Claim Summary
Samuel Gaulden, Jr., filed a claim to the U.S. Southern Claims Commission in 1872 for $399 of stock animals, provisions, and cloth he said had been taken from him by Sherman’s Army. He testified that he had been held in slavery on the Charlton Hines plantation in Liberty County, Georgia, when the soldiers came through in December 1864. Hines had about 75 enslaved people, 40 of them working hands, Gaulden said. The area was called Goshen, and Gaulden still lived there at the time of his claim, he said, while Hines had died during the War.
Petitioners had to produce witnesses to prove that they had been loyal to the Union and that they owned the property that was taken. Enslaved people’s loyalty was taken as a given. Philady Baker and Louisa Houston testified on Gaulden’s behalf. Neither of them still lived in the area. Gaulden had intended to call his neighbors Joseph Baker, Butcher Baker, and William Bacon, but they did not testify, for unknown reasons.
Philady Baker testified in 1875 that she was about 40 years old and lived in Savannah. She had been born on the Hines plantation but had moved to Savannah immediately after she had become free, and hired herself out by the day or month, according to her testimony. She said she had seen Gaulden’s things taken and that he had owned them.
She also testified that a “Yankee man” had come to the plantation about a month before Sherman’s Army arrived and that they had all tried to keep him away from Hines, who watched them closely.
Louisa Houston testified in 1875 that she and Gaulden had been born on the same plantation and were owned by the same man, living about 200 yards apart. She said she was 30 years old and was living about three miles from Savannah and was farming. She corroborated Philady Baker’s story about hiding the Yankee “prisoner” from “the rebs.” She added, “The Colored people could keep such things to themselves and had to do so or have trouble.”
Gaulden said that the Union army had come in like “bull dogs” and set about feeding themselves and their horses immediately. They told him they had been living on one can of corn a day. Gaulden said that he had bought the homespun cloth they took because he had Confederate money and wanted to use it up, knowing it would soon be useless.
The Commission denied Gaulden’s claim. In their report, they pointed out that Gaulden had only been 22 years old when the soldiers came and that it was unlikely such a young man, especially an enslaved man, had owned so much property.
Claim transcribed by Stacy Ashmore Cole
About the Southern Claims Commission
The Southern Claims Commmission was set up by Congress in 1871 to adjudicate claims for property taken by U.S. federal troops during the Civil War. More than 140 Liberty County residents — both black and white — filed claims, mostly for property taken during December 1864 when a unit of Sherman’s Army commanded by General Kilpatrick camped at Midway Church and conducted foraging raids throughout Liberty County. Horses, cows, hogs, poultry, corn and rice were the most common items of property taken. In Liberty County, many slaveowners allowed their enslaved people to work on their own time and own small amounts of property, most of which was taken by the U.S. troops for use by the Army.
The claims files, which are held at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), have been digitized and are available at Ancestry.com or Fold3.com. For more information on these files, click here. A set of standard questions were used to take the testimony of claimants and witnesses. This set of questions was amended twice, in 1872 and 1874. The questions are not usually part of the digitized file, but we have included them to help make sense of the answers. The questions we used were provided online courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Special Collections, as taken from National Archives Microfilm Publication M87, Roll 1, Frames 104–105, Records of the Commissioners of Claims (Southern Claims Commission, 1871-1880), and can be found here.
About This Transcription
What you are seeing: The Southern Claims Commission files for each claimant included all forms filed for the claimant, including cover pages, standard forms with filled in information, a special agent’s report about the claim, remarks made by the Special Commissioner summarizing the case, testimony from the claimant and his or her witnesses based on a standard set of questions, and copies of other paperwork involved. Much of the information contained in the forms is repetitive. We have summarized that information into one block, and transcribed all testimony, the Special Commissioner’s remarks, the special agent’s report, and any other relevant text.
Methodology: The testimony of the claimant and the witnesses has been transcribed exactly as seen. Some of the files are faded and/or difficult to read. Any words that cannot be read are indicated by “[word]”, or, in the case of entire sections, “[section illegible]”. Alternative spellings of names are also indicated with brackets.
The Claim: Summary & Transcription
Find the digitized original of this claim file at this Ancestry.com link.
Summary
Claimant’s Name (Last Name, First Name): Gaulden, Samuel Jr.
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N): Y
Amount of Claim: $399
Total Amount Allowed: N/A, disallowed
Nature of Claim: Supplies
Claimant living in: Riceboro, Liberty County
Incident occurred in: Riceboro
Claim #: 18118
Secondary Claim #: N/A, disallowed
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1872-11-26; 1872-12-26
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1875-04-28
Claimant’s Attorney: J.C. Todd, Savannah, GA; Raymond Cay Jr
Special Commissioner: Virgil Hillyer
Property Removed to: Ogeechee River & Midway Church
Date property removed: 1864-12-25
Army unit involved: Sherman’s Army commanded by Major General Sherman
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: N/A, disallowed
Post Office of Claimant: Riceboro
Transcription
Item # | Description | Amt Claimed |
1 | 4 stock cattle | 80 |
2 | 3 fat hogs 150 lbs | 45 |
3 | 7 hd stock hogs | 70 |
4 | 20 bus[hels] corn | 30 |
5 | 50 bus[hels] rice | 100 |
6 | 25 gals syrup | 25 |
7 | 40 head chickens | 10 |
8 | 2 balls homespun cloth 80 ½ 30c | 24 |
9 | 1000 lbs fodder | 15 |
TOTAL | 399 |
Remarks: The clm’t was a slave. When the property was taken he was twenty two years old. He came to own this property by raising it. He began (as he says) to get property by buying a pig for 50 cents, and “that gave him a start.” Finally he got to own a heifer & so on till he had laid up this $399. No proof of this but his own story. Rather improbable for a boy 22 years old. Claim disallowed.
A.O. Aldis
O. Ferris } Commrs of Claims
[Transcriber’s Comments: Testimony taken before the Special Commissioner at Savannah, Ga ]
Testimony of Claimant About Loyalty
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
My name is Samuel Gaulden (Colored) I am about 33 years of age I live in Liberty County in the town of Goshen I was born and raised there I am a 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 the claimant
44. After the Presidential election of 1860, if of age, did you vote for any candidates, or on any questions, during the war, and how did you vote? Did you vote for or against candidates favoring secession? Did you vote for or against the ratification of the ordinance of secession, or for or against separation in your State?
Irrelevant
45 to 51 inclusive to each and every question claimant answers “no”
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
The property charged in his claim belonged to me when it was taken
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?
It was taken from me on Charlton Hines plantation in Liberty County Ga I made it by working for myself after I had completed my task work I do not know the size of the Plantation I do not know just how much we worked. Mr Hines had about seventy five slaves; worked about 40 hands
68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?
Irrelevant
[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?
I was a slave at the commencement of the war and remained so till the Union Army came into Liberty County I went with the Union Army and worked for them for three months I owned the property while I was a slave I commenced raising stock as soon as I was large enough to work in field I first bought a pig for which I paid fifty cents that gave me a start and I continued raising right on and selling till I had money enough to buy a heifer and from her I raised cattle and sold some. What the soldiers took from me was my own raising I raised the Corn, Poultry, rice; I made the Syrup myself and cand the fodder from my own Corn; My Master’s place was called Goshan not a town, his name was Charlton Hines, he is dead; he died during the war. I live on the same plantation yet, I do not owe the heirs anything or anybody else I am the only person interested in this claim.
his
Samuel Gaulding
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Philady Baker) About Loyalty
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
My name is Philady Baker (Colo) [Colored] I am about 40 years of age I live in Savannah I came into the City directly after freedom before that I lived on Charlton Hines Plantation was born and raised there I was a slave and belonged to him. I work out by the day or month just as I can find a job.
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 not the claimant; I only come to tell the truth for Mr Gaulding. I haven’t any interest in the success of this claim I am not related to the Claimant.
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
I am here to testify in favor of Mr Gaulding
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
I have know [known] him ever since he was born. We were born on the same Plantation, but I am older than he is. I have known him as well as I knew myself always.
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
I lived on the same Plantation about 50 yards off
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
I met him every day and “Sunday too”
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 didn’t talk much in them times We kept thinking hard and hoped the time would come when we could see the Yankees. We were on the Yankee side all the time and are now.
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 know one Yankee man came to the Plantation about one month before the Army came, and we all did what we could for him. We kept him away from our master. We had to do that or he would made trouble “with us” Our Master watched us pretty close all the time the Colored people all went in for freedom and they knew if the Yankees get here we would be free.
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.
Claimant never did anything against the Union or the Yankee to my “knownie” [SIC].
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.
I never heard of Claimant doing anything against the Union as soon as he got when he could he did all he could for the Yankee soldiers.
60. What was the public reputation of the claimant for loyalty or disloyalty to the United States during the war? If you profess to know his public reputation, explain fully how you know it, whom you heard speak of it, and give the names of other persons who were neighbors during the war that could testify to this public reputation.
He was known among the Colored people to be on the side of 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?
I did not know of any White folks who were on the Yankee side
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 on the Union or Yankee side all the way through.
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.
I never heard Claimant threatened in any way or molested.
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?
Irrelevant
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.
I don’t know that I can say anything more. Mr Gaulding was a good man and always willing to work: used to work night day: at night for himself.
her
Philady Baker
mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this the 28 day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner Ga
Testimony of Witness (Louisa Houston) About Loyalty
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
My name is Louisa Houston (Colored) I am about 30 years of age I reside near Savannah about 3 miles from the city I am farming.
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 not the Claimant only a witness for him I am not related to him in any way and haven’t any interest in the success of his claim
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
I am here to testify in favor of Mr Gaulding’s Claim.
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
I have known the Claimant all my life we were born on the same plantation and belonged to the same master
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
We lived about two hundred yards a part.
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
I used to see him every night and 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 used to talk about the war and the coming of the Yankees., we had to keep pretty shy about our talk
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 do not know of anything he did to show he was for the Union except talking. We had no chance to do anything else
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.
I never knew of his doing anything against the Union Cause; I never heard of his doing anything.
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.
I never heard of anything said or done by the claimant against the Union cause the colored people were all on the Union side from beginning to the close of the war.
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 the colored people in that part of the County where he lived knew Claimant to be a Union man; a good friend to the Yankees: we had a Yankee prisoner on the place and took care of him and kept him hid from “rebs”: the Colored people could keep such things to themselves and had to do so or have trouble.
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?
I did not know of any prominent white Union men where we lived: all the colored people there could witness for Mr Gauldings loyalty
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 on the Yankee side and Claimant knew it for we talked together that way.
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.
I never heard Claimant threatened or of his being molested on account of his Union [word]
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?
Irrelevant
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.
Irrelevant
her
Louisa Houston
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner Ga
Testimony of Claimant About Property
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 present right on the spot where the property charged in this Claim was taken. I saw it taken with my own eyes. I saw them take the Cattle, hogs, Corn, rice, Syrup Poultry fodder and the home spun –
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?
It was all taken in the afternoon and before dark, but not secretly.
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 did not make any complaint, only said I was sorry they had taken all I had; they said never mind come on to town with us and the Government would feed us – they fed me all the time I was working for them that was all the pay I got except my pardon.
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.
I did not ask for any voucher or receipt for the property they took from me.
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?
I never received any pay on this property from anyone it is the first and only claim I have an had or made against the U.S.
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?
The property was taken when the soldiers were encamped right on Mr Hines Plantation; they was on their way to the City of Savannah; they had a skirmish just before they took the property: they just run the [word] off and then took the property; no damage done there at the time
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.
I saw all the property taken that you have named over to me.
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 No 1 They took from me four Milch Cows and four Yearling Calves: two of the cows were six years old the other two four years they was not [the] largest cows, just about common size. I think the meat would weigh about 60 lb [pounds] to the quarter; the calves would weigh I suppose about one hundred I never saw any calves weighed so I can’t tell, I raised all of them myself My Master never had anything to do with my property – I was allowed to sell to anyone who wanted to buy them. I did not sell them to the Confederates they had a great plenty all the time. –
Item No 2 I had three large hogs; two of them were fat and would weigh about 150 to 160 lbs [pounds] ea the other was not fat and I think would weigh 100 lbs [pounds]: he was just right for fresh meat eating: was not fat enough for bacon: they killed the hogs right then and cut them up and gave out the pieces to the soldiers the Cattle they drove off with other Cattle I did not see them kill my Cattle they killed out of the drive and put my Cows into the drove and drove off.
Item No 3 I had Seven or Eight head I am not sure which of Stock hogs; they were running out I do not know what they would weigh two of them were Sows the rest were shotes [shoats] about half grown would weigh about 50 lbs [pounds] each the Sows would weigh about 100 lbs [pounds] each
Item No 4 I had one wagon load of Corn it was not measured except by the wagon – it held 40 bushels of corn and I estimated it to be what would make 20 Bus [Bushel] shelled Corn – that was taken and a good deal of it fed right then to their horses and mules – they were on horses that came on first –
Item No 5 I raised the rice myself. I had two and a half acres planted in rice; it was thrashed out and clean up ready for sale. I had 50 bus [bushel] measured with a scaled measure – they took every bit of it.
Item No 6 I made my syrup myself and the bowl was about ¾ full it was not measured – They opened the bowl and first filled their canteens; they cleaned out the bowl and left it on the ground
Item No 7 They took all my Poultry I don’t know how many head. I never counted them – I do not know whether they took any of the poultry away or not; they eat some right there in camp.
Item No 8 I had two bolts of country home spun very heavy goods I had just bought, it 3 or 4 days before the Yankees came into the County there was just 40 yards in a piece I don’t know what they did with it they took it away from me that is all I can say – I paid $5. a yard in confederate money for it – I bought it to get rid of the Confederate money – I knew as soon as the Yankees came it wouldn’t be good for anything; everybody else was turning it loose.
Item No 9 I had one sack of corn [word] fodder – did not weigh it – it was the fodder off of 2 ½ acres of corn – it was nice and in good order they fed it to their horses and made right there.
I can’t tell how many soldiers there was there. It seemed as if the whole county was filled up with them – it was called Shermans Army that is all I can say about it. I know they took my things I had and it made hard scratching for me. There was officers present; did not know their names; one officer by the name of ?Smith?. I did not hear any order given to take the property, but I saw him looking on and he did not object to their taking it: it was all taken by the horse company; they came in like a set of “bull-dogs” and went feeding the horses and mules and themselves as fast as they could; they told me they had been living on one can of corn a day when they was coming down the Country. I can’t tell what such property was worth in good money for we haven’t any good money where I was; it was all this Confederate money.
his
Samuel Gaulding
Mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this the 28th day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner Ga
Testimony of Witness (Philady Baker) About Property
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 present when all the property specified in Claimants petition was taken. I saw the Cattle, hogs, Corn, rice, Syrup, Chicken, homespun and fodder.
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?
It was all taken in the daytime – did not take any after dark; it was all taken before dark came. It was all taken boldly.
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 did not hear any complaint made by anyone.
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.
I did not hear any voucher or receipt asked for by anyone.
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?
I did not see any money paid for anything the Claimant had. I don’t know about any other claim; don’t think he had any.
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?
The Army camped there on the Plantation, they staid [stayed] there one night and part of two days.
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.
I saw all the things you have read over to me taken by the Union Army. I know they were Yankee Soldiers because people said so, and they had on blue clothes.
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 No 1 I think Claimant had 5 Milch Cows and three or four Calves. I don’t know how old the Cows were. The calves were one year old, passed; they were pretty good Stout Cows don’t know what they would weigh. I don’t know what Cattle was worth. I never sold any. I don’t know the regiment, brigade, or command, every body said it was Shermans Army. I did not know any of the officers. I saw them there and heard them order the Soldiers to take the property. I did not hear any one say What they wanted the provision for: They looked as if a little would not hurt them. I think they drove the Cattle off; they may have killed some right there. I saw them cooking beef and pork so I suppose they ate it: they went right into the Camp I could see for they was right there. I knew the officers by their dress they did not act as if they were stealing at all. I thought they took it for use and I know they did for I saw them using some of it: they all complained of being very hungry and haven’t any doubt but what they wanted it and used it for the use of the Army.
Item No 2 He had I think 3 or 4 fat hogs in the pen I saw them kill those and carry off the meat to the Camp. I do not know what they would weigh. I never saw hogs weighed; they was good big hogs and fat. I don’t remember what pork was worth then.
Item No 3. I think he had 8 or 9 hogs outside. I am not sure about the numbers two large ones and the rest were what we call Shotes. I saw them all killed and taken off by the Union Soldiers.
Item No 4. I can’t tell how many bushels of corn: it filled one of the big Army wagons full; they hauled it away in one of them and commenced feeding it to the horses and mules – he worked by moonlight to raise his corn – it was all in the ear and good sound corn.
Item No 5. The rice was thrashed and measured ready for market and in a large bin across one end of the house where he lived; they took it up in baskets and put it into wagons and from that they issued it out to the soldiers I saw it thrashed and measured myself – but I do not remember the quantity now I think he planted 2 ½ or 3 acres of rice; it was a prime article of rice.
Item No 6 I think nearly one barrel of Syrup of his own make and from cane of his raising: they came in and took it out of the barrel and carried some off in water buckets and filled up their canteens; they soon [word] that up there wasn’t a “lap” a piece.
Item No 7 I saw them take the Chickens but can’t tell how many he had a heap of them.
Item No 8. He had two bolts of homespun. I don’t know how many yards it was good heavy goods; he bought it. I do not know what it was worth in good money or Confederate money either; we did not think Confederate money was worth any thing; we all talked about it and thought it would not be as soon as the Yankees got here. I saw them carry off the homespun.
Item No 9 I saw them take the fodder, first thing, and feed it to the horses and mules; they was nearly starved; he had one good stack. I have no knowledge what it would weigh the fodder was taken from his corn of his own raising; our master allowed us to raise all the corn and rice we could make time to raise all we had to do was to make a task and then go about our own business; there is no doubt but what the property all belonged to Mr Gaulding
her
Philady Baker
Mark
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this the 28. Day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner Ga
Testimony of Witness (Louisa Houston) About Property
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 present when the property charged in this claim was taken and I actually saw it taken by theYankee soldiers.
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?
It was all taken in the daytime; none of it was taken secretly –
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 did not hear any complaint made.
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.
I did not hear of any voucher or receipt asked for.
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?
I don’t know about that I did not see any payment made I don’t think he had any other property to be taken.
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?
The property was taken by the Union troops, just as they went into Camp; they camped right on the Plantation all about. I could see everything that was going on.
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.
Yes I saw the soldiers take the cattle, the hogs, corn, rice, syrup, chickens, homespun and fodder and it all went right into the camp.
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 No 1. I saw them take five Milch cows and I believe each had a yearling calf; some I think was killed right then: and some was driven off. I do not know how old the cows were – all good size cows; do not know how much they would weigh. I never saw any weighed. I do not know what they were worth; they belonged to claimant – he raised them there on the plantation. I saw officers there; they said they were officers and I know them by their uniform so. I didn’t hear any order given to take the property or not to take it; the officer was looking on. It was called Shermans Army; that is all I can say about it. They looked as if they had been starving for a year; they went to killing and cooking and eating pretty quick.
Item No 2. He had four fat hogs in the pen. I can’t tell what they would weigh; they were good large hogs. I saw them kill the hogs and take them to the camp. Claimant raised these hogs himself and they belonged to him.
Item No 3 He had about nine head outside of the pen two large sows and the rest was shotes; don’t know what they would weigh; they shotes was half grown I should think – I don’t know what pork was worth per pound – it was pretty high I think.
Item No 4. I saw them haul away one big load of corn in the ear. I do not know how many bushels it was good – sound corn and his own raising.
Item No 5 He had 50 bushels of rice I was with him – helped him to thrash it clean and measured it: it was in the house in a big box made across one end of the house; that was hauled away in wagons. I saw them feeding the rice to horses –
Item No 6. I saw them take the syrup in buckets, bottle or canteen – I do not know how much there was in the bowl: it was some of his own make. I was there with him when he made it.
Item No 7 I saw them take the chickens; don’t know how many head I never counted them there was a large lot of them I should think 40 or 50 head.
Item No 8. He had two bolts of homespun. I saw them take them. I do not know how many yards there was in the two pieces it was heavy, thick goods.
Item No 9 I saw them take the fodder. I think he had but one stack it was a large one, they fed the horses right there: they made that fly they was so hungry, horse and mules looked as if they was nearly starved to death; men looked so too, but they found good picking when they got into Liberty County.
The claimant was a hard working man and saved what he made. I know the property all belonged to him he worked night and day to get a head [ahead]
her
Louisa Houston
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 28th day of April 1875
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner Ga