Mrs. Sarah Ann Watson – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: Claimant is a widow whose husband died in 1862. He was conscripted she says. She swears to loyal sympathies and to feeding deserters. She calls as her witnesses her daughter and a man who was 14 years old when the war closed and they testify to her loyalty of course.

We fail to find any loyal conduct or unequivocal indications of loyalty in the evidence, and we know of no reason aside from the proof why the claimant should have been loyal and all her neighbors disloyal. We reject the claim.

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

[Transcriber’s Notes: Testimony taken at Hinesville, with J.A. Poppell acting as her counsel.]

Testimony of Claimant [Mrs. Sarah A. Watson]

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

Mrs Sarah A Watson age 56 years Liberty County lived here about 30 years

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

The following questions will be put to every claimant, except claimants who were slaves at the beginning of the war: [Note—If the original claimant be dead, these questions are to be answered by each of the heirs or legatees who was not less that sixteen years of age when the war closed.]

3. Where were you born? If not born in the United States, when and where were you naturalized? Produce your naturalization papers if you can.

Tattnal [sic] County Ga

4. Where were you residing and what was your business for six months before the outbreak of the rebellion, and where did you reside and what was your business from the beginning to the end of the war? And if you changed your residence or business, state how many times, and why such changes were made.

Liberty County during all the war

5. On which side were your sympathies during the war, and were they on the same side from beginning to end?

On the side of the Union from beginning to end of war

6. Did you ever do anything or say anything against the Union cause; and if so, what did you do or say, and why?

Never did

7. Were you at all times during the war willing and ready to do whatever you could in aid of the Union cause?

I was

8. Did you ever do anything for the Union cause, or its advocates or defenders? If so, state what you did, giving times, places, names of persons aided, and particulars. Were the persons aided your relations?

Fed and sheltered Deserters not related

9. Had you any near relatives in the Union army or navy? If so, in what company and regiment, or on what vessel, when and where did each one enter service, and when and how did he leave service? If he was a son, produce his discharge paper, in order that its contents may be noted in this deposition, or state why it cannot be produced.

Had no Relative in Union Army

10. Were you in the service or employment of the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, in what service, when, where, for how long, under what officers, and when and how did you leave such service or employment?

Was not

11. Did you ever voluntarily contribute money, property, or services to the Union cause; and if so, when, where, to whom, and what did you contribute?

No

12. Which side did you take while the insurgent States were seceding from the Union in 1860 and 1861, and what did you do to show on which side you stood?

I was against Secession

13. Did you adhere to the Union cause after the States had passed into rebellion, or did you go with your State?

I did

14. What were your feelings concerning the battle of Bull Run or Manassas, the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg, and the final surrender of the Confederate forces?

I was glad whenever I heard that the Yankees had whipped and was glad when I heard of the surrender

15. What favors, privileges, or protections were ever granted you in recognition of your loyalty during the war, and when and by whom granted?

None granted

16. Have you ever taken the so-called ―iron-clad oath‖ since the war, and when and on what occasions?

No

17. Who were the leading and best known Unionists of your vicinity during the war? Are any of them called to testify to your loyalty; and if not, why not?

David Delk P J Stanfield and Allen Poppell

18. Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments, or were you actually molested or injured on account of your Union sentiments? If so, when, where, by whom, and in what particular way were you injured or threatened with injury?

Never

19. Were you ever arrested by any Confederate officer, soldier, sailor, or other person professing to act for the Confederate government, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, for what cause; how long were you kept under arrest; how did you obtain your release; did you take any oath or give any bond to effect your release; and if so, what was the nature of the oath or the bond?

Never was

20. Was any of your property taken by Confederate officers or soldiers, or any rebel authority? If so, what property, when, where, by whom, were you ever paid saltpeter; and did you ever present an account saltpeter to the Confederate government or any rebel officer?

No

21. Was any of your property ever confiscated by rebel authority, on the ground that you were an enemy to the rebel cause? If so, give all the particulars, and state if the property was subsequently released or compensation made saltpeter.

No

22. Did you ever do anything for the Confederate cause, or render any aid or comfort to the rebellion? If so, give the times, places, persons, and other particulars connected with each transaction.

Never did

23. What force, compulsion, or influence, was used to make you do anything against the Union cause? If any, give all the particulars demanded in the last question.

None

24. Were you in any service, business, or employment, for the Confederacy, or for any rebel authority? If so, give the same particulars as before required.

No

25. Were you in the civil, military, or naval service of the Confederacy, or any rebel State, in any capacity whatsoever? If so, state fully in respect to each occasion and service.

No

26. Did you ever take any oath to the so-called Confederate States while in any rebel service or employment?

Never took any oath

27. Did you ever have charge of any stores, or other property, for the Confederacy; or did you ever sell or furnish any supplies to the so-called Confederate States, or any State in rebellion; or did you have any share or interest in contracts or manufactures in aid of the rebellion?

No

28. Were you engaged in blockade running, or running through the lines, or interested in the risks or profits of such ventures?

No

29. Were you in any way interested in any vessel navigating the waters of the Confederacy, or entering or leaving any Confederate port? If so, what vessel, when and where employed, in what business, and had any rebel authority any direct or indirect interest in vessel or cargo?

No

30. Did you ever subscribe to any loan of the so-called Confederate States, or of any rebel State; or own Confederate bonds or securities, or the bonds or securities of any rebel State issued between 1861 and 1865? Did you sell, or agree to sell, cotton or produce to the Confederate Government, or to any rebel State, or to any rebel officer or agent, and if so, did you receive or agree to receive Confederate or State bonds or securities in payment; and if so, to what amount, and for what kind and amount of property?

No

31. Did you contribute to the raising, equipment or support of troops, or the building of gunboats in aid of the rebellion; or to military hospitals or invalids, or to relief funds or subscriptions for the families of persons serving against the United States?

No

32. Did you ever give information to any person in aid of military or naval operations against the United States?

Never did

33. Were you at any time a member of any society or organization for equipping volunteers or conscripts, or for aiding the rebellion in any other manner?

Never was

34. Did you ever take an oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate States? If so, state how often, when, where, for what purpose, and the nature of the oath or affirmation.

No

35. Did you ever receive a pass from rebel authority? If so, state when, where, for what purpose, on what conditions, and how the pass was used.

No

36. Had you any near relatives in the Confederate army, or in any military or naval service hostile to the United States? If so, give names, ages on entering service, present residence, if living, what influence you exerted, if any, against their entering the service, and in what way you contributed to their outfit and support.

Had two Brothers Jas [James] A Poppell 35 years Liberty County and Jas [James] J Poppell 18 years Florida I was not with them when they entered service never contributed to their outfit or support

37. Have you been under the disabilities imposed by the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution? Have your disabilities been removed by Congress?

No

38. Have you been specially pardoned by the President for participation in the rebellion?

Never participated in Rebellion

39. Did you take any amnesty oath during the war, or after its close? If so, when, where, and why did you take it?

I took an oath after close of war at Hinesville Liberty County Ga took it because I was required by the Federal Authority

40. Were you ever a prisoner to the United States authorities, or on parole, or under bonds to do nothing against the Union cause? If so, state all the particulars.

Never was prisoner

41. Were you ever arrested by the authorities of the United States during the war? If so, when, where, by whom, on what grounds, and when and how did you obtain your release?

No

42. Were any fines or assessments levied upon you by the authorities of the United States because of your supposed sympathy for the rebellion? If so, state all the facts.

No

43. Was any of your property taken into possession or sold by the United States under the laws relating to confiscation, or to captured and abandoned property?

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?

I was it became mine after my Husbands death

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 350 acres about 30 acres cultivated balance woodland

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?

Single now. Widow was married to last Husband in 1854 my Husband died in 1862 he was union man when he died I have six children. Lorinda 36 years Emily aged 34 years Caroline aged 32 years Sarah aged 19 years Mary Jane aged 29 years John aged 17 years none in service during war My Husband and I owned the property during his life after his death in 1862 I inherited it ownership began at death of my Husband belonged to us both until his death. Husband died in 1862 He was conscripted he was loyal to the United States until he died Left two children both living Sarah aged 19 and John aged 17 years as his heirs only they are interested because they are minors never did

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 saw it taken except the Mare Eight Hogs 5 Bush[els] Corn other provisions

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.

I complained but it 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 did not think it was any use

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 about 3 miles off

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.

Item 2 The Hogs were Bacon Hogs were killed and salted the day before they were taken at my place Liberty County Ga 8 Head worth 10 dollars a head January 4th 1865 Adkins Command carried them off in wagons about 100 men and 75 or 80 horses 5 or 6 wagons 3 or 4 hours to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered because they were present and did not prevent it

Item 3 The Corn was not shucked in Ear at my place Liberty County Ga Five bushels guess that much worth one dollar a bushel Taken at same time and place as Item 2

Item 4 The other provisions was Honey Syrup and Fodder at my place Liberty County Ga worth 20 dollars Taken at same time and place as Item 2

her
Sarah A Watson
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st Decebr [December] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Caroline Yarborough)

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

Caroline Yarborough aged 32 years Liberty County all my life

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

Am not Claimant am Daughter to Claimant

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Mrs Sarah A Watson

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 with her during war

55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war? [No answer recorded]

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 conversed often about the war and hoped that the war would result in favor of the Union

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.

I have heard her abuse secession and fed and sheltered Deserters during war

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

No

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

Never heard anything

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

Everybody in the Community knew that she was loyal to United States I heard her say so often P J Stanfield David Delk and J A Poppell

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?
P J Stanfield David Delk J A Poppell 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 Claimant knew it by my life

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

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 saw it taken 1 Mare 8 Hogs Five bushels Corn other Provisions

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 by Claimant but 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.

None thought it was useless

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 3 miles off

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.

Item 1) The Mare was Sorrell color with blaze face at Claimants plantation Liberty County Ga worth 175 00 dollars january 4th 1864 Adkins Command Saddled Mare and rode her off 75 or 80 men and horses 5 or 6 wagons 3 or 4 hours to camp 5 or 6 officers present knew by dress Said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present and did not prevent

Item 2 The Hogs were killed and salted at Claimants place Liberty County Ga 8 Head worth 10 dollars a piece taken at same time and place as Item 1

Item 3 The Corn was not shucked and in Ear Claimant’s place Liberty County Ga 5 bush[els] judge that much worth one dollar a Bushel taken at same time and place as Item 1

Item 4 The other provisions was Syrup and Honey and Fodder Claimants place Liberty County Ga worth 20 dollars taken at same time and place as Item 1

80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.

her
Caroline Yarborough
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st Decbr [December] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (James M. Devero)

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

James M Devero aged 26 years Liberty County Ga all my life Farmer

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

Not related to Claimant not interested in success of claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Mrs Sarah A Watson

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

All my life

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

About 6 or 8 miles

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

Very often

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

No

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

Don’t know anything

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

No

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

Never heard anything

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

All knew her to be Union I knew by her actions and what she said during war David Delk James Smiley

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?

J L Shaw M Johns they would testify

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 don’t know if claimant knew it

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

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 saw it taken 1 Mare some Bee Hives

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.

Claimant made complaint to officer did 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.

Don’t know

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 not far off

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.
Item 1st) The Mare was Sorrell with blaze face Claimants plantation Liberty County Ga worth 175 00 dollars Jan 4th 1865 don’t know the command Saddled and carried her off 60 or 70 men 4 or 5 wagons 3 or 4 hours to camp one officer present knew by his dress Said nothing Believe officer ordered it because he was present

Item 2 The Hives were at Claimant’s plantation Liberty County Ga don’t remember how many don’t know the worth taken at same time and place as Item 1

80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.

James M Devero

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th Decbr [December] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]