John (Jack) Wilson – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant is a colored man. His wife was free but he was originally a slave. About 8 years before the war he purchased his freedom. After that he worked in Savannah as a street wagoner & sometimes as a stevedore. He is shown to be a steady & industrious man. He owned his little house & lot, and is said to have owned the property he claims. The circumstances and his use & possession of the property & his being a free colored man all corroborate his claim to the ownership of the property. The value of the property is greatly exaggerated. The horse, wagon etc owned by the colored people were of a very inferior quality.

The first 6 items were taken from him when on the Ogeechee road out of the city. He had gone into the country to get these provisions & was returning home with his load when the army met him & took the property. The horse was hitched into a Gov’t wagon & his wagon also taken to camp. The taking of 3,4,5,6 was mere lawless depredation. The cow & hog were taken for Army use at Savannah.

We allow in all $118.00.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: ]

Testimony of Claimant
In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:

My name is John Wilson, my age 54 years, my residence Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a farmer; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.

In the Case of John Wilson v.s. United States
Before the Commission of Claims Under Act of Congress of March 3, 1871 and May 11 1872
State of Georgia
Chatham County
S. S.

The deposition of John Wilson, Colored, the Claimant taken before Virgil Hillyer, Esqr [Esquire] Special Commissioner of the Southern Claims Commission at Savannah to be used in the investigation of a claim against the United States now pending before the Commissioner of Claims Under Act of Congress of March 3, 1871 and May 11, 1872 in the name of John Wilson v.s. United States in the presence of James M. Simms Counsel of Claimant.

General Interrogatories by Special Commissioner

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

My name is John Wilson I was born a slave and lived one till 1853 then by hard shufflin my wife being a free woman I bought myself and paid eight hundred and fifty dollars. I am 54 years old – I live now in Liberty County – I am a farmer. I am the Claimant in this case When I bought myself Phillip M. Russel was my master – I do not owe him anything I never lived on his place I hired my time when I belonged to him he was magistrate for many years – before I bought myself – he is living he lives in the City of Savannah I lived in the city of Savannah when the property named in my account was taken. I have a wife and family. I am the only person besides my family that has any interest in the account

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

From the 1st of Apr. [April] 1861 to the 19th of June 1865 I lived right in Savannah. I was driving a street wagon I did not change my residence or business during that time

3. Did you ever pass beyond the military or naval lines of the United States and enter the rebel lines? If so, how often, when, where, and for what purpose, and how long did you stay within the Confederate lines on each occasion?

I never passed beyond the limits of the U. S. during the war, never left the State of Georgia

4. Did you ever take any oath or affirmation to bear allegiance to the so-called Confederate States, or to aid or support them in any way, or to “bear true faith,” or “yield obedience” to them? If so, when and where? State fully in regard to the same.

I never took any such oath or affirmation.

5. Have you ever taken any amnesty oath? If so, when, where, and under what condition? Have you been pardoned by the President? If so, when and where, and upon what conditions?

I took the amnesty oath immediately after shermans army came here

6. Were you ever directly or indirectly, or in any manner, connected with the civil service of the socalled Confederate States? If so, how, when, and where, in what capacity, and for what periods? Was any oath required of you for such service; and if so, what?

I never was directly or indirectly so connected.

7. Did you ever hold any office or place of trust, honor, or profit under the Confederate Government, or under any of the States or Territories subordinate thereto? If so, state the nature and character of the office, the place at which, and the period for which you held it?

I never held any such office or place of trust.

8. Did you hold any clerkship or have any agency or employment of any kind, for, or under, or for the benefit of the so-called Confederate States? If so, state fully in regard to the same.

I never held any such clerkship, agency or employment.

9. Were you ever, in any capacity, in the military or naval service of the so-called Confederate States, or of any State or Territory subordinate thereto?

I never was in any such capacity.

10. Were you ever an officer or soldier in the Confederate army? If yea, when, where, how long, and when did you leave such service? [Each one of these questions must be fully answered.]

I never was an officer or soldier in the Confederate army

11. Were you ever in the State militia of any State while subordinate to the Confederacy? If yea, state when, where, how long, and when you left the service?

I never was in any militia of any state while subordinate to the confederacy

12. Were you ever in the home guard, or upon any vigilance committee, or committee of safety, which subject to the Confederacy? If yea, state when, where, and how long? 13. If you claim that you were conscripted into the rebel service, state fully all the circumstances.

I never was in any home guard or upon any vigilance committee or committee of safety while subordinate to the confederacy

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

13 & 14 I never was conscripted, never furnished any substitute for the rebel army

15. Were you directly or indirectly, or in any way, connected with or employed in the quartermaster’s department of the Confederate service or the commissary’s department, or the medical department, the engineers’ department, the ordnance department, the impressment service, the provost-marshal’s department, or any other branch of the Confederate service?

I never was directly or indirectly or in any way connected with any department or any branch whatever, of the Confederate service

16. Were you employed on any railroad in the service of the Confederate government? Did you aid in the transportation of soldiers, munitions of war, or supplies for the Confederate government? If yea, state fully all the circumstances. If you claim that what you did was not “giving aid or comfort” to the rebel cause, state fully all the facts and reasons for such your claim.

I never was employed on any railroad in the service of the Confederate Government during the war. I never aided in any way the transportation of any soldiers munitions of war or supplies for the Confederate Government

17. Did you at any time have charge of any stores or supplies for the use of the Confederate army, navy, or government, or the charge or care of trains, team or teams, wagon or wagons, vessels, boats, or other craft, or munitions of war, for the use of the Confederate army or navy? If so, state fully in regard to the same.

I never had any such charge

18. Were you ever in any service, employment, or business of any kind whatsoever for the Confederate government, or its army or navy? Did you ever furnish any aid, or any supplies or stores, or property of any kind, to or for the socalled Confederate States, or any State in rebellion, or to the army, navy, militia, home guards, armed forces, or military organizations thereof, or for any officer, soldier, or sailor thereof? If so, state fully in regard to the same. Did you ever give any information to any officer, soldier, or sailor of the Confederate army or navy, or to any person employed by or for the so-called Confederate States, or acting on their behalf, or for their benefit, which might aid in any way any military or naval operations carried on against the United States? State fully in regard to the same.

I never was in any such employment. I never furnished any aid or supplies I never gave any such aid or information

19. Were you in any manner employed in the manufacture of munitions of war, of clothing, of boots, shoes, saddles, harness, or leather; of equipment for soldiers, or of any stores or supplies for the use of the Confederate army or navy; or were you in any way employed by, or did you aid or assist, others engaged in such manufacture? If so, state when and where, and by or for whom you were so employed, and for what period of time?

I was never in any manner so employed

20. Were you ever, directly or indirectly, employed in the collection, impressment, or purchase, or the sale of stores, supplies or any property for the use or benefit of the Confederate government, or any State in rebellion, or the army, navy, or other forces thereof? Did you have any interest or share in contracts with, or purchases for, the Confederate government, or its army or navy, or any State in rebellion, or its forces? If so, state fully all particulars.

I never was directly or indirectly so employed. I never had any interest or share in contracts or anything else for the Confederate Government

21. Were you ever engaged in blockade running, or illicit traffic or intercourse between the lines, or were you ever in any way interested therein? Did you ever have any interest or share in any goods, wares, merchandise, stores, or supplies brought into or exported from the so-called Confederate States during the war? If so, state fully all particulars.

I never was so engaged never had any interest or share in any goods wares stores or supplies brought into or imported from the Confederate states.

22. Did you leave the so-called Confederate States between the 19th of April, 1861, and 19th of April, 1865? If so, when and how did you leave; where did you go; for what purpose; how long were you absent; in what business were you engaged while absent, and when and to what place did you return in the so-called Confederate States?

I never left the so called Confederate States during that period.

23. Were you the owner, or part owner, or in any way interested in any vessel used in navigating the ocean to or from any port in the Confederacy, or upon any waters in the Confederacy? If so, what vessels, when and where employed, and in what business?

I never was owner or part owner in any vessel or other crafts engaged in navigating the ocean or waters of the Confederacy, to or from any port in the Confederacy.

24. Were you ever arrested by the Confederate government, or by any officer, soldier, or other person professing to act therefor, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, and how long were you kept under arrest? How did you get released? Did you, for the sake of being released, or upon release, take any oath of any kind to the Confederate government? If so, what? [Put the same questions as to arrest by the United States Government, etc.]

I never was so arrested neither was I so arrested by the United States Government.

25. Was any of your property ever taken by the Confederate authorities, or by any officer, soldier, or other person acting or assuming to act on their behalf, or in behalf of any State in rebellion? If so, what property, when and for what use, and have you received pay therefor?

I never had any property taken by the Confederate authorities

26. Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments? If so, state when, by whom, and what the threats were?

They used to threaten to whip us to death if they caught us communicating with the Yankees.

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

I never was molested or in any way injured.

28. Did you ever contribute anything—any money or property—in aid of the United States Government, or in aid of the Union army or cause? If so, state fully as to the same.

I never contributed anything to the U. S. Government.

29. Did you ever do anything for the United States Government or its army, or for the Union cause, during the war? If so, state fully what you did.
I helped the Union soldiers all I could. I helped burry [sic] some. When they exchanged prisoners held, several of us bought a lot of bread and took it in my wagon and distributed it to the Union soldiers

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

I had no relatives in the rebel service. I had none in the Union service

31. Have you owned any Confederate bonds or any interest or share therein; or had any share or interest in any loans to the Confederate government; or did you in any way contribute to support the credit of the so-called Confederate States during the late rebellion?

I never owned any Confederate Bonds or had any interest in any such.

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

I never gave any aid or comfort to the rebellion –

33. Were you ever engaged in making raids into the United States from Canada, or engaged in destroying the commerce of the United States in the lakes and rivers adjoining Canada?

I never was so engaged.

34. Were you ever engaged in holding in custody, directly or indirectly, any persons taken by the rebel government as prisoners of war, or any persons imprisoned or confined by the Confederate government, or the authorities of any State in rebellion, for political causes? If so, when, where, and under what circumstances? In what capacity were you engaged, and what was the name, rank, and command of your principal?

I never was so engaged

35. Were you ever a member of any society or association for the imprisonment, expulsion, execution, or other persecution of any persons on account of their loyalty to the United States, or did you ever assist in such acts?

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

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

I never was a parolled [sic] prisoner of the United States.

37. Have you ever held any office in the Army or Navy of the United States? Were you educated by the United States at the Military Academy at West Point, or at the United States Naval Academy?

I never held any office in Army or navy of the United States, nor was I ever so educated

38. Did you ever receive any pass from any officer of the Confederate government, or from any person having or assuming to have authority to issue the same? If so, who gave you the pass; for what purpose; for what period of time; did you sign or swear to any promise or obligation in order to get it; or swear or promise to bear “bear true faith and yield obedience to the Confederate States;” did you use the pass, and for what purpose?

I never had any pass except a ticket from my master. I did not have to take any oath to obtain such a pass

39. Are you or were you under the disabilities imposed by the Fourteenth Article of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States? Have you held any office under the United States Government since the war? If so, what office; and did you take the (so-called) “iron-clad” oath?

I never was under any disabilities whatever.

40. At the beginning of the rebellion did you sympathize with the Union cause, or with the rebellion? What were your feelings and what your language on the subject? On which side did you exert your influence and cast your vote? What did you do, and how did you vote? How did you vote on ratifying the ordinance of secession? After the ordinance of secession was adopted in your State did you adhere to the Union cause, or did you “go with the State?”

At the beginning of the rebellion I sympathized with the “Yankee cause” Our people were “lift up and greatly rejoiced” when they heard of the war.

41. [Original Question 34.] In conclusion, do you solemnly declare that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, your sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; that you never, of your own free will and accord, did anything, or offered, or sought, or attempted to do anything, by word or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success, and that you were at all times ready and willing, when called upon, or if called upon, to aid and assist the cause of the Union, or its supporters, so far as you means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted?

In conclusion I do solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof my sympathies were always with the United States. That I never of my own free will or accord did any thing or sought or attempted to do anything by word or deed to injure said cause or retard its success and that I was always ready and willing when or if called upon to aid and assist the cause of the Union or its supporters, so far as my means and power, and the circumstance in the case would permit.

Interrogatory by Claimant’s Counsel:

When Sherman’s Army came to Savannah I was living corner of Mt. Gomery St [Montgomery?] and Huntingdon Streets in this city. I don’t remember the date but it was a Wednesday in December, 1864. It was the Wednesday before Christmas. I was at home when the army came. I saw my property all taken away by Genl [General] Sherman’s Army. I knew them by their uniform. The Union soldiers wore blue with brass buttons, and a more substantial cloth. The Confederates were gray. There was other property taken from five miles out on the Ogeechee road that taken in the county was taken about 9 or 10 days before that in the city was taken. The property taken out on the road, was a horse, harness, wagon, clothing etc what I had in the wagon, consisting of ground nuts (or peas) grits, butter, honey, and cloth suit – ducks fowls and turkeys. I was starved out here and I went out into Liberty County to get some provisions and was returning with these provisions when the army met me on the road and took everything from me that I had. Charles Bradwell was with me and saw it all. I think Samuel McKiever also saw it. The rest of the property taken & charged in my bill was taken in Huntingdon street. I never rec’d [received] any pay at all for this property, not any bill or receipt. I only was told they were pressed for these things here and I would get my pay after a while. This was all my own property no one had any claim to it but myself. I was free and my own master so far as the laws of the state allowed having purchased myself previously.

Second set of Interrogatories by Specl Com’r:

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

I was present when this property was taken.

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

I saw the property taken I saw it all taken.

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

When they took these things they said they were pressed for them and compelled to take them, and I might get my pay sometime. They said the same in taking all the property.

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

The horse, wagon and contents, and harness were taken out on the Ogeechee road. The other things were taken at my house. They were taken on Wednesday before Christmas 1864 by Genl [General] Sherman’s Army. There was more than one soldier engaged in the taking. There were twenty or thirty in the yard. They all helped one took one thing and one another. They were taking about two days.

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

My wife, sister Thompson and other children, the family was there.

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

I don’t think there was any officer among the soldiers there. There was none that seemed to give orders. I was so excited I can’t tell whether there were any officers there or not. Did not hear anyone order the property taking. All they said was they were in need & must have the things we would get our pay sometime.

7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.

I went out to Liberty County to get something to eat, we were starving out here. On my way back the army met me and took everything I had with me This was about nine or ten days before they came to the city. I was at my house when they came, they went right into the fowl house, and took the fowls killing some taking some alive they said they wanted the poultry for the sick. They took the cow right out and killed it they killed the hog right in the yard.

8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.

They divided the property right there and took it off in their hands. The cow they rationed out right when they killed them. The property taken out on the road they removed on my own wagon to a camp. I went with it and them to the camp

9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?

The property taken on the road was taken to the camp I followed it and saw it delivered The property taken at the house they divided among themselves and taken to the camp right around the house

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

They said they wanted the property for the sick soldiers. The property was taken for the use of the army. The horse was taken right out of the wagon and one of theirs hitched in, mine was taken for cavalry service. I saw them using it for the purpose. I saw the army using the property and the rest of it

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

I complained to the soldiers I was a poor servant here and they were taking all I had. They said they “was” in need of it and meant take it. I would get my pay sometime They were all cavalry that I saw and in the road, they were Genl [General] Kilpatricks Cavalry they said so

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

I asked them for a voucher to show they had taken the property and they would not give me any. They did not say why they would not give it, all they said was I would get paid for it.

13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?

The property was all taken in the daytime.

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

When the property on the road was taken the army was encamped about three or four miles from where it was taken When the property at the house was taken, they were encamped right there on the common at my house This was all Kilpatricks cavalry There was a skirmish out about Ogeechee before the property was taken. They commenced taking the property in turn just when they first got there. The property taken on the road was done when they had been encamped about two days. I think they staid then about ten days after the property was taken. I did not know any quartermaster or other officer.

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

The property was all very good condition indeed.

Item No. 1. one horse, it was between five and six years medium size, just as fat as he could be, he was worth $150.00 I pd [paid] $500. In Confed [Confederate] money. This is the horse taken out in the road.

Item No. 2. Wagon and harness. I bought the wagon new in the spring and had used it one season. It was a single wagon and had springs. It was a “Jersey” wagon. The harness was good and new same age and use as the wagon. This is the wagon and harness taken on the road with the hose. I saw them taken

Item No. 3. [word] ground peas. They had been dried put up in sacks and in good order, about 8 bushels. I measured them. They were taken with the wagon

Item No. 4. Poultry 32 head. ducks fowls and turkeys There were three pair of turkeys the rest was ducks fowls and in good order full grown. Most of the poultry the turkeys and ducks were taken with the wagon out on the road

Item No. 5. The Butter etc. The butter was in a tin 8 quart pail and the pail was full, and there was four or five gallons of honey. The honey was strained and in jugs. I had two sacks of grits with two bushels each. They were all in good order and taken with the wagon on the road.

Item No. 6. One oil cloth suit. The suit consisted of pants, coat, and hat, a fine suit of oilcloth. It was painted black. I had been using it with good care during the war. It was taken with the wagon out on the road.

Item No.7. One milk cow. The cow was about three years old a little over, about 3 years and 8 mths [months]. She had had one calf and was in with another. She was full grown. She was real fat, very heavy weighted 440 or 450 lbs [pounds].

Item No. 8. One hog. I did not raise the hog don’t know his age he was full grown, and fat enough for bacon. I think he would weigh 300 lbs [pounds]. The cow and hog were taken out of the yard where I lived – They killed the hog in the yard. The cow was killed near the house in an open lot. I saw them using the beef and pork. I saw it rationed out right there to the soldiers.

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

16th 17th and 18th passed.

The property was all mine.

his
John Wilson
mark

Witness
Virgil Hillyer

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

Testimony of Witness (Charlotte Thompson)

General Interrogatory by Special Commissioner

My name Charlotte Thompson – I was born in Georgia. I was born and lived a slave till freedom I am about 65 years old I live in the City of Savannah I am a worker and [word] – I know the Claimant I knew him to be a good Union man during the war –

Interrogatory by Claimant’s Atty

I have always been intimate with Mr. Wilson as a neighbor and friend. We are no relation, but he often visited the house as a friend until my sister died then he seemed like a brother. I was at his house and saw the soldiers take some of his property. When the soldiers came in, they took charge of my place altogether and I had to come to his home for shelter. I lived on the Ogeechee road just over the line of the city limits, this was almost three or four hundred yards from Mr. Wilson’s house Mr. W lived in this City on Montgomery and Huntington Sts [Streets]. I know that was Mr. Wilsons house, all the property there belonged to him. I knew him to be an industrious man and had bought himself free. At my house, I heard him speaking always on the Union side, he wanted the cause of the Union to succeed. The soldiers who took these things were of Mr. Sherman’s Army. They were not Confederate troops. They had all gone, I was very glad when they went too. Mr Wilson was just as much rejoiced as I was. There did not seem to be any officers or commander in the yard with the soldiers. I could have told by their dress. There were some officers staid just across the street from Mr Wilson’s house and some on the next corner in Mr King’s house. They did not pay Mr. Wilson anything for any of this property.

Second set of interrogatories:

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

I was present when this property was taken.

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

I saw it taken. I saw it all taken that was taken in town. I saw the cow, hog and some of the poultry taken.

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

Mr. Wilson told the soldiers it was his cow, but they just led her right out, and said they wanted her and would have her. They took the hog in the same way.

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

These things were taken at his house. They were taken when the Army came thru Christmas month. They came on Wednesday and Monday was Christmas day. They were taken by the soldiers of Shermans army there were [word] six, two lead the cow out, two killed the hog. They did not stay a great while. They killed the cow near the house. They took them in the morning by about 8 or 9 oclock.

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

Mr Williams, Mrs Williams myself and the children were there at the time of the taking

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

There were no officers there, they were all soldiers. Did not hear any orders given for the taking of the property.

7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.

A number of soldiers just came right in and took it. They said nothing more than I have said, that the army was hungry, they had come a long distance and wanted it.

8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.

The cow was led away. The hog was killed and carried away by hand. The poultry they caught and carried off in their hands alive.

9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?

The property was removed to the camp. I did not follow it but I could see from where I was that they went to the camp.

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

They said they wanted it for their own use. I did not see them using it.

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

I did not hear any complaint made

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

I did not hear claimant ask for any voucher or receipt for the property

13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?

The property was taken in the daytime between eight and nine o’clock.

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

When the property was taken the Army was encamped right there just the width of one street. They took the property about two days after they came there. They staid [sic] after they came there. They staid [sic] a good while after but don’t know how long. There had been no battles there or skirmishes before or after the taking of the property. I did not know any quartermaster or other officer of the army.

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

The property was in very good order

Item No. 7. One good milk cow. She was in very good order, very large I saw her taken and killed.

Item No 8. One large hog. I saw it it was very fat. I don’t know wt [weight]. They killed it in the yard and took it away. I saw a few fowls taken, most of it was in his wagon on the road this I did not see. Mr Wilson is no relation. I have no interest at all in this claim.

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

I don’t know anything about the property in his wagon did not hear claimant say anything about it.

her
Charlotte Thompson
mark

Witness
Virgil Hillyer

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

Testimony of Witness (Samuel A. McIver)

General Interrogatory by Claimant’s Counselor:

I knew Mr. Jack Wilson the claimant, he is a colored man. He was originally a slave but I believe he purchased his freedom a few years before the war. He was a good upright sober and industrious man. He was a street wagoner before the war. He was sometimes a stevedore. He worked in winter as a stevedore and a street wagoner in the summer season. During the war when there was no vessils in port and no cotton stowing during the war, he worked at farming with me, and at street wagoning. We run a little farm together on the Ogeeche road, which we rented from Mr. Mysell [or Myrell]. We were always intimate from boyhood and we did well in business. Claimant was fully able to own the things I hear named in his account, in his own right. He also owned the house and lot he lived in the City, it was about a hundred yards from where I lived. The day I was captured, I saw him on the same road (the Ogeechee) I was on. We were about 22 miles from the city in Bryan County. He had a horse and wagon when I saw him I knew it to be the horse and wagon he owned in the city, he was all there to purchase provisions for himself. I could see his wagon was loaded do not know what he had in it. I saw Mr Charles Bradwell (Colrd) [Colored] with him who was from Liberty County and with whom we were well acquainted. Mr. Bradwell now lives in the upper portion of the state, he is a methodist minister. The horse Mr Wilson had was a good large, active, working horse, a light bay, I think. The wagon and harness were good I did not see the soldiers take the horse and wagon. He was about two or three miles ahead of me at the time the soldiers took me. I believe a portion of the same soldiers could have taken him that took me. I have reason to suppose they did take him because I afterwards saw the same horse in the cavalry [word]. When I arrived home in the city I learned that Mr. Wilson’s property had been taken from him on the road and all that he had left in his house with his wife. I knew of no compensation that Mr. Wilson has ever received for his losses. I knew claimant was a loyal Union man.

Samuel A. McIver

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

Second set of Interrogatories
By Spcl Commissioner

My name is Samuel A. McIver. I was born in Liberty County. I was a slave & became free after the [word] of the Union Army. I am ? 55? Years of age. I reside in Liberty County. I am a farmer. I know the claimant well. I knew him from [word]. I knew him intimately during the war we [word] together. I talked with him very frequently during the war. He used to say [1-2 words] that the war should [1-2 words] progress. From my intercourse with him I regard him to have been a thoroughgoing loyal Union man.

I know the ? prisoners ? used to come to claimant’s house and he used to furnish them with good & [too faded]. The colored people were ? generally ? in the habit of feeding and doing for the union soldiers when they could.

Second Set of Int.

I was present when the property & [word] were taken from claimant. We were traveling [rest of sentence too faded].
I was not an eye witness to ? the taking ? of these things exactly. [rest of sentence too faded]
10. This property was taken for the use of the army. They were [rest of paragraph too faded].
11. I did not hear him make a [rest too faded – something about a complaint].
12. I did not hear him ask for any receipt for the property.
13. It was taken in broad day light about 3 o’clock in the day.
14. [This paragraph too faded.]
15. This property when taken was in good condition. [Rest of this sentence too faded].

[The rest of this testimony was too faded to transcribe.]

——————–

Claim no 51912
Sett. No. 4055

John Wilson Ga
$118.00

Due him
Out of the appropriation for
“Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies Furnished During the Rebellion”

For amount allowed him by the Commissioners of Claims
Reported March 20, 1879
Returned April [faded], 1879

Requisition No. 3281, dated April [faded] 1879, transmitted for warrant April 18, 1879.

—————-

The United States to John Wilson Ga

For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No. 183 approved March 3, 1879 entitled “An Act making appropriations for the payment of claims reported allowed by the Commissioners of Claims under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871”

One hundred and eighteen dollars 118.00

Payable in care of Chipman, Hosmer & Co, Washington, D.C.

Treasury Department
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 2, 1879

Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office
March 20, 1879