Prime LeConte – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant was a slave & the property of one Dr. Joseph Le Count [LeConte] – lived on the Le Count plantation in Liberty Co. Ga. throughout the war & still lives there renting some of the land. The witnesses are all colored. The testimony is in some respects conflicting & not altogether reliable. We do not believe this slave had in his own right, by a title that was recognised by his master the amount of property claimed in his petition. If he had two horses & a buggy they were not property suitable for army use. Negro horses are rarely ever suitable for any kind of army use – and from the manner in which these were taken, it is not probable they were carried off for any legitimate use. The same is true of the buggy. Most all the other items are not army supplies and what were not took the place of slaves rations.

If this claim had any merit, it could have been made to appear by better testimony than that produced. The claimant was living on his old master’s land, who if living, & if not living, then some of his family should have been called to testify. The claim is disallowed.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: There were several lists of property lost in the case file; two looked as above, and the third combined the hogs into one group and used line #5, but the amounts and totals were the same in all three lists.]

Testimony of Claimant 

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

My name is Primus LeCount, my age 61 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.

Interrogatories of Special Commissioner

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

My name is Primus Le Count, I was born on Lewis Le Counts Plantation in Liberty Co State of Georgia, I am 61 years of age, I live on Sifax [Syphax] Plantation right where I was born that is the same plantation Lewis [Louis] Le Count’s some call it Sifax [Syphax], I am 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?

From the 1st of April 1861 to the 1st of June 1865 I lived right where I do now. I worked for My Master till the Union Army came into the County. I did not change my residence or business

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

Irrelevant.

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

Irrelevant.

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

The only oath I took was when I registered for voting I remember of voting for Mr Grant.

6 to 28 inclusive to each and every question having been read over to claimant he 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.

When the Union Army came to our Plantation I gave the soldiers Rice, Chickens, and many little things besides what I have charged in my account against the Government. I did not count them in my bill at all, we cooked for them, and did everything we could for them, we was so glad to see them come.

30 to 39 inclusive having been read over to claimant to each and every question he answers “no.”

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

At the beginning of the rebellion or where I first heard of it and got to understand it I sympathized with the Union cause, When I heard of it I felt right good and was glad. I told my friend it would do good to the colored people, that was the way I felt and talked till they came and liberated us.

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 time I heard of the rebellion I was on the Union side constantly that I never did anything by word or deed, knowingly to injure the cause or retard its success, and that I was willing at all times when called upon to aid and assist the cause of the Union or its supporters so far as my means and power and the circumstance of being a slave permitted.

[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 and for a long time before I was a slave, was made free when the Yankees came into the County I continued farming after I was free for my old master I rented land of him and gave him ⅓ of all I made on the Plantation I now pay him $12 a year for all the land I can work and the women pay him $6 a year for what they can work he is very kind and gave to his old slaves. I got my horses and buying colts by selling stock I got my stock or start by raising chickens then I got some pigs and raised hogs and kept on in that way for 20 years selling and laying up money and then bought the colt. I bought a mare colt raised her, and she had a colt, and I raised that, and the two charged in my account are the first and only horses I ever owned. Dr Joseph Le Count I am now living on his Plantation and working and paying him rent I do not owe him a cent, I am the only party interested in the account, it all belongs to me it was my property my private property – I always worked when a slave by the task – When that was done the balance of the time was my own till it was time to commence again – some times I could finish my task by 2 PM some times 3, 4 & 5 PM, some times I could not finish, then I would have to finish the next day some times I would have to take a “thrashing.” By working at task work, I was able to get a start and get property of my own I used the horses to ride to church and do other little jobs for myself, I kept two so if one died I would have one left -, I intended to raise another and sell one, my plan was to keep two on hand – it did not cost me anything to keep them, my master allowed us to keep them in his pasture, the range was good in the woods and we let them run out a good deal, it was just so in regard to the raising of other stock, we could raise all the hogs and cattle we had a mind too [SIC] or had time to attend to. We was allowed to sell poultry Hogs, Cattle and Horses, Corn and other produce of our own.

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 from me by the soldiers.

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

I saw this property 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.]

They said they must take what they wanted and I said you can go on and take it. They came and took just what their eyes fell on, rice, and chickens, and hogs, and beegums, and horses, and everything I had in the house and out of doors.

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 at my house on Sifax [Siphax] plantation belonging to Joseph Le Count They were taken in Dec [December] about 8 or 9 years ago when Sherman’s Army came here don’t remember the year. Sherman’s or Kilpatrick’s Army one of the two took these things. There were more than 400 Soldiers they came in crowds I can’t tell how many took the things. They kept killing the chickens every time they come and they took the horses the first day, and the fowls they begun to catch the 3rd day and they keep a taking every time, they came for 3 weeks.

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

Isaac Jenkins, Joshua LeCount, Cassius Le Count, my wife who is dead and my son and myself, were present at the taking of these things.

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 in command of the men, don’t know their rank I knew they were officers from their different dress and then they called them different. They belonged to Mr Kilpatrick’s Brigade: they were horsemen. These officers ordered the soldiers to take the property. They didn’t say nothing only tell the old man never mind you’ll get pay for it after while.

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 caught the horses right in the stable right to my house. They kill the hogs right to my door all was right there. They took the rice out of my houses.

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 the hogs on the horses and some they took in wagons and some they led 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 took the property off the same way they come from. I did not follow the property I did not leave my house. I don’t know where they went with it.

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

I don’t know what they used this property for I suppose they used it to assist them while they were here. They told me they must take the hogs and chickens and such things to eat while they were here. They camped at my house one night and ate a plenty of pigs, and rice, and chickens.

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 officers on account of the taking of the property none at all.

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.

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. They began about 12 oclock noon.

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 because they said they were going to take these things to their camp. It was 8 miles from my house to where they said their camp was at Midway Church. The boys told me they were camped there. They came when they first came and just ate, and the next day they came and commenced taking horses and they kept on taking till they got all my things day after day.

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

This property was in good order when taken right fat.

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 1-2. The older horse was 9 years old and the other about 6. They were large horses the bay mare was a little bit the biggest not much. They were good sound animals; no sores on them. They took them out of my stable in my lot. I had these horses a long time before the raid I bought the Bay mare when she was about 3 years old I bought her some considerable time before the raid came in. The sorrel mare the youngest was foaled about 5 or 6 years before the raid. At first I raised ducks and pigs and chickens and my beegums helped me out and I sold these things and got my money to buy my mare.

Item No 3 and 4. I had 16 head of hogs altogether. That’s what I told Mr Sims to put down. I had 8 Bacon hogs ft to kill in the pen: the others were out in the tater patch. These Bacon hogs would weigh 150 lb a piece. Four of these were sows, and would weigh 160 lbs a piece. The other ones were under sized ones 4 of these would weigh 100 lbs each. They killed these and cut off their heads and left them there on the ground with the entrails. I bought a pr [pair] of pigs at first and paid for them in corn. I raised hogs some 20 years.

Item No 6. I had some 15 pr [pair] of fowls It takes 2 to make a pr [pair] and that is 30 head. They killed some of these and took some of them away alive. I bought some 7 months chickens from the older people on the place and commenced raising from that.

Item No 7. I had 6 doz [dozen] of eggs was what I told Mr Sims my attorney. They ate the eggs right there raw just drink them up.

Item No 8. 20 Hives. I got my start from the woods just find a gum and bring them and I am raising them now in the same way. They just broke up the hives and blew fire in them so they could get the honey. They carried the honey off in a large bucket and the next day they came again and after eating all they wanted to, took some more off in the bucket, and they did the same way till they had done taken 20 hives.

Item No 9. I had 16 bus [bushel] of rough rice. I told my attorney I had 16 bus [bushel] I measured it – and had it put away before the Army came. When they came I beat some for them and cooked it for them and they carried the rest away in bags. It was of my own raising.

Item No 10. I had 9 or 10 head of ducks They took these in the same way they did the chickens.

Item No 11. This was a nice 4 wheeled, one horse spring buggy. I bought it one year before the parade came through I had a harness with it. I bought this buggy off a wheelwright in Savannah. I just went to the shop in Savannah and bought it and paid cash for it. I didn’t ask him his name I just paid him and he give me the buggy. I raised hogs and bees a long time over 20 years and other things I saved my money and bought these things The harness was a leather harness. I got the harness new when I got the buggy new. I had had them a year before the parade. They just come and took the buggy out of the shed and hitched one of my horses into it and drove off. All this property belonged to me. I had bought it with my own means and raised it with my own labor none of it belonged to my master. He never disputed my right to it. I did not receive any pay for any part of this property. The Yankees never paid me anything for it. This is the first and only claim I have ever presented to Government.

[signed] Primus Le Conte [signed by mark]

Witness
E.E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Isaac Jenkins)

My name is Isaac Jenkins. I was born at Sifax, Mr Joe LeConte’s place Liberty Co a slave became free when the Army came here. Joe LeConte was my master. I live on his place now working for myself and pay him $12.00 a year for all the land I can work and I pay $6.00 a year for all my wife can work making $18.00 I pay in all for the land. I am about 29 years old. I live at Sifax Le Contes place. I am a farmer. I know the Claimant. I am not related to him. I have no interest in his claim. The Claimant’s master was off distant from me and we didn’t know his business. We didn’t know whether he was a friend to the Yankees or not. The Claimant was on the Yankees side and a pretty good friend to them. So far as I know about it on my master’s plantation the colored people were all friends to the Union

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 from the Claimant Primus Le Conte.

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

I saw this property all taken by the Soldiers

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

The soldiers said nothing particular when they came up. I had been out to the barn feeding stock and when I first came up they were then catching fowls. As soon as they had done catching the fowls and ducks, they begun on the horse and they told the old man not to fret that we would get pay for all the property they took. They went on and took the horse and put their saddle on him and rode him off and led their own.

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 things were taken on Sifax place from the Claimant’s house. The things were taken when the Yankee Army came in a Dec [December] month I think the year 1864 These things were taken by Soldiers of Kilpatricks Army they said it was his Army if I am not mistake. There was a big lot there taking these things I didn’t count them nor couldn’t count them. There was a good big lot of them and all scattered over the place I couldn’t tell just how many were taking. I think there were full a week coming and going to take the property.

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

Josh Le Conte and myself, and Primus Le Conte and his wife and daughter were there and saw this property taken.

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

I didn’t know whether there were any officers there or not. I didn’t then study deep enough to notice whether there were any officers in the crowd. I heard one man give orders to the soldiers to take the property; he was on horseback they were all on horseback When he gave orders to take the property all the soldiers got off their horses but him he didn’t get off.

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.

The horses were in the stable they went to the stable and took the horses. They went to the pen and took the hogs. The rice was in a bin they took it and put it in sacks and put the sacks into wagon. The eggs they took right out of the house. They took the buggy out of the wagon shed and took the Claimant’s Bay mare and put in it and went 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 took some of this property 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 carried this property to Midway Church I know because they carried me along with them to take the wagon and things. I staid [stayed] at Midway one night and then came back, and they came back, and kept coming and going a week or so.

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 know the use. I expect they took some of it to eat; and the horses to use riding back and forwards. I did not see them using it except the fowls they picked and used, and some of the corn. They took corn and rice from the claimant. I saw them feed some of the corn there at his house.

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 except as I said before when they told him they was going to take the things for their own use and he asked if they were going to pay for them, and they said No! not now but you will all get pay for them by and by.

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 daytime, at all different times through the course of the day.

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. I think about 8 or 9 miles from the house of the Claimant. They came and took the property very soon after we heard the Army was coming I can’t tell how long the Army staid [stayed] there at Midway Church. I didn’t hear what Army it was. There had been no battles or skirmishes there that I know of. I did not know any of the quartermasters or other officers of the army.

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

This property was in pretty good 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 1-2. He had 2 horses. The oldest was 9 or 10 or 11 years of age, I reckon the other was between 7 and 8 years old. He had the oldest one a good while, and the other one was her colt. When I first remember the Claimant had this old mare’s mother, and raised this oldest mare from her and then she had this youngest one. The oldest one was a good stout mare and the other a little bigger. They took the oldest mare and put her in the buggy and the youngest one they rode off on the saddle. These horses belonged to the Claimant, I know because when I was born I meet him with this old mare’s mother and he raised the other from her and nobody about meddle with him.

Item No 3 and 4. He had 16 or 18 head of hogs. He had I reckon somewhere between 8 or 10 or 12 Bacon hogs. Some were sows, and 3 or 4 shoats, I reckon in the bunch I think the Bacon hogs would weigh about 150 or 160 lbs a piece. The shoats would weigh from 90 to 100 lbs a piece. They killed these hogs and took some away on horses and some in wagons.

Item No 6. He had a good gang of fowls 10 or 15 pr [pair] I call 2 a pr [pair], about 30 head. They carried the poultry away in wagons and some on horses.

Item No 7. He had a good lot of eggs. I saw them there and saw the soldiers take them. I don’t know how many somewhere abou 25 or 30 doz [dozen] I didn’t count them but they were in a big calabash which would hold about ½ bus [bushel]. This was a big gourd. Some they had cooked right there and some they carried off.

Item No 8. Somewhere about 20 hives of honey if I remember right and don’t make a mistake. I counted these hives there were 20 of them. They break the hives up and take the honey out and carried some off and used some then.

Item No 9. He had about 5 or 6 bus [bushel] of rice. It was not measured any more than it was put in sacks and they hold about 2 bush [bushel] a piece there were 3 sacks. It was rough rice. They put it in the wagons and carried it off.

Item No 10. He had about 12 head of ducks. I carried the ducks and fowls and things some of the hog meat in the wagon to the camp for them.

Item No 11. I saw his buggy. It was a yellow Spring buggy. I don’t know how long he had it but I know he had it. They put one of the Claimant’s own horses in it and took it away.

This property all belonged to the claimant. I know it belonged to him because he had it and raised it. When I was born he had the [word] of it. I never knew anybody else claim his property.

[signed] Isaac Jenkins [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Joshua LeConte)

My name is Joshua LeConte. I was born in Liberty Co, a slave, became free when the Army came here. My master was Joseph LeConte. I am about 50 years old. I live at the LeConte place and on John LeConte’s place in Liberty Co. I am a Farmer. I know the claimant. I am his brother. I have no interest in his claim.

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.

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

I saw the horses hogs, fowls, eggs, honey, rice, ducks, and buggy 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.]

They never say anything much they just asked where the horses was. They went on then and took the property then without saying anything more anything they saw they go right to [cut off]

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 at Claimant’s house on Joseph LeConte’s plantation. It was in the winter I think in Dec [December] when the Army came into Liberty Co. The Yankee soldiers took those things; they come a good bunch at a time. They were no time taking it away I don’t know how long they were taking it away.

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

There were present at the Claimant’s house when this property was taken, Morris LeConte, and Henry LeConte, Isaac LeConte and 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 no officers there just the soldiers were present I couldn’t tell officer from privates at that time. I saw a man on a horse when they first came there who gave orders to take the property. They said never mind old man you’ll be satisfied after awhile.

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 horses from the stables and catch them and lead them away. They shot the hogs they went to the pen and shot them there. They went on and took the whole of the property then without saying anything more about it.

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

This property was taken away at first in wagons and then on horses and any kind of way.

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?

It was removed to the camp. I did not follow it. I know because I heard people say so and I been there once. I went to the camp as soon as it was done taken.

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 help them, all the good hogs to eat. I suppose they took them to help them in the army. I saw them using some of this property. I saw them eating some of the fowls on the plantation and some of the 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 claimant make complaint but once. He went to an officer or soldier. He told him about the property they had taken but they did not talk much. He told them all he had lost they said you can’t tell you might won’t lose it if you stay in one place.

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 the claimant 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 daytime unless they took some fowls at night – when they staid [stayed] there.

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 about 7 or 8 miles from the Claimant’s house when this property was taken. It was called I think Kilpatricks Army that was encamped at Midway. They came up I think to get this property the next day after they got into camp. The Army staid [stayed] at Midway about 2 or 3 weeks. There had been no battles or skirmishes there. I did not know the quartermasters or any other officers of the Army.

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

This property was in good order when taken. The hogs were some of them in the pen and some outside and all in good flesh.

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 2 horses. The oldest was 9 or 10 years old. The youngest was colt of the older one I think she was 4 or 5 years old when she had colt. I dont [don’t] know how old the colt was. They were good sizable horses in good order and well broken. They took these mares away by leading them off with a halter. I saw them. The claimant had these horses a long time before freedom. He had been raising horses, hogs, and such things a long time.

Item 3-4. He had a good bunch of hogs I think about 20 or more. I think he had 4 or 5 fattening in the pen, these would weigh 160 – 170 lbs along there. The sows inside I think would weigh 130 or 140 lbs they were big sows. I think the shoats would weigh from 80 to 90 some of them down to 60 lbs They put these hogs on to their horses.

Item No 6. He had a good chance of poultry He had I think 10 or 12 doz [dozen] of the chickens I think there ought to have been as many as that. I never counted them regular myself but I reckoned them up after the Yankees took them. What they didn’t use up that night they took off on their saddles.

Item No 7. I think there were 8 or 9 doz [dozen] eggs. I see them fry the eggs.

Item No 8. He had a lots of hives. My rough guess he had ought to have 60 or 70 hives of honey. I saw them take this honey they just robbed the hives and took the honey and ate some there and took some away in buckets.

Item No 9. I think they took about 10 bus [bushel] of rough rice. It was in the house on the floor, they put it into bags 3 or 4 or 5 bags I think the bags would hold 2 bus [bushel] or more I think they took some rice in wagons and some on horseback I am not positive about it.

Item No 10. The ducks were not so many as the fowls. I think he had a doz [dozen] and a half of ducks; they took these off as they did the poultry.

Item No 11. He had a common one horse spring buggy. He had it about a year before the raid It was painted a kind of greenish and yellow like it was a nice little buggy tho’; the soldiers took the claimants horse and leather harness and put him into the buggy and drove off. The harness was bought with the buggy. He used his horse and buggy and drove to church. He had use for his 2 horses, one for a buggy horse, and the other for his farming. This property all belonged to my brother. Slaves could own property their masters allowed them to hold property and buy and sell. Claimant had commenced a long time ago to raise and own property as soon as he had a wife he commenced to hold property and has been having it ever since. I never heard my master claim these horses nor any of the other property as his.

[signed] Joshua LeConte [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (William LeConte)

My name is William Le Conte. I was born in Liberty Co Ga, a slave became free when Kilpatricks crowd came in. I don’t know my age about 25 or 30 years old. I live on Joe LeConte’s place. I am a farmer. I don’t know Primus LeConte. Witness discharged by claimant’s attorney, at the suggestion of Special Commissioner.

Virgil Hillyer
Special Commission
State of Georgia

Testimony of Witness (Amos Harris)

My name is Amos Harris. I was born in Liberty Co, a slave; became free when the Yankee came here. I am about 30 years old I think, I live on Dr Joe LeConte’s plantation in Liberty Co Ga. I am a farmer. I know the claimant Primus LeConte. I am not related to him at all. I have no interest in his claim. I was present when this property was taken from Mr Primus LeConte I saw it all taken.

Item No 1 and 2. He had 2 horses a Bay and a sorrel mare. I think the oldest was 11 or 12 years old and the youngest between 6 or 7 years old. One was a very large one and the other a medium size. They were both fat and good work horses in good order. I saw the soldiers take these horses. They said these soldiers belonged to Kilpatricks Army. The soldiers said so themselves. They said their horses broke down and these were fine horses and they wanted them. They took 9 horses from colored people right there.

Item 3 and 4. He had some 16 head of hogs so far as I can remember. They were barrows and sows: the most of them were Bacon hogs big and fat, some would weigh 160 to 140 lbs. The others some 80 and 90 and 100 lbs may be more but thats as near as I can scribe. They took these hogs off on horseback and in wagons. They killed them.

Item No 6. I think he had some 15 pr [pair] of fowls. I know he had a lot for I helped them catch till I was tired: they swing the fowls right on the horses.

Item No 7. I think there were 20 doz [dozen] of eggs They set them in the wagon in a bed I packed them for them myself.

Item No 8. 20 hives of honey. I counted these Beehives myself. I was glad they came thru because I could get some of the honey we didn’t rob hives usually in the winter. I ate all I wanted. They carried the honey in buckets what they left – they didn’t leave much after they had done eating They took all but 1 hive which we hid but they found it.

Item No 9. I know he had plenty of rice but I don’t know how much. I did not see any of it taken.

Item No 10. I think he had 10 pr [pair] of ducks he always had plenty of ducks. I helped catch them They just swung them on their horses and took them off that way.

Item No 11. This was a painted yellow buggy one horse spring buggy. He used it Sunday’s; I think he had it 2 or 3 years I was not certain about it. It was in good order. He had a leather harness which he bought with the buggy it was not a new one. They took the claimant’s horse and hitched into this buggy using claimants harness. They used the buggy to carry corn and fowls and ducks and such things just as much as they could put on so they couldn’t ride in it had to walk alongside of it.

This property all belonged to the claimant. I see him claim it all and I know he was raising things and I hear the old people say he used to raise hogs. He had been raising horses, hogs, fowls and ducks, and such things as these in his account ever since I can recalled. I never heard anybody else claim these things of his. Claimant’s master had all his slaves work by the task After we had done our task we had all the rest of the time to work for ourselves. Our masters allowed us to raise and sell these things for ourselves. I never knew a master to claim the property of his slave earned in this way.

[signed] Amos Harris [signed by mark]

Witness E. E. Adlington

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