John Bacon – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The clm’t [claimant] was the slave of Simon Frazer [alt: Frasier, Fraser] – was his driver or foreman & had more privileges than the other slaves. James B. Fraser the son of Simon Frazer testifies that the clm’t was foreman on his father’s plantation & owned the horse. The horse was a small bay pony – good saddle pony. Taking was by Kilpatrick’s men camped at Midway Church.

We allow $130.00.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: This claim was originally submitted with items 1-4, and items 5-8 were added in an amended claim. ]

Testimony of Claimant

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

My name is John Bacon. I was born in Liberty Co a slave became free after the raid came through. I am about 60 years old. I am a farmer. I am the claimant in this case.

2. Where did you reside from the 1st of April, 1861, to the 1st of June, 1865? If on your own land, what is the size of your farm? How much of your farm was cultivated, and how much was woodland? Where is it situated? What was your occupation during that time? Did you change your residence or business during that time? if so, where was your new residence, and what [was] your new business?

I lived from the first of April 1861 to the first of June 1865 at Fraziers a mile from No 3 Station A & G R.R. [Atlantic & Gulf Railroad]. I lived on my master’s plantation & managed for him attended to his business all this time.

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?

When I went to register I took an oath & this was the only oath I took.

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

The first & only thing I did for them was to help them by cooking for them the first day. I did all I could for them.

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

I sympathized with the Union cause at the beginning of the rebellion. I felt thankful for it when I heard of the war. I said hoping God might be with the Republican Army that they might gain the victory & my whole mind was upon it & at every news I hear I pray for it that they might gain the victory.

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 solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end my feelings & sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States, that I never did anything by word or deed to retard the success of the Union cause & that I was willing at all times to assist the cause of the Union so far as my means & the circumstances of the case 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.

I was a slave at the beginning of the war. I became free in Dec when the raid came through can’t remember the year nor the day. I was a farmer up to now except the first year after freedom when I worked out. I had a little crop to sell & bought some chickens & then I bought a fine large sow & gave $10.00 for her. This was about 10 years before the war & then I raised hogs & sold them till I bought a horse. This was about 8 years before freedom. This was a breeding mare & from this mare I raised this horse which the Yankees took from me. My former master was Simon Frazier. My old master died since freedom 4 years I think ago. I live right now on my own land. I bought this land of Wm. [William] W.W. Winn. I do not owe my former master anything at all. No one has any interest in this claim but myself. This is the first & only claim I have ever presented against the Gov’t.

2nd set of int[errogatories]

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

I was present when the Yankees took these things from me.

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

I saw these articles 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 didn’t say anything but just took them. They told us we were free & we were so thankful that day seemed like I could see the weight [word] off my shoulder. I didn’t study about the things that day.

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 articles were taken at Fraziers plantation where I was living at my house. They were taken in Dec at the time the Yankees came can’t tell the year but before Christmas. They were taken by the Yankee soldiers under Sherman. It was called Sherman’s Army. I saw more than one soldier taking the things. There were 50 or 60 there at my house they couldn’t all get hold of it at once. They didn’t take it all the first day. They took the horse & the hogs the first day; then they came back the 3rd day & took the rice & corn sweet potatoes & poultry. I would have put these things in my claim but I didn’t know what they would give me anything for it. That was the reason I didn’t give them in to Mr. Cay my attorney.

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

Washington Bacon, Henry Bacon, Sandy Powell & myself were present at my house 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 were officers present. I think there was a capt & Lieut. They were a horse company & they drill them. I did not hear any orders given but I think they worked by orders.

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 hogs by killing them. The two bearers [barrows] were in the pen & the sow was in the street & they shoot them & put them on the horses & they haltered the horse & took him away.

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 hogs were moved on horses & the horse was led away. The rice, corn, blanket were put in wagons & removed also the poultry.

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 Midway Church. I know because they started right back there after they took the things.

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 they took this property. They eat the hogs & the corn they fed I know & the rice I suppose they do the same because they didn’t eat such rice themselves. The[y] eat the potatoes.

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 on account of the taking of my things.

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 a 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 day time.

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

The Army was encamped when the property was taken in that vicinity. It was 3 miles from my place to where they were encamped. It was Sherman’s horse company I think. They had been in camp about 3 days before they came to my house. The army were there some portion of it 3 or 4 weeks at Midway. There had been no battles or skirmishes there in that vicinity. I did not know the quartermasters or any of the officers.

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

This property was in very good condition.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No 1: This horse was 4 years old going on 5. A medium sized horse a good working size fat. I raised this horse from the mare I bought. My master had no interest in this horse. I had rather have my freedom than any horse, the freedom couldn’t be [2 words] the horse. Glory to God. They led him off with a halter.

Item No 2: One large sow. She would weigh 200 lbs or more she was so fat she could hardly walk, she was about 3 years old. They took her away on a horse.

Item No 3: One would weigh about one of them 200 & the other 160 lbs. They were from this same sow. I had them fat for bacon. They killed them & put them on their horses & took them off in that way.

Item No 4: 5 bushels of rough rice. They took it in sacks & put it on the wagons.

Item No 5: 10 bushels of corn in the ear but I calculated & measured it that it would make 10 bush[els] shelled. They took this corn in the cart.

Item No 6: 5 bush[els] of potatoes. They were in my house. They took them in the cart sir.

Item No 7: One blanket & one quilt. The blanket was wool & the quilt cotton padded & quilted.

Item No 8: 12 head of poultry. They took it away in the cart.

17 & 18 passed.

19. I received no pay on this property from the Army or any body else. This is the first & only claim I have ever presented to the government. I did not thought [as in text] that the gov’t would pay me for these other articles that was why I did not have them entered in my petition. I mean my rice, corn, potatoes, poultry blanket & quilt. The weather was cold & they needed such things as blankets & quilts. I don’t know whether they had such things, but I really thought they stood in need of them. My master allowed me to raise & sell such things as I have got in my petition & other articles such as I have named in my application. My master allowed all his slaves to raise such things if they were a mind to save the time.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[Signed] John Bacon [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (Washington Bacon)

My name is Washington Bacon. I was born in Liberty County a slave became free when the raid came here. My master was Samuel* Frazier. I am about 40 years old. I live on Mr. Frazier’s place in Liberty Co. I am a farmer. I am no relation of the claimant. We all belonged at first to old Major Bacon & we took his name. John Bacon the claimant is in no way connected with me. I have no interest in his claim. I have known him all my life. I was raised with him. I used to talk with claimant about the war. The col’d [colored] people used to talk about the war & wanted the Yankees to come. John Bacon was always on the Yankee side.

[*NOTE: Could be mistake for “Simon”.]

2nd set of Int[errogatories]

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

I was present when this property of Mr. Bacon’s was taken.

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

I saw the soldiers take this property. I saw them take the horse & the hogs, the corn potatoes poultry. I don’t know about the rice & the blankets.

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 first time they asked if there were any Johnny Rebs around. I didn’t know what they meant at first. Then after I told them I didn’t know what they meant they asked if there were any rebel soldiers about. I told them yes there is some at the Station No 3 A & G R.R. [Atlantic & Gulf Railroad]. Then at that time they were on picket there & he said I think I see one now, then he called some soldiers up & they started out in the direction of No. 3 & pretty soon I heard firing & shooting & the Yankee soldiers soon returned to the plantation & after making some inquiries about potatoes they went on down the road. Then in the evening they returned back & [word] for the mules & horses & wagons. Mr. Bacon’s horse was hid with the mules belonging to the plantation. Then they got his horse, put a rope round his neck & led him off. Then they went off & come back the next day & came with wagons ready to take off whatever things they could get.

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

This property was taken on the Frazier place at the Bacon’s house. I do not know the month or the year but it was before Christmas when the Army came through here. The Yankee soldiers took the property from him. They were most of the day taking this property.

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

Mr. John Bacon was there. Henry Bacon Sandy Powell Jacob Quarterman Joe Spencer & others were there at his house when this property was taken.

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

I don’t know the rank of the officers present but there were officers there. I think it was Sherman’s Army. The officers looked on & did not object.

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 hogs, they were killed. I saw them kill them. The two barrows were in the pen & [several words faded]. I think they took them off in the cart. The corn was taken off on horse back & any way they could get it I believe.

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 carried it off on horse back & in wagons both.

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 it to camp I think because they went in the direction of the camp. I did not follow 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 thought they took it to eat. I did not see them feed Mr. Bacon’s property to their horses. I saw them feed there on the place I did not see them use the potatoes or poultry.

11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.

I did not hear any complaint made.

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 anybody for a 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.

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 at Medway Church I think. I think it was about as far as I could walk in an hour & a half. It was Sherman’s Army encamped there at Medway Church. They were horsemen. I can’t tell how long they staid [there]. There had been no battles or skirmishes. I did not know the quartermasters or the officers.

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

This property was in good order when taken. The potatoes were dug I don’t know remember if they were in ?banks? or not. The hogs in the pen were fat. The corn was in the house in the ear.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No. 1: This horse was a bay horse with blaze face, medium sized & in pretty good order. He raised it. They led him off.

Item No 2: One large sow. She was a fine big sow fat I do not know how much she would [weigh]. I saw them kill her. I think they took her off in cart.

Item No 3: He had two meat hogs in the pen. One was very large & both were fat. I saw them kill these hogs. I do not remember whether they took these hogs on horses or in carts. I disremember.

Item No 4. He had rice I don’t know how much. I saw them take it [word] fed it right there on the place. They fed it to themselves they eat it there.

Item No 5. Corn in the ear don’t know how much. I saw them take it off sir.

Item No 6: I couldn’t tell how much he had. They took this off in sacks & anything they could lay their hands on.

Item No 7: I did not see them take blankets & quilts. He had some I did not see them taken.

17 – 18 -19 passed.

After the Army passed the house was stripped of everything. I mean Mr. John Bacon’s house.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[signed] Washington Bacon [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (Henry Bacon)

My name is Henry Bacon. I was born in Liberty County a slave and became free when the Union raid came through. I am about 46 years old. I reside in Liberty County one mile from No 3 A & G R.R. [Atlantic & Gulf Railroad Stop #3]. I am a farmer. I am in no way related to Mr. John Bacon. I have no interest in his claim against the government. I have known the claimant for 18 or 20 years. I knew him all through the war intimately. We talked about the war when it was going on. We were both rejoiced when we heard the cannons go off for we thought and felt our freedom would come. We were both strong for the Yankees and wished for them to come.

2nd set of Int[errogatories]

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

I was present when the army took the property from Mr. John Bacon.

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

I saw the soldiers take the things specified in his claim.

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

I don’t remember now it is too long what they said but they went right in and took whatever they could get their hands on they stripped his house of everything he had.

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

They took these things from claimant’s house on Frazier place about one mile from No 3 A & G Railroad and when Genl Sherman’s Army came into the County I think the ??1st Tuesday?? In December I do not remember the year they were all taken right away after they came. The horse one day and the other things the next day.

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

Mr. John Bacon, Washington Bacon, Sandy Powell, and myself there were a party of others I can’t call to mind now their names.

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 saw officers there at the taking I do not know their rank but I knew they were officers from their dress I did not hear them give any order.

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 horse in the woods from where he was hid. They brot [brought] him to the house put the halter on him and led him off. They shot the hogs and lashed them on to the horses the rice was in his house in a large box put some into bags and took the rest out in the box the corn was in the ear in his house that was toted out in baskets put into wagons the potatoes were in claimant’s house they were taken out in baskets put into wagons.

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 & on horses.

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 think the things were removed to the camp at Midway Church I did not follow them any further than to see they took the Midway road.

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

I think they took the hogs & potatoes etc to eat. I think they came from a long way & their horses were pretty nigh wore out & I think they took the best ones they could find & I don’t blame [word] for the use of the army I did not see them using it any more than to carry it off.

11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.

I did not hear Mr. Bacon make any complaint to any officers.

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 receipts.

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 it was not taken secretly at all.

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?

They took claimant’s property the army was encamped at Midway Church about 8 miles off. I understood it was encamped there. I did not go there myself others did and I believed them when they told me. They staid at Midway about 3 weeks I think. They were foraging here all through the country I heard them complaining all round every direction that the army was taking their property. I did not know how things were at their camp but I think they did want it or else they wouldn’t [two words].

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 all in good condition when taken away.

16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.

Item No 1: This was a bay horse with a blaze in his face. 4 years old. He was a medium sized horse, in good order fat. He raised this horse from a colt. I know it belonged to him because I knew him personally & I knew his master allowed him to to own horses & such things. I saw the soldiers lead this horse away by a halter.

Items No 2 & 3: This was a large fat sow in good order, think she would weigh about 200 lbs. First he planted corn & after he made some he sold it & bought chickens & then he sold chickens & bought a sow & then he sold hogs & bought a horse. He was raising these things & selling a long time before he bought the horse. I saw them kill this sow. They took it off on the horse tied to the saddle. The meat hogs were in the pen. I think the largest one would weigh 200 lbs & the undersized one 160 lbs about. That is my own judgment from the looks of them not what any one else told me. They were taken on horses just as the other one cut open & took off the head & put the balance on the horse.

Item No 4: He had 5 bush[els] of rice, rough rice. I did not see it measured. I judged from the pile. I saw them carry it off in the cart. They put it into bags & into the cart.

Item No 5: 10 bush[els] I judged from the looks of the pile as I did the rice. It was in the ear. It was taken off as the rice in the cart.

Item No 6: I did not measure these potatoes nor see them measured but I judged from the pile in the house there was 5 bush[els]. They took them off as the rest.

Item No 7: I saw them take a blanket & a quilt from his house. It was a dark blanket, wool. The quilt was thick quilted. The weather was cold & I think the soldiers needed them or they would not have taken them.

Item No 8: 12 head of poultry I know how much he had in his house. I did not count them. They took the poultry off in the cart. I did not know what they wanted of it did not hear them say. Mr. Bacon’s master allowed him to raise such things as he had in his account. He was the foreman of his place & his master allowed him to own a horse & I don’t know about the other hands whether he would have allowed them to do so or not, they were allowed to raise chickens & hogs & such things.

Witness: E.E. Adlington

[Signed] Henry Bacon [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (Sandy Powell)

My name is Sandy Powell. I was born on Mr. Simon Frazier’s place in Liberty Co a slave. I became free at the time the raid came through. I reckon I am about 30 years old. I live on Mr. Frazier’s place right where I was born. I am a farmer. I rent land of Mr. Frazier & farm for myself. I pay him $20.00 for rent I think there are over 200 acres in the place & I have the use of it all. I think there are 40 or 60 acres planted. I am not related to the claimant. I have no interest in his claim at all. I was present at the claimant’s home when the soldiers came there to take this property. I saw them take it. I saw officers there with the soldiers. I did not hear any orders given to take the property. I saw them take a horse from him. He had [number illegible] head of hogs I saw the soldiers take them. I saw about [number illegible] bush[els] of rice. He had this measured & put away & what he was using off from was put in another place outside. He had corn 10 bush[els] I know by the way he arranged it when they broke it sir, there was so much. He had sweet potatoes in his house. He had 5 bush[els] by the way he had it measured & put up there in his house I think there was 5 bush[els] as far as I can think of it. They took away the rice corn potatoes in wagons. He had but one blanket & one quilt. It was a good blanket nearly new as good as new. The quilt was quilted with cotton in it. The soldiers took the clothing & everything in the house. He had about 12 head of poultry. They knocked some over with sticks & some they shot. They just tied them in little bundles & tied them on the saddle & when they first came they put them in wagons. This property belonged to Mr. John Bacon. I know he raised them himself. He bought this colt’s mother with hogs & raised this colt from her. I know all he was doing for I lived right on the place with him. I know how much he had so well because I was right there on the place & I was there when he put these things away. They measured the potatoes & rice & the corn they measured when they was breaking it in. They was allowed to thrash it in the barn yard when the master got through with his rice & they measure it in the barn yard to know how much they had. I always measured my corn, rice & potatoes every year when I put them away.

Witness E.E. Adlington

[Signed] Sandy Powell [signed by mark]

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

Testimony of Witness (James B. Fraser)
My name is James B. Fraser. I was born in Hinesville Liberty Co Ga. I am 26 years old. I reside at the [word] [image 62]. I am a merchant. I know Jack Baker the claimant. It is the old man Jack. I have no beneficial interest in his claim.

Questions by claimant’s attorney:

John Bacon was my father’s slave. He was a driver or foreman. His horse was a small bay pony. It was a good saddle pony. I did not see the Yankees take this horse. I think it was in Dec 1864 I saw the horse last I think it was not more than 2 days before the Yankees came that I saw the horse. We were ordered [word faded] here & my horse was tired & I borrowed Jack Bacon the claimant’s pony & rode him to the Ogeechee & then came back & returned him. 2 days after that the Yankees had got to my father’s plantation. I suppose a couple of weeks after this I was at my father’s plantation. The horse was not there. I did not see him. Everything in the way of hogs, poultry, provisions were gone from the place. My father allowed his negroes to raise chickens & hogs & such things etc & they were allowed to plant gardens & I believe rice for themselves. He did not work here as up country; the negroes here worked by task. That was invariably the practice throughout this county. Kilpatrick’s cavalry was here I think I think Midway Church was their headquarters but they were camped all about here.

Interrogatories by Special Com[missioner]:

The claimant was foreman on [word] this plantation ever since I can recollect. He was foreman during the war & at the time the Union army came through here. I guess the foremen were allowed to own more property than the other slaves. They were obliged to oversee all day. The other slaves were allowed to work in any way they chose for themselves after their tasks were done. I do not know much about the amount of time a slave could save by working at tasks because I was away at school until the war & then went into the service. The slaves were allowed to buy & sell but they had to get ?tickets & advice? with their masters.

[Signed] Jas. B. Fraser

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

[NOTE: Several pages of Joseph Bacon’s claim was included in John Bacon’s case file but the pages were duplicated in Joseph Bacon’s case file]

[Requisition #4638, dated April 25, 1877, reported April 19, 1877, and returned April 20, 1877, for $130 to John Bacon for “claims of loyal citizens for supplies furnished during the rebellion.”]

[Draft for $130 from the U.S. Treasury Department dated April 20, 1877, made payable to Raymond Cay, Jr [his name crossed out] James Atkins, Collector of Customs, Savannah, Georgia.]