Mary H. Bird – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: Mrs. Bird in her testimony says that she had three sons in the Confederate Army to whom she provided clothes, money & horses & supplies whenever she could get a horse and that her and her husband’s sympathies were with the Rebellion.
Claim disallowed.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: Claim file contained letters of administration to James W. and J.L. Bird on the estate of James R. Bird, claimant’s husband, dated March 5, 1866. An included deposition stated that her four youngest children were under age 16 in April 1865, and that her husband died before the property was taken. ]

State of Georgia
Liberty County

Personally came before me Henry Way Special Commissioner of Claims for Liberty County Mary H Bird who being duly sworn deposes and says that all the property specified and named in Claim No 13876 was the property of the Estate of J R Bird and said Claim No 13876 was filed for the Estate of James R Bird deceased and defendent [defendant] further swears that the following is a correct and true statement of the names and ages of her children on the 11th day of January 1865 –
James W Bird 29 years old
Israel L Bird 25 years old
Robinson P Bird 23
Sarah J Bird 20
Martha E Bird 17
Susan E Bird 14
George P Bird 13
Mary O Bird 10
Georgia T Bird 7

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 18th day of Feby [February] 1878

Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Mary H Bird

In the case of Mary H Bird vs United States
Before the Commissioner of Claims Under Act of Congress of March 3. 1871 and May 11. 1872

State of Georgia } S.S.
Liberty County } S.S.

The disposition of Mary H. Bird the claimant taken before Virgil Hillyer Esq [Esquire] Special Commissioner of the Southern Claim Commission on Mary E Boggs place in Liberty County to be used in the investigation of a claim against the United States now pending before the Commissioner of Claims under act of Congress of March 3. 1871 and May 11. 1872 in the name Mary H Bird v.s. United States in the presence of M.J. ODonoghue Claimants Counsel –

General Interrogatory by Special Commissioner

My name is Mary H Bird. I was born in Burke Co in this State I am 59 years old I reside on Taylors Creek in Liberty County I am a widow – My husband died in 1864 My son James Bird is the Adm’r [Administrator] on the Estate I have nine children living: six are of age the other a minor. I am the Claimant in this case. My husband died before the property was taken; at the time the property was taken only two of my children then were of lawful age I held the property in trust for the heirs. I was advised by Dr Johnson and Mr Boggs to commence or enter the Claim in my own name they thought I was the proper person to make the claim – after the Adm’r [Administrator] was appointed the other property belonging to the Estate was divided – so far as it could be – among the children. I am willing to have the account paid on to the Adm’r [Administrator] the heirs are all willing and agree that I was entitled to this claim if it was collected.

1st Set Interrogatories by Special Commissioner
Testimony of Claimant

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

[Answer not recorded]

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 resided from the 1st of April 1861 to the 1st of June 1865 on Taylor Creek on my place. This is between 4 and 5 hundred acres I think during the war we cultivated about two hundred acres – that year the year of the raid we had about one hundred acres in Corn – the farm is situated on Taylor Creek – My husband had two mills one was a steam mill and the other water mill he sawed lumber and ground Corn – after the war commenced he turned his attention more to the farm during the war he ground for the whole County almost and sawed occasionally – he did not change that business during the war.

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?

I did not pass beyond the military line of the United States and enter the rebel lines neither did my husband we both remained within the Confederate lines – we did not leave the State of Georgia during the war

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.

I did not take any such oath or affirmation I do not know whether my husband did or not.

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 went to Hinesville and took an oath I suppose it was the Amnesty oath – it was after my husband’s death.

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

I never directly or indirectly held any such office neither did my husband

7. Did you ever hold any office or place of trust, honor, or profit under the Confederate Government, or under any of the States or Territories subordinate thereto? If so, state the nature and character of the office, the place at which, and the period for which you held it?

I never held any place of trust honor or profit under the Confederate Government or under any of the States or Territories subordinate thereto, neither did my husband

8. Did you hold any clerkship or have any agency or employment of any kind, for, or under, or for the benefit of the so-called Confederate States? If so, state fully in regard to the same.

I never held any such positions neither did my husband

9. Were you ever, in any capacity, in the military or naval service of the so-called Confederate States, or of any State or Territory subordinate thereto?

I never was in any such capacity neither was my husband

10. Were you ever an officer or soldier in the Confederate army? If yea, when, where, how long, and when did you leave such service? [Each one of these questions must be fully answered.]

I never was an officer or soldier in the Confederate Army – neither was my husband

11. Were you ever in the State militia of any State while subordinate to the Confederacy? If yea, state when, where, how long, and when you left the service?

I never was in the State Militia of any State while subordinate to the Confederacy neither was my husband.

12. Were you ever in the home guard, or upon any vigilance committee, or committee of safety, which subject to the Confederacy? If yea, state when, where, and how long? 13. If you claim that you were conscripted into the rebel service, state fully all the circumstances.

I never was in the home guard or upon any vigilance committee or committee of safety while subject to the Confederacy – neither was my husband.

14. Did you ever furnish a substitute for the rebel army? If yea, state fully all the circumstances.

I never furnished a substitute for the rebel army neither did my husband.

15. Were you directly or indirectly, or in any way, connected with or employed in the quartermaster’s department of the Confederate service or the commissary’s department, or the medical department, the engineers’ department, the ordnance department, the impressment service, the provost-marshal’s department, or any other branch of the Confederate service?

I never was directly or indirectly or in any manner so connected or so employed neither was my husband

16. Were you employed on any railroad in the service of the Confederate government? Did you aid in the transportation of soldiers, munitions of war, or supplies for the Confederate government? If yea, state fully all the circumstances. If you claim that what you did was not “giving aid or comfort” to the rebel cause, state fully all the facts and reasons for such your claim.

I never was employed on any railroad in the service of the Confederate government and neither was my husband. I did not aid in the transportation of soldiers or supplies for the Confederate government neither did my husband

17. Did you at any time have charge of any stores or supplies for the use of the Confederate army, navy, or government, or the charge or care of trains, team or teams, wagon or wagons, vessels, boats, or other craft, or munitions of war, for the use of the Confederate army or navy? If so, state fully in regard to the same.

I never had at any time any such charge neither did my husband

18. Were you ever in any service, employment, or business of any kind whatsoever for the Confederate government, or its army or navy? Did you ever furnish any aid, or any supplies or stores, or property of any kind, to or for the so called Confederate States, or any State in rebellion, or to the army, navy, militia, home guards, armed forces, or military organizations thereof, or for any officer, soldier, or sailor thereof? If so, state fully in regard to the same. Did you ever give any information to any officer, soldier, or sailor of the Confederate army or navy, or to any person employed by or for the so-called Confederate States, or acting on their behalf, or for their benefit, which might aid in any way any military or naval operations carried on against the United States? State fully in regard to the same.

I never was in any service employment or business of any kind for the Confederate government or its Army or Navy neither was my husband. The only aid I furnished or supplied of any kind was to my own Children I never gave any such information neither did my husband.

19. Were you in any manner employed in the manufacture of munitions of war, of clothing, of boots, shoes, saddles, harness, or leather; of equipment for soldiers, or of any stores or supplies for the use of the Confederate army or navy; or were you in any way employed by, or did you aid or assist, others engaged in such manufacture? If so, state when and where, and by or for whom you were so employed, and for what period of time?

I never was in any manner so employed neither was my husband

20. Were you ever, directly or indirectly, employed in the collection, impressment, or purchase, or the sale of stores, supplies or any property for the use or benefit of the Confederate government, or any State in rebellion, or the army, navy, or other forces thereof? Did you have any interest or share in contracts with, or purchases for, the Confederate government, or its army or navy, or any State in rebellion, or its forces? If so, state fully all particulars.

I never was directly or indirectly so employed neither was my husband. I never had any interest or share in contracts with or purchases for the Confederate government or its Army or Navy or any State in rebellion or its forces – neither did my husband

21. Were you ever engaged in blockade running, or illicit traffic or intercourse between the lines, or were you ever in any way interested therein? Did you ever have any interest or share in any goods, wares, merchandise, stores, or supplies brought into or exported from the so-called Confederate States during the war? If so, state fully all particulars.

I never was so engaged, neither was my husband I did not have any interest or share in any goods, wares merchandise, store or supplies brought into or exported from the so called Confederate State neither did my husband.

22. Did you leave the so-called Confederate States between the 19th of April, 1861, and 19th of April, 1865? If so, when and how did you leave; where did you go; for what purpose; how long were you absent; in what business were you engaged while absent, and when and to what place did you return in the so-called Confederate States?

I did not leave the so-called Confederate States between the 19th of April 1861 and the 19th of April 1865 neither did my husband

23. Were you the owner, or part owner, or in any way interested in any vessel used in navigating the ocean to or from any port in the Confederacy, or upon any waters in the Confederacy? If so, what vessels, when and where employed, and in what business?

I never was owner or part owner or in any way interested in any vessel used in navigating the ocean to or from any port in the Confederacy or upon any water in the Confederacy – neither was my husband

24. Were you ever arrested by the Confederate government, or by any officer, soldier, or other person professing to act therefor, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, and how long were you kept under arrest? How did you get released? Did you, for the sake of being released, or upon release, take any oath of any kind to the Confederate government? If so, what? [Put the same questions as to arrest by the United States Government, etc.]

I never was arrested by the Confederate government or by any officer or other person professing to act therefor or for any State in rebellion or neither was my husband

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

I never had any property so taken neither did my husband to my knowledge they would come around and buy of my husband and pay for it – he sold them provisions and such like – he always got pay for what he let them have –

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

I never was threatened with damage or injury to my person family or property on account of my union sentiments neither was my husband to my knowledge

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

I never was in any way injured on account of my Union sentiments neither was my husband to my knowledge

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

I never contributed anything – any money or property in aid of the United States Government or in aid of the Union Army or Cause neither did my husband

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 United States Government or its Army or for the Union Cause during the war, neither did my husband.

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 have relatives in the Confederate Army I had three sons in the Confederate Army – James Washington, Israel Lafayette – Robinson Pulaski Bird I had nephews in the service I do not know how many I reckon 8, 9 or 10 I furnished my sons cloth clothing money and horse I did not furnish them with military equipment – I furnished my nephew with clothing nothing else I furnished them with supplies whenever I could get a chance; I mean to my sons – I did not send anything to my nephews – my sons all lived to get home and am now living – married and doing for themselves married since they returning from the service.

31. Have you owned any Confederate bonds or any interest or share therein; or had any share or interest in any loans to the Confederate government; or did you in any way contribute to support the credit of the so-called Confederate States during the late rebellion?

I have owned Confederate bonds I do not know how many my husband had; I think he used them to pay taxes with – I did not have any interest in any loan to the Confederate government or did anything to support the credit of the so-called Confederate States during the war the late rebellion I do not think my husband did – or had any interest in any loans

32. Have you ever given aid and comfort to the rebellion? If so, state fully all the circumstances.

I did not give any aid or comfort to the rebellion except what I was compelled to do by the so-called Confederate government – in the way of taxes and tithes – neither did my husband – to my knowledge

33. Were you ever engaged in making raids into the United States from Canada, or engaged in destroying the commerce of the United States in the lakes and rivers adjoining Canada?

I never was so engaged, neither was my husband

34. Were you ever engaged in holding in custody, directly or indirectly, any persons taken by the rebel government as prisoners of war, or any persons imprisoned or confined by the Confederate government, or the authorities of any State in rebellion, for political causes? If so, when, where, and under what circumstances? In what capacity were you engaged, and what was the name, rank, and command of your principal?

I never was directly or indirectly so engaged neither was my husband – to my knowledge

35. Were you ever a member of any society or association for the imprisonment, expulsion, execution, or other persecution of any persons on account of their loyalty to the United States, or did you ever assist in such acts?

I never was a member of any such society or operation for any such purpose neither was my husband to my knowledge.

36. Were you ever a paroled prisoner of the United States? Is so, when and where, and by whom paroled?

I never was a paroled prisoner of the United States neither was my husband.

37. Have you ever held any office in the Army or Navy of the United States? Were you educated by the United States at the Military Academy at West Point, or at the United States Naval Academy?

I never held any such office or was so educated neither did my husband or was he so educated –

38. Did you ever receive any pass from any officer of the Confederate government, or from any person having or assuming to have authority to issue the same? If so, who gave you the pass; for what purpose; for what period of time; did you sign or swear to any promise or obligation in order to get it; or swear or promise to bear “bear true faith and yield obedience to the Confederate States;” did you use the pass, and for what purpose?

I did have a pass from the Confederate Officer to visit my sons while they were in the service I did not take any oath to get the pass – My husband visited them three or four times – while they were in McIntosh County, stationed there, he did not have a pass I never heard of his having a pass I don’t think he did.

39. Are you or were you under the disabilities imposed by the Fourteenth Article of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States? Have you held any office under the United States Government since the war? If so, what office; and did you take the (so-called) “iron-clad” oath?

I was not under the disabilities imposed by the Fourteenth Article of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. I do not think my husband was – My husband died during the war and of course could not hold any such office.

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 my feelings were with the rebellion I had to go with my State I reckon my husband did too I do not know how he voted but he was a southern man, he was not in favor of the war, after the ordinance of secession was adopted my husband went with them went with the rest –

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 cannot say that from the beginning of the war or hostilities against the United States my sympathies were with the Union Cause. I was a Southern woman and had to go with the South I think that was my husband’s feelings too indeed I know it – My husband was loyal to the United States up to the time of breaking out of the war.

Mary H Bird

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

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

I was present when the articles of property specified in my account were taken.

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

I saw them 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.]

Item No 1 – 40 head of Cattle I saw them taken they took the cattle and drove them off the killed some there on my place and the balance they drove off

Item No 2 – 30 head of sheep they killed a part in the [word] the balance they drove down to the camp they said nothing to me nor I to them.

Item No 3 – 32 Hogs they killed on my place and as they were passing my house with the hogs in one of my wagons I went out and begged them to let me have some of the bacon hogs for I had not killed any of my bacon hogs except two and they took one of them the[y] told me to send my Darkies out and kill the stock hogs and eat them – I went back into the house and said nothing more to them.

Item No 4 – 2 Horses – one of the officers came into the house and said he wanted the Pony in the field. I told him he should not have him, he said he would and went and took him rode him off – they put the bridle on to the other and hitched him to the wagon – loaded the wagon with corn and drove off.

Item No 5 – 4 Wagons they came and took them and drove off said nothing to me or I to them that I remember of now.

Item No 6 – 500 Bushels Corn – they took did not leave me any at all I said to them that there was enough for them and to leave me a little but they did not leave any.

Item No 7 – 50 Bus [Bushels] Rice they took in the same way said nothing to me.
Item No 8 – 150 Bushels Potatoes they took with out saying anything.

Item No 9 – 400 lbs [pounds] Fodder nothing said at the taking.

Item No 10 – 600 lbs [pounds] sugar I had a part of the sugar hid – in the ground buried, they found it all and took it away. I stood and looked at them but said nothing

Item No 11 – 80 Gal [Gallons] Syrup a part of that was hid in the ground – but they found it I suppose the niggers told them I know they did [word]

Item No 12 – 1 Barrel they took that but there was nothing said.

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

The property was all taken on my place, they were taken on Wednesday the 8 day of Jay [January] 1865 and continued to take the property till it was all taken. The property was taken by soldiers belonging to Kilpatricks Command I saw more than one soldier engaged in the taking. I can’t tell how many soldiers there were present I never [word] to count them; all seemed to be helping – they commenced Wednesday morning about 10 OClock on Saturday PM about dark they left and had taken everything I had on the place —

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

My own Family and niece’s Family were present and some negroes at the taking –

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 was officers and noncommissioned officers present I did not hear any order given to take the property. I did not know the rank of the officers or the regiment to which they belonged they said they belonged to Gnal [General] Kilpatricks Command

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.

When they first came to my house they came in asked for the keys and searched the house for fire arms. I gave them the keys to store house and [word] house – I did not give them the key to the Corn house – they went out and commenced taking the property – they broke the Corn house door and knocked out one side of it The soldiers that came into the house said they had orders to search the house – that they hated to do it – they did not say that they had orders to take anything – but they went out and commenced to take the property

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

The property was removed in wagons and on horseback the farm products the cattle sheep and horse was driven off the wagons were hauled off – the corn was taken in wagons some in sacks on horse – the Fodder was hauled in wagons and some was taken on horses the Potatoes were taken in the same way in wagons and on horses. The property was all taken in that 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?

I suppose the property was taken to the Camps I do not know what else they would do with it I did not follow it. They started in the direction of the Camp

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

I do not know from my own knowledge for what use the property was taken I suppose and I believe it was taken for the use of army I did not go out among them and I did not see any of the property taken used by the U.S. Army

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 made no complaint further than I have already stated

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?

I do not know whether any portion of the property was taken at night or not I did not go out to see

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

When the property was taken the Army was encamped about one mile or one and half miles from where the property was taken. It was a portion of Kilpatricks Command they commenced taking the property soon after they arrived [word] they remained in camp about four days they left my house Saturday P.M. they left their camp on Sunday morning I did not hear of any battles or skirmishes before or after the property was taken. I did not know any of the officers or men

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 first rate condition all of it the farm products had been harvested and canned for the winter the corn was in the corn house and in the ear the Potatoes had been dry and banked – the Fodder nicely [word] and packed away in the barn – the cattle was fat and splendid order for beef- I think most of them were grown cattle I do not know how old they was or what they would weigh. The sheep were grown sheep and fat good mutton, the hogs were all fat hogs. I think they would weigh 200 lbs [pounds] – not on an [word] I do not know how old the horses one was a Pony and I think 12 or 13 years old I do not know how old the other was two of the wagons were new, the other two were in good fair condition not more than half worn

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.

I know how many cattle we had. I did not count them as they passed by and to the best of my knowledge and belief there were 41 head I did not count the sheep I arrived at the number of the sheep as I did at the number of the cattle and I am satisfied there were 30 head of sheep – I counted the hogs they were right in the pen and I know that I had 32 head of hogs. – The corn was measured by the wagon loads, there were two corn houses – they held three hundred bushels each, one was full and at least two hundred bushel in the other good judges said so; they the soldiers took it all The quantity of Rice was estimated by the bulk. We had Rice in the same place before and my husband used to say it held 50 Bus [Bushels] – The Potatoes were estimated by the Bank – and I think there was 150 bushels at least The fodder was estimated by the bulk and the house where we kept fodder we always kept it in the same place – the sugar was estimated by the Barrel we had three barrels and a half they took it all. The syrup was in bowls that had been measured some was in jars – I think there was 80 Gal [Gallons] at least – I have no other means of getting at the quantity – I never made any demand upon any body for pay or part pay on this account. I never received any pay or any portion of the account from any body

Mary H. Bird

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

Testimony of Witness (Sarah A. Wilson)

My name is Sarah A Wilson – I was born in Liberty County I am 46 years old I live on Taylor Creek in Liberty County ten miles from here. I am a house-keeper I know the Claimant

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

I was present when the articles specified in Claimants account was taken

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

I saw them taken. I saw the Beef Cattle, the sheep, the hogs the horse wagon the Corn, the Rice the Potatoes, the Fodder, the sugar, the syrup and the flour 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.]

Item No 1 41 head of beef Cattle I did not hear any thing said they came there on Claimants place and commenced driving them off

Item No 2 – 30 head of Sheep they were taken at the same time.

Item No 3 32 head of hogs. I heard her the claimant beg to have them leave one of the meat but they did not; they did not leave a mouthful I don’t think they left a stock hog even on the place they told her to go to Savannah and they would feed her.

Item No 4 2 Horses. I heard her son beg them not to take the little pony I don’t think they made any reply

Item No 5 4 Wagons she begged and we all begged but it did no good they took the wagons and one or two buggies they said they would return them they had no use for them after they got the provisions to the camp but they did not come back

6th Item 500 Bus [Bushel] Corn – Claimant begged for a little corn but it was no use they took it all

Item No 7 50 Bus [Bushel] Rice was taken and nothing said more than had been on the taking the corn and other articles

Item 8 – 150 Bus [Bushel] Potatoes I saw them take the Potatoes they were asked to leave some of the Potatoes but they did not leave a peck for us

Item No 9 4000 lbs [pounds] Fodder there was nothing said about taking the Fodder it was only for such articles as we wanted for food in the family that anything was said or asked for

Item No 10 – 600 lbs [pounds] sugar – they took it all they did not leave any they fed some to their horses –

Item No 11 80 Gal [Gallon] Syrup they took it all – I think they gave some to the niggers they did not give her one drop nor her children

Item No 12 1 Barrel Flour – they took that out of the barrel and put it into sacks – nothing said.

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 articles of property were taken on Mrs Bird’s place on Taylor Creek. They were taken when the Yankee Army passed through the County I reckon it was some time in Jany [January] 1865. I do not know the day of the month – they came on Wednesday – the property was taken by soldiers belonging to General Sherman’s Army I saw more than one soldier engaged in taking the property I can’t begin to tell the number there were hundreds though – they all seemed to be engaged – they was all as busey [busy] as they could be – they came Wednesday morning and left on Saturday evening they were coming and going all the time.

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

Claimant’s Children – and my Children and some colored people was present

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 whether there was any U.S. officers present or not – I think there were some Captains and some Lieuts [Lieutenants] I do not know the name of any of them I only know that it was said they belonged to General Kilpatricks Cavalry – I knew they belonged to the Union Army because they were dressed in blue, the Confederate soldiers were dressed in Gray

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 property was taken by the soldiers some was put into sacks – some in wagons some in buggies and some on horseback, they killed the hogs I saw them shooting the hogs putting them on to horses and start off – they knocked the heads off the sugar barrels and put the sugar into sacks – the flour was taken out of the barrels and put into sacks – there was nothing said at the time [word] more at the time of taking of this property than I have already related –

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

The property was removed in wagons and on horses – the Fodder was taken in wagons and on horses – both – the Potatoes were removed in the same way – in wagons and on horses, the corn most of it was taken away in wagons a great deal was taken away in sacks and on horses the property was all taken in the same way except the cattle and sheep they were driven 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?

It was removed to the Camps about 1 to 1 ½ miles off i did not follow it I saw them start in the direction of the camps I went to the camp ground the next morning after they left – they left Saturday and I went there on Sunday morning I saw a plenty of signs of property I saw milk [word] & Pails there which belonged to the Claimant that was evidence that Claimant property was taken 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 know the use for which the property was taken it was taken for the use of the soldiers and they said it was for that use I saw some of the property so used, right there on the place.

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 heard Claimant complain as I have already stated. She begged them to leave something for the family but they did not leave anything

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 voucher or receipt asked for I do not think there was any obtained.

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 all taken in the daytime at night it was my guess they all went to the camps at night and remained till the next morning

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

When the property was taken the Army or that branch of it were encamped in that vicinity – it was about 1 to 1 ½ miles off from the place where the property was taken I do not know the Company or regiment it was said to belong to Kilpatricks Command, there had been a little skirmish near there they remained there 3 or 4 days. I did not know any of the officers or men.

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 condition the farm products had been harvested and housed for the winter. The cattle I did not notice particularly but they were in good order and so the sheep the hogs were fat and ready to kill, the horses were in good order, I don’t know the ages of the horses one of them was a young horse, and the other was pretty old, one wagon was an ox wagon one a jersey wagon the other two were two horse wagons – the wagon two of them were right new the other was in good working 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.

I did not count the Cattle I only judge from what she had before the raid and what she had after the raid in that way I judge they took 41 head I did not count the sheep I judged the number to be 30 in the same way I judged the cattle. I judged the number of hogs in the same way – I do not know the quantity of corn the corn house was full and they took it all and some in another corn house they took that too. I do not know the quantity of Rice they took all she had I do not know anything about the quantity of Potatoes there was. I do not know how many banks she had I know they took all she had I do not know the quantity of fodder or sugar and syrup I saw the Barrels of Flour – and it was taken. The Claimant is my aunt –

S. A. Wilson.

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