride it. They turn the horses right in all my rice.

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 this taking.

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 make any complaint or 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 mostly taken in the daytime because the soldiers did not go round much nights.

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 was encamped when they took this property. It was about 3 miles from Capt Winns place to the church.

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 He had a very fine mare she must have been about 10 years old fat, and in good order. I saw them catch this mare and didn’t see her any more.

Item No 2 He was a young horse just grown up not quite so large as the mare, big enough to ride. I saw them catch the colt. I saw them ride the colt away.

Item No 3 He had one spring wagon. It was a good wagon with iron axlerod. It had been used sometimes but was in good order. I think they hitched a mule to the wagon and drove it off.

Item No 4. He had I thought I hear him say about 3 Bacon hogs in the pen. I do not know how much they would weigh. I did not see the hogs in the pen but I saw them shoot them till I couldn’t stand by anymore.

Item No 5 He had corn then, but I don’t know how much. I saw them bring the bags out of the house but didn’t see the corn in them but it must be the corn.

Item No 6 He always does have rice; he had some there then but I didn not see them take it.

Item No 7 He had potatoes but I don’t know how many. He had them in banks. I did not see the soldiers take any of Mr Stephens potatoes.

Item No 8 I saw them I think break open 3 of the Bee hives right in my eyes right across my door.

Item No 9. He raised a plenty of fowl right there by me, but I didn’t know the number till he told me. He said he had 30 head. I saw them take the chickens.

17 – 18 – 19 passed.

I say, it is so long since the taking of the property I don’t remember exactly about the taking of the property I know it was taken off the place by the soldiers at the time of the raid. I spect [expect] it is about a task and a half from my house to my master Winn’s. He had 16 houses and from one to two families in a house. I do not know the number of his slaves.

[signed]
Prince Riply [Ripley] [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Albert Wilson)

2nd set of Int(errogatories)

My name is Albert Wilson I was born in Liberty Co Ga a slave and belonged to John S.  Andrews and became free when the Army came in I am 33 years old. I live at Mr Cay’s place in Liberty Co. I am a Farmer. I am the son-in-law of the Claimant. I have no interest in this claim.

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

I was there present when they came and took the property.

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

I saw them take the property. I saw them take all this property specified in the Claimants account.

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 came there and asked what there was on the place and said they wanted everything they could get.

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 Mr Stephens house on Capt Winns plantation. The Yankee soldiers took this property

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

passed

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 officers from privates.

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.

passed

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 put the mare in the wagon. I mean they hitched this mare to Mr Stephens wagon and drove off. Some were taken on horseback and some in wagons and some fed there.

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 took this property to Midway Church. I know they took it there because it was the place they all been.

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.

What they did not eat they fed the horses with. I saw them using what they used, there at home.

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 by Mr Stephens.

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 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?

They took this property in the daytime

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 Church between 2 and 3 miles from the plantation. I just know it was Sherman’s Army that’s all I know. They were at the Church 3 weeks. The ones who camped at the plantation staid [stayed] there 2 nights.

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 in good order.

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 was a sorrel mare I think he had her 8 years and was 2 when he bought her makes her 10. They put the mare to the wagon and drove off.

Item No 2. The colt was 3 years old. They just started to break him. They put their saddle on him and rode him off.

Item No 3. It was a spring wagon been used 3 or 4 years in good order iron axle tree a first rate wagon. They hitched his mare to the wagon with his harness and loaded it with corn and potatoes and drove off.

Item No 4. He had one or two I just forget I don’t know I can’t tell how many and can’t tell how much they would weigh. He had hogs.

Item No 5. He had corn but I don’t know how much. I saw them take corn away.

Item No 6. He had some rice I couldn’t tell how much.

Item No 7. He had 2 banks but I can’t tell how many. They put from 16 to 18 bush [bushel] in a bank generally. I saw them take the potatoes in a wagon.

Item No 8. I think he had 4 or 5 Bee Hives. I know he had them I saw them sir. I saw them break them up and take the honey.

Item No 9. He had I think about 18 head of chickens. I never counted them but I allowed he had so many.

17-18-19 passed.

He made no bargain with me to come and testify.

[signed] Albert Wilson [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Wm. M. Winn)

2nd set of Int(errogatories)

My name is Wm [William] M. Winn I was born in Liberty Co Ga I am 30 years old. I reside at Dorchester. I am a planter. I know the Claimant in this case. I have no interest in his claim.

My father’s name is Abiel Winn. David Stephens was his slave. He was a foreman on my Father’s place from 7 to 9 years. He had two horses at the time of the raid. I think the raid touched my Father’s place sometime about the 13th of Dec [December] 1864. I was not on the plantation the day the horses were taken, but they did take them they took 27 head of horses off the plantation. I was at my Father’s house a day or two before the Yankee Army camped at Midway Church. The horses were on the plantation and undisturbed up to the place I kept. I think it was about 2 weeks after this I was at my Father’s place again. The horses were all gone except 2 little colts about 6 months old. The old horse mother was a sorrel quite a large horse I suppose one of the finest in the county. The young horse was also a sorrel well grown nearly as large as his mother. Able to be ridden. I mean the horse was one of the finest of those owned by the negroes She was a fine able bodied animal. My Father allowed all of his negros to own horses, cattle, hogs, poultry or anything else. Prince owned a horse also David, Jim, and Isaac. David the claimant owned a good substantial buggy with a wagon body to it that he could carry anything he wanted in. I can’t say anything about the hogs. I know he was a great hand at it & always raised a great many he sold them to my father every winter. When I went back to the place all the things were gone not a chicken left to [word] for a day. We all knew it was Kilpatricks Army though I did not get personally acquainted with him, they captured prisoners in Bulloch Co who belonged to his corps so I know.

David Stephens was foreman on my Father’s place when the raid passed through. He was allowed to own and dispose of property as he pleased, sell or buy whenever he saw fit. It was the custom in this section to allow slaves to own property. Every planter had his own rules about this. The slave went to his owner for advice, they would hardly even do anything without taking the advice of their owners. I suppose the Foreman had advantages in some respects and in others not for he had no task work and had no time of his own while the other slaves had the evenings to themselves. The horses were there the morn [morning] I left and when I returned they were gone, that is all I can say about the horses. I know nothing about the other articles of property except that he was allowed to own such things and was an industrious hard working man such privileges were allowed the slaves throughout the whole county.

Wm [William] M. Winn

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

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Davy Stevens, Liberty Co. Ga

Report and evidence in the case of Davy Stevens of Liberty County, Georgia

Testimony of Witness (Edward J. Delegal) 

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

Edward J. DeLegal – sixty one years of age. – Dorchester, Liberty County Ga. – forty three years. Occupation a planter and physician. –

2. Is in no manner related to claimant, nor interested in this claim.

Witness knows nothing about the alleged taking of the property of claimant: – Witness knows that the claimant Davy Stephens, had many privileges allowed him by his master Capt Abial Winn, who is now dead: – Knows and believes that the claimant Davy Stevens, is a correct and reliable man: – thinks claimant had a horse, a few head of cattle, and some hogs. – thinks he had a Jersey wagon. – thinks he may have had tea, rice and corn: – he thinks he may have had a saddle: –
Witness says that horses usually owned by negroes, were worth from forty to sixty dollars – does not know what the horse of claimant was worth: – Witness thinks the wagon was worth from $25 to $30. – Cattle worth about $10 per head. – hogs, if stock hogs, they were worth from $3 to $4 per head. – if they were meat hogs, from $5 to $10 per head. – The saddle may have been worth $7 – Rice was worth about $1 per bushel, and corn worth about the same. –

The property alluded to by Witness, was owned by claimant about the time of the march of Gen [General[ Sherman through Georgia.

EJ Delegal

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of July 1876.

W.W. Paine
Special Agent

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(Report of Special Agent) 

Savannah, Georgia
July 18th 1876
Honorable Commissioner of Claims
Washington City

I have the honor to report in the case of Dave Stevens #21476, Liberty County Georgia, that I visited the portion of the County in which claimant lived, that I obtained the evidence of Dr Edward J. DeLegal, a gentleman of high standing, and respectabilities – Dr DeLegal testified that claimant had many privileges allowed him by his old master Capt Abial Winn, who is now dead; he states that claimant is a correct and reliable man. – and I learn the same from other gentlemen: – Witness thinks claimant had a horse, a few head of cattle, and some hogs. – Witness does not know the value of the horse of claimant; that horses usually owned by negroes, were worth from $40 to $60. Witness thinks the wagon of claimant was worth from $25 to $30. – Cattle $10 per head; hogs if stock hogs worth from $3 to $4 per head – if meat hogs from $5 to $10; the saddle about $7. – That corn and rice was worth about $1 per bushel.

Witness knows nothing about the alleged taking of the property. The property alluded to was owned by claimant about the time of the March of Gen [General] Sherman through Georgia.

Mr W. M. Winn says that he is a witness of claimant, and testified in the matter – Mr Winn is a respectable gentleman, he thinks the property was valued too high in original claim.

Very respectfully
W. W. Paine
Special Agent

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Warrant for Claim #43701, Settlement No. 3588, for David Stevens in the amount of $243.00 due him “out of the appropriation for “Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies furnished during the rebellion.” Reported on April 19, 1877; Returned April 20, 1877; Requisition #4043, dated April 27, 1877, transmitted for warrant on April 27, 1877.

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Draft to David Stevens in the amount of $243 from the United States Treasury Department, payable to “Raymond Cay Jr Atty James Atkins Collector of Customs Savannah Ga”.

[END]