James Crawford Fleming – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: This claimant was a slave during the war. He says the mare charged was given him by his father and that he bought the rest of the property. His witnesses swear at random that he bought all the property. No particulars as circumstances are detailed. Only two witnesses and they fellow slaves are called as witnesses. No facts developed to show why this claimant should own more property than any other slave. And finally there is no sufficient and satisfactory evidence of ownership of claimant to justify the commissioners in charging the government with the value of this property and allowing compensation therefore to the claimant. We therefore reject the claim.

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

James C. Delegal [SIC] gives additional testimony that claimant was loyal and that he owned property by his master’s permission. The statement is too general and indefinite and fails to establish the ownership of the property claimed.

[Transcriber’s Comments: Testimony taken at #3 A & G Railroad with R.Q. Cassels acting as counsel.]

Testimony of Claimant

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

James C Fleming 54 years Liberty County 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 Bought and raised 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 750 acres about 260 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 By working. Father gave me the Horse and raised and worked for balance Worked for it Thomas W Fleming Liberty County Ga Yes No because he is out of County. no no no no no one

[Question 71 not applicable]

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 1 Horse 1 Buggy 1 Set Harness/Saddle and Bridle 6 Bushels Ground Peas 45 bush[els] Rice 4 Cows 6 Hogs 35 bush[els] Corn 25 Fowls Bedding and Clothing 4 Pots

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.

Complaint was made. I made the complaint He said he could not help it complaint done 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.

no because I did not think of it

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 nearby

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 Horse was dark bay Thomas W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth $150.00 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Horse in Buggy and drove off about 3 or 300 Men about 50 or 60 Horses about ½ an hour to Camp 20 or 30 officers judge by their stripes They said they had to have the Horse I believe officers ordered men to take it because I complained to officer and he did not stop it

The Buggy was a new Buggy Thos [Thomas] W Flemings Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 60 dollars December 15th or 16th 1864 Kilpatricks Army drove it off about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses about ½ an hour to camp about 20 or 30 officers judge them by stripes They said they had to have it to carry off provisions in I believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Harness was new Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 dollars December 16th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on Horse and drove off about 3 or 400 men 50 or 60 Horses about ½ hour to camp about 20 or 30 officers judge them by stripes Said nothing I know officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Saddle and Bridle were second hand Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 dollars December 16th or 17th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Put it wagon and carried it off about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses about 7 or 8 wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I knew officers told them because they were present

The Ground Peas were harvested Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Bushels I measured them worth three dollars a bushel. December 18th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out House put them in sacks carried off in wagon about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present knew them by stripes Said nothing I knew officers ordered it because they were present

The Rice was thrashed and housed Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 45 bushels I measured it worth ½ dollars pr [per] Bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 horses 8 or 9 wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present knew by their stripes Said nothing I know officers told men to take it because they were present

The Cows were Milk Cows Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Head worth 10 or 12 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some on the ground drove balance off about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present knew by their stripes Said nothing I know officers ordered it because they were present

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Head worth 4 or 5 dollars a Head December 18th or 19 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and tied balance and put them in wagon about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present Said nothing I believe officer ordered it because there were present

The Corn was House, Shelled Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 35 Bushels I measured it worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put corn in sacks and carried it off in wagons about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Fowls were grown Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 25 Head I counted them worth 30 or 40 cts [cents] a Head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot some and caught others tied them to saddles about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there.

The Bedding and Clothing were at Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County worth 80 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of House put on some and carried balance off about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it taken because they were there.

The Pots were two ovens 2 Pots Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Pots worth 3 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in wagon about 3 or 400 Men 50 or 60 Horses 8 or 9 Wagons about ½ hour to camp 20 or 30 officers present – knew by stripes Said nothing I know officers ordered it because they were present

his
James C Fleming
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me
This 25th Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Dembo Bird)

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

Dembo Bird 65 years Liberty County 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?

am not claimant

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

James C Fleming

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

from Boyhood

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

lived on same place

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.

We talked about the war about our distress hope war would soon end etc etc during Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation; don’t remember any one present our distress caused conversation

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.

nothing

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.

no

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.

Every body considered him union Know it because I was with him all the time and know how he felt Prime Wilson Ben Bacon

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 Golding Gus Law 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?

James C Fleming 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?

plantation Liberty County about 8 or 900 acres about 150 or 200 acres cultivated

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

no

The following questions will be put to female claimants:

69. Are you married or single? If married, when were you married? Was your husband loyal to the cause and Government of the United States throughout the war? Where does he now reside, and why is he not joined with you in the petition? How many children have you? Give their names and ages. Were any of them in the Confederate service during the war? If you claim that the property named in your petition is your sole and separate property, state how you came to own it separately from your husband; how your title was derived; when your ownership of it began. Did it ever belong to your husband? If the property for which you ask pay is wood, timber, rails, or the products of a farm, how did you get title to the farm? If by deed, can you file copies of the deeds? If single, have you been married? If a widow, when did your husband die? Was he in the Confederate army? Was he in the civil service of the Confederacy? Was he loyal to the United States Government throughout the war? Did he leave any children? How many? Are any now living? Give their names and ages. Are they not interested in this claim? If they are not joined in this petition, why not? State fully how your title to the property specified in the petition was obtained. Did you ever belong to any sewing society organized to make clothing for Confederate soldiers or their families, or did you assist in making any such clothing, or making flags, or other military equipments, or preparing or furnishing delicacies or supplies for Confederate hospitals or soldiers?

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?

The following questions will be put to all colored witnesses in behalf of white claimants:

71. Were you formerly the slave of the claimant? Are you now in his service or employment? Do you live on his land? Are you in his debt? Are you in any way to share in this claim if allowed?

[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 1 Bay Horse 1 Buggy 1 Set Harness Saddle and Bridle 6 Bush[el] Ground Peas 45 Bush[el] Rice 4 Cows 6 Hogs 35 Bush[el] Corn 25 Fowls Bedding and Clothing 4 Pots

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.

Complaint was made James C Fleming 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 we 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 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 Horse was Bay color Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 150 00 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Rode Horse off about 4 or 500 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 Wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present Knew by stripes Said they must have it I believe officers ordered it taken because they were present and did not interfere

The Buggy was new Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga worth 60 or 70 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Harness on horse and drove Buggy off about 4 or 500 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers told them to take it because they were present

The Harness was second hand Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on Horse about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there and did not stop it

The Saddle and Bridle were second hand Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth about 15 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on Horse and carried off about 4 or 500 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not stop it

The Ground Peas were Housed Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Bushels saw them measured worth about 3 dollars a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked them and put them in wagon about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because there were there and did not stop it

The Rice was Harvested and threshed Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County 45 Bushels saw it measured worth one dollar and a half a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked it and put in wagons about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Cows were Milch cows Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 4 head counted them worth 10 or 12 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some on the place and drove balance off about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Head counted them worth about 3 or 4 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and carried all off in wagons about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 12 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered them because they were there and did not stop it

The Corn was Harvested and shelled Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga. 35 Bushels I saw it measured worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked it and carried it off in wagons about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it taken because they were there and did not stop it

The Fowls were grown Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 25 Head saw them counted worth 40 or 50 cts [cents] a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot some in the ground caught balance and carried off tied them to saddles about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not stop it

The Bedding and clothing were Mattresses Blankets etc etc Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 80 dollars December 18 or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it wagons and carried it off about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew them by stripes Said nothing I believe officers told them to take it because they were present and did not stop it

The Pots were 2 ovens and 2 Pots Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 4 pots worth 3 or 4 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in wagon about 5 or 600 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about one hour to camp 20 or 25 officers present knew by their dress Said nothing I believe officers ordered them taken because there were present and did not interfere

his
Dembo Bird
mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 25th Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Ben Bacon)

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

Ben Bacon 31 years Liberty County 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?

am not claimant not related to claimant not interested in claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

James C Fleming

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?

lived in same place

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.

We talked about war about how war was going on and hoped we would soon have our freedom

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.

nothing

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.

no

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.

Every body considered him as a Union man I have heard him say so many times Prime Wilson Dembo Bird

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 Golding Gus Law 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?

James C Fleming 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 Ga about 8 or 900 acres about 170 or 180 acres cultivated

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

no

The following questions will be put to female claimants:

69. Are you married or single? If married, when were you married? Was your husband loyal to the cause and Government of the United States throughout the war? Where does he now reside, and why is he not joined with you in the petition? How many children have you? Give their names and ages. Were any of them in the Confederate service during the war? If you claim that the property named in your petition is your sole and separate property, state how you came to own it separately from your husband; how your title was derived; when your ownership of it began. Did it ever belong to your husband? If the property for which you ask pay is wood, timber, rails, or the products of a farm, how did you get title to the farm? If by deed, can you file copies of the deeds? If single, have you been married? If a widow, when did your husband die? Was he in the Confederate army? Was he in the civil service of the Confederacy? Was he loyal to the United States Government throughout the war? Did he leave any children? How many? Are any now living? Give their names and ages. Are they not interested in this claim? If they are not joined in this petition, why not? State fully how your title to the property specified in the petition was obtained. Did you ever belong to any sewing society organized to make clothing for Confederate soldiers or their families, or did you assist in making any such clothing, or making flags, or other military equipments, or preparing or furnishing delicacies or supplies for Confederate hospitals or soldiers?

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?

The following questions will be put to all colored witnesses in behalf of white claimants:

71. Were you formerly the slave of the claimant? Are you now in his service or employment? Do you live on his land? Are you in his debt? Are you in any way to share in this claim if allowed?

[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 1 Horse Buggy Set Harness Saddle and Bridle 6 Bushels Ground Peas 45 Bushels Rice 4 Cows 6 Hogs 35 bushels Corn 25 Fowls Bedding and Clothing 4 Pots

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.

complaint was made James C Fleming 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.

no we 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 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 Horse was Bay color Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga worth 150 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put horse in Buggy and drove them off about 4 or 500 Men about 60 or 70 Horses about 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers told men to take Horse because they were there and saw them take it

The Buggy was new Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 50 or 60 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put Horse in it and drove off about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered men to take it because they were present

The Harness was second hand Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County worth 15 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on horse and carried it off about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew them by dress Said nothing I believe officers told them because they were there and did not stop them

The Saddle and Bridle was second hand Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it on Horse and carried it off about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 1/2 hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told men to take it because they were there

The Peas were Housed Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Bushels saw it measured worth 3 or 4 dollars a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked it and put in wagons 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there at the time

The Rice was threshed Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 45 bushels Saw it measured worth 1.50 pr [per] bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put it sacks and carried off in wagons about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told men to take it because they were there at the time

The Cows were Milch Cows Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Head I counted them worth 12 or 13 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some on place and drove rest off 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told them because they were present at time

The Hogs were Stock Hogs Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Head saw them counted worth 4 or 5 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed some and tied them put them in wagons about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told men to take them because they were present at time

The Corn was shelled Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 35 bushels Saw it measured worth one dollar a bushel December 18 or 19 1864 Kilpatricks Army Sacked it and put in wagons about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told men to take it because they were present

The Fowls were grown Thos [Thomas] W Flemings plantation Liberty County Ga 25 Head I counted them worth 30 or 50 cts [cents] a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot and caught them tied them to saddles about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told men to take it because they were present

The Bedding and Clothing were at Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga. worth about 70 or 80 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army put them in wagons about 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told them because they were present

The Pots were 2 ovens 2 Pots Thos [Thomas] W Fleming plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Pots worth 3 or 4 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army 6 or 700 Men 50 or 60 Horses 9 or 10 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 25 or 30 officers present knew by dress Said nothing I believe officers told them to take it because they were present and did not prevent it

his
Ben Bacon
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 Oct [October] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Edward J. Delegal)

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

Edward J Delegal aged 68 years Liberty Co Ga for forty five Physician

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 in success of this claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Crawford J Fleming

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

from his boyhood

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

About 2 ½ miles

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

Frequently

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.

No

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.

Heard nothing

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.

I believe he was loyal to the Union

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?

Don’t know

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?

No

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.

None

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 not present but know he owned by his owners permission a Horse which he claimed and other property

Edward J Delegal

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 Feby [February] 1878
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]