Southern Claims Commission – James H. Johnson

Remarks: Claimant swears to his loyal sympathies but after the [words] his sympathies were with the people of the State. He had a son in the Rebel Army and furnished him a horse and some money and clothing.

One witness talked with claimant and thinks from the tone of his conversation that he was opposed to secession but never heard him talked of and don’t know how his neighbors regarded him.

That is all that is said on loyalty except that claimant was never molested nor harassed in any way and that he got passes to go to Savannah and to Charleston and returned.

We are not at all satisfied with the sufficiency of the testimony.

We reject the claim.

[Transcriber’s Comments: In the claim submission was stated: “Taken for the use of the Army of the United States under the command of Gen. Judson Kilpatrick of Gen. Sherman Army. The troops were camped near residence of claimant and were detained in said place in consequence of bad weather and rivers that were impossible. The Army in this portion of the state were short of provisions for the reason above stated. All this took place on or about the 9, 10 & 11th days of January 1865.” Testimony taken on 23 July 1872 at the home of Mary E. Baggs. ]

Testimony of Claimant

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

My name is James H. Johnson, my age 50 years, my residence Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a farmer; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.

The disposition of James H Johnson the claimant taken before Virgil Hillyer Esqr [Esquire] Special Commissioner of the Southern Claim Commission at the house of Mary E. Baggs 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. 1971 and May 11. 1872 in the name of James H Johnson v.s. United States in the presence of M. J. O’Donoghue Esq. [Esquire] Claimant Counsel.

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

My name is James H. Johnson I was born in Liberty County I am fifty years old I reside in Liberty County I am a farmer –

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 in Liberty County on my own farm where I reside now – I own about sixteen hundred acres – I cultivated during the war about 80 acres I do not cultivate near as much now the balance of it was woodland – my land is situated in Liberty, Tatnal [sic], and Bryan Counties it is all in one body and at the junction of the three Counties, I farmed it during the war I did not change my residence 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?

3d I did not pass beyond the military or naval line of the United States and enter the rebel lines I did not leave the Confederate lines 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.

4th I never took any such oath or affirmation for any such purpose

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?

5th I took the amnesty oath after the war. I do not remember the time, I took it in Savannah I believe it was to be loyal to the U. S. I have the certificate at home – but not with me.

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?

6th I never was directly or indirectly or in any manner so connected

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?

7th I never held any office or place of trust honor or profit under or for the Confederate Government or for any of the States or Territories subordinate thereto.

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.

8th I never held any such position for any such purpose

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?

9th I never was in any such capacity

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?

10th I never was an officer or soldier in the Confederate Army

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?

11th I never was in the State Militia of any State while subordinate to the Confederacy

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?

12th I never was in the home guard or upon any vigilance Committee or Committee of safety while subject to the Confederacy
13. If you claim that you were conscripted into the rebel service, state fully all the circumstances.

13th I never was conscripted into the rebel service

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

14th I never furnished a substitute for the rebel Army

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?

15th I never was directly or indirectly in any way so connected or employed.

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.

16th I never was so employed. I did not aid in the transportation of soldiers, munition of war or supplies for the Confederate government in any way

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.

17th I never had any such charge

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.

18th I never was in any such employment or business of any kind whatsoever for the Confederate government, or its army or navy. I never furnished any aid or supplies, or stores, or property of any kind, to or for the so called Confederate States or any States in rebellion or to the Army Navy Militia, home guard, armed forces or Military organization thereof, or for any officer soldier or sailor thereof, except what I furnished my son. I never gave any such information to any officer or soldier of the Confederate army or navy or to any person employed by or for the so called Confederate States or activity on their behalf or for their benefit, which might aid in any way any military or naval operation carried on against the U. S. –

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?

19th I never was in any manner so employed

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.

20th I never was directly or indirectly in any manner so employed. I never had any interest in any such business –

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.

21st I never was so engaged, I never had any interest or share in any goods, wares, merchandise, stores supplies brought into or exported from the so called Confederate States during the war.

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?

22d I did not leave the so called Confederate States between 19th of April 1861 and the 19th of April 1865

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?

23d 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 of the Confederacy.

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.]

24th I never was arrested by by the Confederate government or by any officer soldier other person professed to act therefor or for any State in rebellion. I never was arrested by the United States Government or by any officer soldier or other person professing to act therefor or for any of the States

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?

25th I never had property taken by the Confederate authorities or by an officer or soldier or other person acting or assuming to act on their behalf or in behalf of any State in rebellion except what little was taken by the soldiers as they was passing by for food

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?

26th I never was threatened with damage or injury to my person family or property on account of my Union sentiments

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

27th I never was molested or in any way injured on account of my Union sentiments

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.

28th I never contributed anything – any money or property in aid of the United States Government or in aid of the Union Army or Cause

29th I never did anything for the United States Government or its army or for the Union Cause during the war I did not do so, for there was no opportunity or chance

30. Had you any near relatives—any husband, son, brother, or nephew—in the Confederate army? If yea, state his name, whether he is now living, and where he resides. Did you furnish him with any military equipments, any clothing, or any money? Did you contribute in any way to aid or support him while in the rebel service? [Each of the questions under No. 30 must be fully answered.

I had one son in the Confederate Army his name was William M Johnson he is now living – he live with me – he was 15 years old he went in against my wishes I took him out on a writ of habeous [sic] corpus at the next call he came within the call and had to go it was then against his will to go. I furnished him with clothing – some money and a horse the next time I sent him articles of provision from home When I had an opportunity to do so I had other relatives in the Confederate Army I don’t know how many I did not contribute to their support in any way

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?

31st I never held any Confederate bond or had any interest in any of my own I had some Confederate money and under a call I surrender the money and took a Certificate for bonds but I never received them. I held some bonds for an estate and have got them yet I did not in any way contribute to support the credit of the so called Confederate States during the late rebellion except by tithes and taxes –

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

32d I never gave any aid or comfort to the rebellion in any other way than as I have before stated

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?

33d I never was directly or individually so engaged

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?

34th I never was directly or indirectly so engaged

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?

35th I never was a member of any society or association for any such purpose

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

36th I never was a paroled prisoner of the United States.

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?

37th I never held any such office neither was I educated at either of the Academies.

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 received a pass from the Confederate government I got a pass of the Provost Marshall in Savannah to go to Charleston to visit a sick son on James Island I got one at Charleston to return the pass only used for the trip – When I went to Savannah on the Railroad I had to get a pass to return – I did not have to take an oath to get any of them

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?

39th I am not nor never been under the disabilities imposed by the Fourteenth Article of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States I have not held any office under the United States Government since the war

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 I sympathized with the Union Cause – with the United States my feelings were that it would ruin the South as it has and the south too weak to stand the north I was surprised that the leaders did not see it, such men as Robt [Robert] Toombs and others. I cast my vote on the side of the opposition as it was called against secession – after the ordinance of secession was adapted I had to go out with my State I felt that I was dragged out

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 can only say that my feelings were with my State during the progress of the war yet I did nothing by word or deed against the Union Cause or to retard its success neither did I do anything either by word or deed to sustain the Confederacy during said time.

[Question 42 only asked of women, and question 43 only asked of formerly enslaved people.]

Jas. [James] H. Johnson

Sworn and subscribed to before
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commisr [Commissioner]

2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner

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

I was not present when any of 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 did not see any of them taken

[Claimant passed on answering questions 3 to 9]

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 was informed that the property was taken for the use of the Union Army and I believe it was – I was not at home at the time it was taken I did not see the property so taken used by the United States Army I did not see any part of the property supposed to have been taken by them used. My Colored Man Joe Johnson was present and saw the property taken he is now dead. He informed me among other things that they took 15 or 20 head of cattle he had to count them – but they huddled together so that he could not count them

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 do not know that there was any complaint made on account of such taking

12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.

I do not think there was any voucher or receipt asked for I have not seen or heard of any

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 think the property was taken at night

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

When the property was taken the army was encamped about ten miles from my place –

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 I suppose it was taken.

Item No 1. – 12 head of beef cattle – they were all select cattle and in good order for beef they were I suppose 3 to 8 years old. I do not know what they would weigh they were worth $20.00 a head for beef

Item No 2 – 1,200 lb [pounds] bacon was cured some of it had been smoked the most of it had been smoked it was choice meat the best that I killed that year – I estimated the weight from the number of hogs. I killed 9 hogs – choice large hogs they took the meat of the 9 hogs bacon was worth their 25 c [cents] per pound I put it at 20 c [cents] I did not wish to be extravagant.

Item No 3 50 lbs [pounds] Lard it was good No 1 Lard I estimated the weight by the can it was in a tin can which held 5 Gal [Gallon] I put that at 20 c [cents] per pound it was worth 25 c[cents] in Savannah at that time

Item No 4 1 wagon and harness the wagon had been used some it was in good running order worth with the harness one hundred dollars the harness was about half worn it was sound no brake in it. It was richly worth one hundred dollars it was a one horse wagon –

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 have no other means of estimating the quantity other that what I have already stated all I know about the taking of the property is derived from others I know I had the property when I left the house and when I returned it was gone –

I am the only person interested in the account

Jas. [James] H. Johnson
Sworn and subscribed to before
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia

Testimony of Witness (D.B.M. Sheppard)

My name is D. B. M. Sheppard I was born in the State of Georgia I am 58 years old I reside in Liberty County – I am a farmer. I know the Claimant. I first knew him as a neighbor in 1843. I knew him during the war I lived near him – about 2 miles from him I saw him pretty often during the war – we were close together and I saw him often we were frequently together I have lived in the same place ever since I came into the County, we have been neighborly and friendly ever since I moved into the County. We talked about the war frequently – it was a trying ordeal I do not remember the conversation distinct enough to relate anything he said in particular but I was led by those conversations to regard him as loyal to the Union I was an adherent to the Union a Constitutional Union Man I ges [guess?] the Claimant regarded me a Union man, I think that the Claimant was opposed to the secession and the war. I can’t call to my mind anything in particular that was said about it, Claimant was not a prominent politician he is a quiet stay-to-home man I do not know that the Claimant ever contributed anything to aid the Confederate Government except [word] taxes and tithes that all had to respond to. I do not know that Claimant held or owned any Confederate bonds – he is not a relative of mine no kind at all I can’t say how he was regarded by his neighbors the County is very sparsely settled where he lived and I don’t think there was anything said I have forgotten. If the Claimant had informed me before I came here what he wanted of me I would have tried to brush up my memory some.

D. B. M. Sheppard
Sworn and subscribed to before
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia

Testimony of Witness (Frances Johnson)

My name is Frances Johnson – i was born in Bullock County – I am 27 years old – I live in Liberty County I live with my Father James H Johnson I keep house for my Father or assist my Mother in doing so

2d Set Interrogatories
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 were taken

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

I saw the articles of property taken. I saw the Cattle the Bacon the Lard wagon and harness 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. 12 head of beef cattle, they were outside of the gate, offices and soldiers mounted on horses came there and drove the cattle off said nothing to any body

Item No 2. 1,200 lbs [pounds] Bacon – officer and soldiers came there in large crowds went to the smoke house and helped themselves and said nothing to any body I think the door to the smoke house was left open I do not think it was broken open by soldiers

Item No 3. 50 lbs [pounds] Lard I saw them going off with the Lard as they did the other articles without saying anything

Item No 4 1 wagon and harness – they took that in the same way – 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 taken on my Fathers place in this County the property was taken when the army passed two men one officer and one soldier staid [sic] all night. I think it was in cold weather I can’t give the month or day I think it was in Jany [January] 1865, the articles were taken by officer and soldier of Genl [General] Kilpatricks Command I can’t tell how many were present, there was a large number they would come and then go – they were coming and going for two days in that time they took the cattle the bacon lard wagon and harness I can’t remember anything they said the two that staid [sic] all night they did not talk much they came to stay all night they did not ask for anything

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

My Mother and sister were present and saw the property taken also Joe Johnson a colored man [word] dead

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 United States officer present at the taking I did not heard them order the property taken

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 came in company or squads and took the cattle, soldiers went into the smoke house and took the bacon the Lard was in the store room the wagon and harness was in the carriage house soldiers went and got them – did not say anything to anybody

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 cattle they drove off the bacon they put into a wagon and removed it in that way some was taken on horses – they took the lard in small vessels and as each ?man? wanted

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 could only see them start away with the [2 words] I did not follow it to see where the delivered.

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 suppose they took the property for the use of the Army I did not see them use any of it on their return they stopped at our house and I cooked dinner for them. I think about 8 of them.

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.
There was not any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking

There was not any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking.

12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.

We did not ask for a voucher or for a receipt neither was there any received.

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?

When the property was taken the Army was not encamped in that vacinity [sic]. I did not know any of the men, officer or soldier

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 pretty good order and condition. I do not know the age of the cattle

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 have no means of knowing how many cattle were taken except what I have heard say I saw the bunch of cattle as they passed by but could not count them or I did not I have no means of knowing the quantity of bacon I know they took all there was in the smoke house they had a big pile in the wagon and they took a good deal on horse Lard was in a tin can and held 5 Gal [Gallons] I do not know how much it weighed the can was full, the wagon was taken by hitching one of their horses to it using my Father’s harness – they loaded it with bacon and drove off –

M. F. Johnson
Sworn and subscribed to before
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia

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[List of receipts for items furnished to the Confederate States of America by a James H. Johnson]