Richard Livingstone – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: This is the claim of a colored man, formerly the slave of one Matthews of Liberty Co. Ga. The proofs furnished in support of it are as nearly worthless as testimony can be when direct answers are given to important questions. This is illustrated by the answer to the printed interrogatory numbered 70, required to be put to colored claimants. The claimant lived, according to his own testimony, in bondage, until the war closed. In all cases where former slaves file claims, we require strict proof of the ownership of the property. We are not to suppose that a slave from before the war ‘till Dec ‘64 was in possession & the absolute owner of eleven head of cattle, 25 hogs, a horse, buggy, harness & considerable other property in all to the value of nearly a thousand dollars without reasonable proof to establish such an exceptional case. This is one of a number of cases of colored claimants in Liberty Co Ga filed by the same attorney in which the testimony was taken by the same Com’r at about the same date. To say that this testimony was all machine-work would not improperly characterize it. A form is followed in every case, & the answers are as nearly alike as is possible, varying only as to the amount, character of property, and names of parties. The proof of ownership is not satisfactory, & the claim is disallowed.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: The above list was the original list was the claim was submitted in 1872; when it was re-done in 1877, it was the same list but the word “about” was removed from all items. The 1877 testimony was taken at #3 A & G Rail Road with R.Q. Cassels acting as counsel. The adjudication on the claim said that he had been the slave “of one Matthews of Liberty Co. Geo.,” yet the testimony clearly says that he was enslaved by George W. Walthour. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear.]

Testimony of Claimant
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Richard Livingston 60 years Liberty County Georgia all my life Farmer

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

I am Claimant

66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?

I was raised and labored for it

67. If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land?

from plantation Liberty County Ga over 200 acres about 40 acres cultivated

68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?

no

[Question 69 only asked of women]

The following questions will be put to colored claimants:

70. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? If ever a slave, when did you become free? What business did you follow after obtaining your freedom? Did you own this property before or after you became free? When did you get it? How did you become owner, and from whom did you obtain it? Where did you get the means to pay for it? What was the name and residence of your master, and is he still living? Is he a witness for you, and if not, why not? Are you in his employ now, or do you live on his land or on land bought from him? Are you in his debt? What other person besides yourself has any interest in this claim?

Slave at end of war Farming before freedom before the war Bought and raised labored for it Geo [George] W Walthour Liberty County Ga dead He is not witness because dead no no no no no one

[Question 71 not applicable]

The following questions will be put to claimants and witnesses who testify to the taking of property, omitting in the case of each claimant or witness any questions that are clearly unnecessary:

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was I did 11 Cows 25 head hogs, Horse Buggy and Harness Saddle and Bridle 34 Fowls 7 Bee hives Bedding and Furniture 8 Bush[el] Ground Peas 30 bush[el] Rice 35 bush[el] Corn 15 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 30 bushel Potatoes

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

In daytime openly

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.

I complained to officer Said I would get it back no good

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts.

none because I did not know any better

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress, or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any other authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented?

no no no no

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

Troops were in camp at my house

78. You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.
The Cows were Stock Cattle Walthour plantation Liberty County 11 Head I counted them worth 20 dollars a head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and drove rest off over 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons took them at different times 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not stop it

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Walthours plantation liberty County Ga 25 Head counted them worth about 6 dollars a head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot them at different times butchered them and carried them off on horse 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons 2 officers present Knew by dress Said i would get it back Believe officers ordered it because there were present and did not stop it

The Horse was sorrel color Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 150 00 dollars December 20 or 21 1864 Kilpatricks Army Led Horse off about 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ¼ of an hour to Camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present and did not prevent

The Buggy and Harness were second handed Mr Walthours Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 60 or 75 Dollars December 20 or 23rd 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Horse in it and drove off to camp 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ¼ of an hour to Camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered because they were present and did not stop it

The Saddle and Bridle were second handed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 10 00 dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on horse and carried it off 500 Men and Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ¼ an hour to Camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing only that I will get it back Believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not stop it

The Fowls were grown Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 34 head counted them worth about 50 cts [cents] a Head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army shot them tied them to Saddles about 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ an hour to Camp 2 officers present Said I will get pay for them Believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not interfere

The Bee Hives were full of Honey Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Hives counted them worth 3 dollars a piece December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Broke Hives open and took Honey out 500 Men and Horses about 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 2 officers present Knew them by dress Said nothing only that I would get it back Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Bedding and furniture were Quilts Blankets Sheets clothing etc Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth one hundred dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army carried provisions off in them 500 Men and Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were there and did not interfere

The Ground Peas were housed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 8 bushels measured them worth about 2 dollars a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in sacks carried it off in wagons 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ an hour to Camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing only that I would get pay for it after a while Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Rice was threshed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bushels measured worth about $50 a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked some and fed horses with it 500 Men and Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Corn was shucked in Ears Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 35 bushels measured it worth one dollar a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army fed some to Horses and carried rest off in sacks 500 Men and Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said that I would get pay for it Believe officers ordered it because there were present

The Syrup was in Barrels Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 15 Galls [Gallons] worth one dollar a Gallon December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Barrels in wagon and carried it off 500 Men and Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said they had to have it for Horses Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Potatoes were banked Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army tore Banks down carried it off in wagons 500 Men and horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by dress Said I would get pay for it Believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 31st Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way
Special Comr [Commissioner]

his
Richard Livingston
mark

Testimony of Witness (W.A. Golden, alt: Golding)

1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

W. A. Golden 60 years Liberty County Ga all my life Farmer

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

not related to claimant not interested

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Richard Livingston

53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?

all his life

54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?

about 500 yards

55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?

Saw him every day

56. Did you converse with the claimant about the war, its causes, its progress, and its results? If so, try to remember the more important occasions on which you so conversed, beginning with the first occasion, and state, with respect to each, when it was, where it was, who were present, what caused the conversation, and what the claimant said in substance, if you cannot remember his words.

no

57. Do you know of anything done by the claimant that showed him to be loyal to the Union cause during the war? If you do, state what he did, when, where, and what was the particular cause or occasion of his doing it? Give the same information about each thing he did that showed him to be loyal.
He cheerfully gave up all he had to them and followed them

58. Do you know of anything said or done by the claimant that was against the Union cause? If so, please state with respect to each thing said or done, what it was, when it was, where it was, and what particular compulsion or influence caused him to say or do it.

no

59. If you have heard of anything said or done by the claimant, either for the Union cause or against it, state from whom you heard it, when you heard it and what you heard.

Never heard any thing against the union cause

60. What was the public reputation of the claimant for loyalty or disloyalty to the United States during the war? If you profess to know his public reputation, explain fully how you know it, whom you heard speak of it, and give the names of other persons who were neighbors during the war that could testify to this public reputation.

He was considered loyal by all who knew him by his duty talk and actions

61. Who were the known and prominent Union people of the neighborhood during the war, and do you know that such persons could testify to the claimant’s loyalty?

Lawrence Girardeau William Bacon I know they would

62. Were you, yourself, an adherent of the Union cause during the war? If so, did the claimant know you to be such, and how did he know it?

I was

63. Do you know of any threats, molestations, or injury inflicted upon the claimant, or his family, or his property, on account of his adherence to the Union cause? If so, give all the particulars.

no

64. Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language?

no

65. Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimant’s loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars.

no

The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:

66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?

Richard Livingston by labor

67. If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land?

from plantation Liberty County over 200 acres about 40 acres cultivated

68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?

no

[Question 69 only asked of women]

The following questions will be put to colored claimants:

70. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? If ever a slave, when did you become free? What business did you follow after obtaining your freedom? Did you own this property before or after you became free? When did you get it? How did you become owner, and from whom did you obtain it? Where did you get the means to pay for it? What was the name and residence of your master, and is he still living? Is he a witness for you, and if not, why not? Are you in his employ now, or do you live on his land or on land bought from him? Are you in his debt? What other person besides yourself has any interest in this claim?

[Question 71 not applicable]

The following questions will be put to claimants and witnesses who testify to the taking of property, omitting in the case of each claimant or witness any questions that are clearly unnecessary:

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was I did 11 Cows 25 Head Hogs Horse Buggy and Harness Saddle and Bridle 34 Head Fowls 7 Bee Hives Bedding and Furniture 8 Bush[el] Ground Peas 30 bush[el] Rice 35 bush[el] Corn 15 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 30 bush[el] Potatoes

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

In any time openly

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.

Claimant made complaints to officers Officer said it would all be made right to us

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts.

not that I know of

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress, or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any other authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented?

no no no no

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

Troops were in camp at our place

78. You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.

The Cows were Stock Cattle Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 11 Head worth 20 dollars a Head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and drove rest off 4 or 500 Men [smudge] or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons Several days carrying cattle off Several officers present Knew them by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 25 Head worth about 6 or 7 dollars a head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed and butchered them on the place carried some off in wagons and Horseback 4 or 500 Men 3 or 400 horses 3 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp Several officers present – Knew by dress Said we would get pay for it Believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

The Horse was Sorrell color Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth $150 00 dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Led Horse off 500 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Buggy and Harness was Second handed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth $75 00 dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put horse in Buggy and carried provisions in it 500 or 600 Men and 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by Stripes Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Saddle and Bridle was second handed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 8 or 10 dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on horse 500 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ an hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Fowls were grown Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 34 Head worth about 50 cts [cents] a head December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot them tied them to Saddle 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to Camp Several officers present Said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because they were there

The Bee Hives were full of Honey Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Hives worth 3 or dollars a Head [Hive?] December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army broke hives and took out Honey 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ an hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Bedding and Clothing were Quilts and Blankets Beds etc Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 100 00 dollars December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army carried provisions off in them 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Ground Peas were Housed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 8 Bushels worth 2 or 3 dollars a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in sacks and carried off in Wagons 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Rice ws threshed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bushels judge that quantity worth $1 50 dollars a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked some and fed some to Horses 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said you will get pay for it Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Corn was Shucked and in Ear Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 35 bushels judge that quantity worth one dollar a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked it put it in wagons 500 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Syrup was in Barrell Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 15 Galls [Gallons] worth one dollar a Gallon December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Barrell in wagon and carried it off 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Potatoes were in Bank Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 20 or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Tore Bank down and carried off in wagons 5 or 600 Men 3 or 400 Horses 30 or 40 Wagons about one hour to Camp Several officers present Knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 31 Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

W. A. Golding [signed his own name and signed it “Golding”]

Testimony of Witness (Georgia Marshall)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Georgia Marshall about 50 years Liberty County all my life

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

not related not interested in Claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Richard Livingston

53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?

all my life

54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?

about ½ mile

55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?

every day

56. Did you converse with the claimant about the war, its causes, its progress, and its results? If so, try to remember the more important occasions on which you so conversed, beginning with the first occasion, and state, with respect to each, when it was, where it was, who were present, what caused the conversation, and what the claimant said in substance, if you cannot remember his words.

no

57. Do you know of anything done by the claimant that showed him to be loyal to the Union cause during the war? If you do, state what he did, when, where, and what was the particular cause or occasion of his doing it? Give the same information about each thing he did that showed him to be loyal.

don’t know

58. Do you know of anything said or done by the claimant that was against the Union cause? If so, please state with respect to each thing said or done, what it was, when it was, where it was, and what particular compulsion or influence caused him to say or do it.

no

59. If you have heard of anything said or done by the claimant, either for the Union cause or against it, state from whom you heard it, when you heard it and what you heard.

never heard anything

60. What was the public reputation of the claimant for loyalty or disloyalty to the United States during the war? If you profess to know his public reputation, explain fully how you know it, whom you heard speak of it, and give the names of other persons who were neighbors during the war that could testify to this public reputation.

Everybody knew him to be a union man have heard him say so many times

61. Who were the known and prominent Union people of the neighborhood during the war, and do you know that such persons could testify to the claimant’s loyalty?

Toney Golden Brister Fleming I know they would

62. Were you, yourself, an adherent of the Union cause during the war? If so, did the claimant know you to be such, and how did he know it?

I was

63. Do you know of any threats, molestations, or injury inflicted upon the claimant, or his family, or his property, on account of his adherence to the Union cause? If so, give all the particulars.

no

64. Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language?

no

65. Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimant’s loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars.

no

The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:

66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?

Richard Livingston raised and bought it

67. If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land?

from plantation Liberty County don’t know number of acres

68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?

not that I know of

[Question 69 only asked of women]

The following questions will be put to colored claimants:

70. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? If ever a slave, when did you become free? What business did you follow after obtaining your freedom? Did you own this property before or after you became free? When did you get it? How did you become owner, and from whom did you obtain it? Where did you get the means to pay for it? What was the name and residence of your master, and is he still living? Is he a witness for you, and if not, why not? Are you in his employ now, or do you live on his land or on land bought from him? Are you in his debt? What other person besides yourself has any interest in this claim?

[Question 71 not applicable]

The following questions will be put to claimants and witnesses who testify to the taking of property, omitting in the case of each claimant or witness any questions that are clearly unnecessary:

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was I did
11 Cows 9 or 10 Hogs Horse Buggy and Harness Saddle and Bridle 34 Head Fowls 7 Bee Hives Bedding and Furniture 8 Bushels Ground Peas 30 bushels Rice 35 bushels Corn 15 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 30 bushels Potatoes

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

In day time openly

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.

don’t know

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts.

not that I know of

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress, or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any other authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented?

no no no no

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

Troops were camped

78. You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.

The Cows were Stock Cattle Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 11 Head judge that number worth about 20 dollars a head December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and drove rest off 4 or 500 Men 2 or 300 Horses 50 or 60 Wagons [smudge] cows for several days don’t know if officers were there Said they wanted them to eat (11) don’t know

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 25 Head worth 5 or 6 dollars a head December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed them on the place 5 or 600 Men 2 or 300 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about 2 hours to camp don’t know if officers were there Said they had to have meant for army (11) don’t know

The Horse was Sorrell color Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County worth $150 00 dollars December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Led horse off 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about 1 hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said they wanted it for the army (11) don’t know

The Buggy and harness was not new Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 75 or 80 dollars December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put horse in it and drove it off 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about one hour to camp don’t know if officers were there Said they had to have it (11) don’t know

The Saddle and Bridle was not new Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 10 or 12 dollars December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army carried it off on Horse5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about ½ hour to camp don’t know if officer was present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Fowls were grown Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 34 Head judge so worth 50 or 60 cts [cents] a head December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army shot them and tied them to saddle 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about 2 hours to Camp don’t know if officers were present Said they wanted them to eat (11) don’t know

The Hives were full of Honey Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Hives worth 3 or 4 dollars a piece December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army broke Hives and took out Honey 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about 2 hours to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Bedding and Clothing were Quilts Blankets Beds etc etc Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga worth 90 or 100 dollars December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army tied up provisions in it 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about ½ hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Ground Peas were Housed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 8 Bushels worth 2 dollars a bushel December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put in sacks and carried it off in wagon 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about ½ hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Rice was threshed Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bushels judge that much worth $1.50 pr [per] bushel December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put in sacks 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about a hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Corn was Shucked and in Ear Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 35 bushels judge that amt [amount] worth one dollar a bushel December 19 or 20 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it sacks 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about 2 hours to camp don’t know if officers were present Said they wanted it for army (11) don’t know

The Syrup was in Barrell Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 15 Galls [Gallons] worth one dollar a Gallon December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put barrell in wagon 5 or 600 Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about one hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

The Potatoes were in Bank Mr Walthours plantation Liberty County Ga 30 bush[el] judge that much worth one dollar a bushel December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in wagon [smudge] Men 4 or 500 Horses 40 or 50 Wagons about one hour to camp don’t know if officers were present Said nothing (11) don’t know

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 31 Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

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Georgia Marshall
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