Below is a transcription of a successful Southern Claims Commission claim made against the U.S. government by former enslaved man Samuel Harris of Liberty County, Georgia for property taken from him by Union soldiers who were part of General Sherman’s march to Savannah. The questions asked were not part of the original document; they have been added in from a NARA publication in order to make more sense of the answers. The document was transcribed as seen; sometime punctuation has been added to make it easier to read. It was very faded and words that could not be read are marked as [word].
Link to original: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/1217/RHUSA1871A_118421__0048-01834
Harris, Samuel (col’d)
Liberty County, Ga – 18123
________________________________
COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS
ACT MARCH 3D, 1871
NO. 18123 43639
REPORT ON CLAIM
OF
Samuel Harris
Of Liberty Co.
OF THE STATE OF
Georgia
SUBMITTED TO CONGRESS December 1876
AMOUNT ALLOWED $75.00
Decr 4/76
J.C. Todd
Savannah
[image 2]
NO. 18123 CLAIM OF Samuel Harris (col’d) of Liberty COUNTY, IN THE STATE OF Georgia
| NO. OF ITEM | DESCRIPTION | AMT CLAIMED | AMT ALLOWED | AMT DISALLOWED |
| 1 | 1 Mare | 150.00 | 65.00 | 85.00 |
| 2 | 1 Mare | 160.00 | 160.00 | |
| 3 | 1 Jersey Wagon | 100.00 | 100.00 | |
| 4 | 1 Saddle | 25.00 | 25.00 | |
| 5 | 1 Hog | 15.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| 6 | 20 Fowls | 5.00 | 5.00 | |
| Totals | $455.00 | $75.00 (110.00 crossed out) | $380.00 |
We allow $75.00
The client was the slave of E.J. Delegal – but had hired his time for 30 years of his master – paid him $15 per month & all he earned over belonged to himself. Would earn from $5 to $10 per month for himself.
HIs wife belonged to Capt. Abial Winn & he lived with his wife on Winn’s plantation. All his children followed the mother & belonged to Winn. He is 55 years old & is a carpenter by trade.
He earned money by his trade & otherwise & bought the mare & from her raised the colt. The mare when taken was about 10 years old – the colt three years. The colt had been ridden a little but could not have been lawfully taken for army use. Winn charged him nothing for keeping the horses, as his wife was his slave.
Clmt. testifies that others like him bought their time & worked out of their masters & were allowed to live just where they pleased – named three viz Dublin Miller slave of W.S. Baker, Joe Dryer – slave of Cyrus Mallard, Pompey Brown – slave of Tom Mallard – “who worked on jobs with me & all hired their time and paid wages in the way I did.” “The field hands worked by taskwork in Liberty County.” [quote marks in the original]
Items 3 & 4 were not taken for Army use.
[“We allow $110.00” was crossed out.]
A.O. Aldis { Commiss. Of Claims
Since writing the above report we have received Mr. Payne’s report. He says the horse was worth only $65.00 We allow $75.00
A.O. Aldis
O. Ferris
J.B. Howell
Commissrs of Claims
[image 4]
18123
Dec 19/72
Petition of Samuel Harris (Colored)
To the Commissioners of Claims
Residence of Claimant: near Riceboro, Liberty Co, Georgia
Nature of Claim: Supplies
Amount claimed: $455.00
Filed by: J.C. Todd
Savannah, Ga
[image 5]
Petition
To the Honorable Commissioners of Claims
Under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871, Washington, D.C.
The Petition of Samuel Harris (Colored)
Respectfully represents:
That he is a citizen of the United States and resides at present at or near Riceboro Liberty Co Ga and that he resided when this claim accrued at or near Riceboro.
That he has a claim against the United States for property taken for the use of the army of the United States during the late rebellion at (or near) Riceboro, in the county of Liberty and State of Georgia.
That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding any and all items of damage, destruction, and loss, (and not use,) or property; of unauthorized or unnecessary depredations by troops and other persons upon property, or of rent or compensation for the use or occupation of buildings, grounds, or other real estate, is as follows:
| No. of Item | Quantities and Articles | Value |
| 1 | One sorrel mare (Cora) | 130.00 |
| 2 | One “ “ (Pigeon) | 160.00 |
| 3 | One Jersey Wagon (new) | 100.00 |
| 4 | One new saddle | 55.00 |
| 5 | One ?neat? hog 150 lbs | 15.00 |
| 6 | 20 head Fowls .25 | 5.00 |
Total: $455.00
[image 6]
That the property in question was taken or furnished for the use of a portion of the army of the United States, known as Kilpatrick’s Cavalry and commanded by Genl Kilpatrick and that the persons who took or received the property, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the following:
[left blank]
That the property was removed to [left blank] and used for or by [left blank] all this on or about the [left blank] day of December in the year 1864.
That no voucher, receipt, or other writing, was given for the property.
[Paragraph of standard wording with no added writing omitted]
The Samuel Harris (colored) of Riceboro, was the original owner of said claim and that he is still the present owner of the same.
[Standard statement saying that the petitioner was loyal to the United States before and while the property was taken.]
That said claim has not before been presented to [too faded]
That J.C. Todd is hereby authorized and empowered to act as Attorney for the prosecution of this claim.
Witnesses: [completely faded but stated later]
State of Georgia
County of Liberty
Samuel Harris (colored)
[printed statement averring that the petitioner believes the statement to be true and that he did not voluntarily serve in the Confederate military or provide aid to it or the Confederate government]
Witnesses: [left blank]
[Signed] [signed with his mark]
Sworn and subscribed in my presence, the 26th day of November 1872.
Virgil Hillyer, Special Commissioner State of Georgia
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove loyalty:
David Stevens (colored) Liberty Co
Capt. Winn
W.M. Winn
Peter Winn
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition: [too faded]
Post office address of claimant: Riceboro, Liberty Co Ga
Post office address of attorney: Savannah, Ga.
[image 7]
No. 18123
Claim of
Samuel Harris (Col), of
[too faded]
$455.00
Application to have
Testimony taken by
Special Commissioner
Filed by J.C. Todd, Savannah, Ga
[NOTE: Images 8-9: The handwritten parts of the form on these three pages are too faded to read, but all the information appears to be contained on other pages.]
[Image 10]
Submitted
No. 18123
Claim of: Samuel Harris, Riceboro
Of: Liberty County, State of Georgia
$455.00
Testimony of:
Samuel Harris Page 3
Peter Winn Page 12
David Stevens Page 17
Toby Pinckney Page 19
Taken before: Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Ga
Raymond Cay Jr
Of Riceboro Ga
Attorneys
July 23
[Image 11]
Examined
[Front Page]
Before the Commissioners of Claims
Act of Congress, March 3, 1871
Case of Samuel Harris
No. 18123
It is hereby certified that on the 15 day of July 1873, at McIntosh, in the County of Liberty and State of Georgia came personally before me, for the purpose of a hearing in the above-entitled cause, the following persons, viz:
Samuel Harris, Claimant
Raymond Cay Jr, Counsel, or Attorney,
And Peter Winn, David Stevens & Toby Pinckney, Claimant’s Witnesses
[Standard typed statement about swearing to tell the truth, etc]
Witness my hand and seal this 15 day of July, 1873.
Virgil Hillyer, Special Commissioner of the State of Ga Commissioners of Claims
Deposition of Samuel Harris
In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:
My name is Samuel Harris, my age 55 years, my residence Liberty County, in the State of Georgia, and my occupation a Farmer; I am the claimant and have beneficial interest in the claim.
[Image 12]
Samuel Harris vs. United States
Before Virgil Hillyer Esq. Special Comsor, Georgia
I have no further testimony to present in this case and respectfully submit the same to the Commissioner of Claims and await your decision.
Raymonc Cay Jr
Atty for Claimant
[Page 13]
[Transcriber’s Note: The questions below were not in this form. They are copied from the standard list of questions to be asked in these cases. ]
Testimony of Claimant
Interrogation by Special Commissioner
[1] What is your name, age, residence, and occupation?
My name is Samuel Harris. I was born in McIntosh County, a slave & became free when the Army came here. I am about 55 next Oct will be 55. I reside at John S. [or L] Mallard’s place. I am farming now. I am the claimant in this case.
[2] Where did you reside from the 1st of April, 1861, to the 1st of June, 1865? If on your own land, what is the size of your farm? How much of your farm was cultivated, and how much was woodland? Where is it situated? What was your occupation during that time? Did you change your residence or business during that time? if so, where was your new residence, and what [was] your new business?
I resided from the first of April 1861 to the first of June 1865, at Capt Abiel Winn’s place. I followed my trade of a carpenter all the time till the raid came through.
[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?
Irrelevant.
[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.
Irrelevant.
[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?
The only oath I took was when I went to register to vote.
[6] to [28] inclusive to each & every question the claimant answers No!
[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 cook for them & [word] corn for them when they came. I had no opportunity before the raid. I never saw no prisoners.
30 to 39 inclusive to each & every question the claimant answers No!
[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?”
My mind at the beginning of the rebellion was fixed so I would be glad to get my freedom. I was afraid to speak was not allowed to speak. I continued [Image 14] that way all through the war till freedom.
[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 your means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted?
In conclusion I solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end my feelings were always with the cause of the United States that I never did anything against that cause & that I was always willing so far as my power & means & the circumstances if the case permitted to aid that cause.
[42] If the claimant be a female, ask the following questions:
42. Are you single or married? [not asked, as Harris was male.]
[43] If the claimant be a colored person, ask the following questions: Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? When did you become free? What was your business after you became free? How and when did you come to own the property named in your petition? How did you get the means to pay for it? Who was your former master? Are you now in his employment? Do you live on his land? Do you live on land purchased of him? Are you indebted to your former master for land or property, and how much? Has anybody any interest in this claim besides yourself? State fully all the facts in your answers to these questions.
At the beginning of the war I was a slave & became free when the raid came through here. I went to farming after I became free. I worked & paid for the property by doing work as a carpenter for my hire. My master was E.J. Delegal. I paid him $16.00 a month regularly for 30 odd years. My master said he could get $1500 if I was to be sold but he would not sell me. He had rather have his $15.00 a month. I am not now working for my master. I do not live on his land. I do not live on land purchased of him. I am not indebted to him in any way. No one has an interest in this claim but myself.
Questions by Claimant’s attorney:
I belonged to E.J. Delegal till the [Image 15] time I was made free. I belonged to him all through my life. I did carpenter work for him. About 30 odd years I did this work. I was never a field hand. I was living when the raid came at Capt Winn’s place where my family lived. I lived there because my wife was there & I made that my home. My master allowed me to go there because I hired my time. He allowed me to stay just where I wanted to if I paid him my monthly wages. This was rather an unusual privilege but I knew others that enjoyed the same privilege. I was only obliged to report to my master when I went to pay him money. Sometimes I paid him monthly & sometimes quarterly, most of the time quarterly. I paid him $15.00 a month. I was always able to pay my wages. At times I made a good deal over my wages sometimes $5.00 sometimes $10.00. Mr. Delegal never made me pay him what I had over, that always fell in my own pocket. By this means I got this property [word]. Mr. Delegal allowed me to raise property on his place all I could. Capt Winn allowed me to keep property on his [Image 16] place, he never objected. My wife belonged to Capt Winn. I know of others who worked out & paid wages. Dublin Miller belonged to W.S. Baker ] & Joe Dryer belonged to Mr. Cyrus Mallard Pompey Bacon belonged to Mr. [name] Mallard & [word] others I could name who worked on jobs with me at different times all hired their time & paid wages in the way I did. The field hands in Liberty County worked by task work. I do not know of a single planter in this county who worked his hands from dawn to dusk. The usual task for splitting rails was two rails in a day. Oftentimes they would finish this task in [word] 10 or 11 oclock in the morn & the balance of the day belonged to them. I have split rails since I have been free. I have done this [word] from 10 to 11 oclock since I have been free. I am about 55 years old now.
Interrogatories by special commissioner:
2nd set.
[1] Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present when they took these articles of property from me.
[2] Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw the soldiers take all this property.
[3] Did you see any of the articles named in the petition taken, other than those you have specified?
They said they wanted the horses to carry provisions to the camp, then they [image 17] took the horses. They took the wagon at the same time, they said they wanted it to carry provisions in. They said the soldiers were broken down & starved out & they must take all these things from the colored as well as the rebels & we should get them back again. They said we came to give you all free & we ought to have something to enjoy ourselves. We tell ?them? Oh yes we’s glad to be free. Then they went [1-2 words] the property.
[4] When and where and by whom were the articles taken, which you say you saw taken?
This property was taken at my wife’s & my house on Capt Winn’s plantation. All my children belonged to Capt. Winn. This was the law in this state that all the children be bound to the owners of the mother. This property was taken in [word] & when the raid passed through here. I can’t tell right square the year. These things were taken by the Yankee soldiers. They were mostly on horse, but I don’t know what branch of the army they belonged to. There were a 100 men there I think the place was just covered with them. 3 or 4 or 5 were taking the property. They done [Image 18] all what they did to me in ?one? Day.
[5] Who were present when you saw them taken?
There were present David Stephens [alt: Stevens], Peter Winn, Toby Pinckney & others there at the taking of the property.
[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 did not know officers from soldiers at that time. I saw no one whoseemed to be giving orders at all.
[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 had a stable right by my house & they went in & took both the mares out & jump on them & ride them. The wagon they put a mule in & loaded it up with David Stephens’ potatoes & drove off. They shot the hog in the pen & took it off & they stole the fowls 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 took it off in wagons & rode the horses off.
[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?
They took this property to the camp. I did not follow them but they went in that direction.
[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 took this property for the use of themselves. I did not see them using any of it except what I saw them using then.
[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 make any complaint to any officer on account of the taking of the property.
[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 ask them for any voucher[Image 19] or receipts.
[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?
This property was taken in the day time about midday.
[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?
The army was encamped in that vicinity about 3 miles at Midway church. I think they came up the next day after they they got into camp & took the property. I think they staid in camp about 3 weeks. There had been no battles nor skirmishes near there. I did not know the quartermaster, nor other officers. They went out from their headquarters at Midway & foraged all through the county & brought their supplies into camp.
[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?
This property was in very good order when taken.
[16] What means have you of knowing quantity taken? 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.
Items 1 to 2. The old mare was from 9 to 10 years old & the young one just clearing 3. I had just commenced to ride her. They took those horses of mine & saddled them with their saddles & rode them off. These horses belonged to me & not to my master he had nothing to do with them. I had owned these horses 7 or 8 years & raised the colt [Image 20] from this mare. I got the means to pay for this mare from what I had over after I paid my master his wages. I paid my master wages about 30 odd years. I had from $5.00 to $10.00 left a month after I paid my wages. My wife & her children did not cost me anything they drew rations from their master & brought to me little things to feed myself.
Item No 3. This was a good strong nice Jersey wagon. I bought it new; it was all complete. I had it [word] 4 or 5 years, but I only used it occasionally to take my wife out & to go to church & to carry my tools a little ways sometimes. It was in good order. I had not much of any other use for my wagon. My master’s wagon was used for the farm work. I got this wagon in the same way I bought the horse. I bought the horse some years before I did the wagon. They hitched a mule to the wagon & loaded it up with potatoes & went off with it.
Item No. 4. This was a good [one word] leather saddle. I had had it about [image 21] 3 years. I had an old saddle. I used then bought this one. I bought it new. They took this saddle off on their back. I got this saddle in the very same way I did the other items with money out of my pocket.
Item No. 5. This was a very fat hog in the pen. This hog would weigh 450 lbs at the least. They just killed the hog & cut him in two & put him across their saddles & took him off.
Item No. 6. I had about [number illegible] poultry. The soldiers took this poultry. I always counted them. I know I had more than that but I put it it [word]. They just caught them & put them up [1-2 words] & took them off.
[17] If you have testified as to the taking of wood; how do you know it was taken? How do you know the quantity? Was it measured? By whom? What was the kind, quality, and value of the wood? Was it taken in the tree, standing? Or had it been cut? Where was it taken?
[18] If rails were taken; did you see them taken; how taken; in wagons, or by soldiers? To what place taken? How do you know, and what do you know as to the quantity taken? Were the rails new or old? Did officers try to prevent their being taken? Was any complaint made to officers on account of the taking?
17-18: passed
[19] Do you know, suppose, or believe that the property described in each item was taken for the actual use of the army, and not for the mere gratification of individual officers or soldiers already provided by the Government with such articles as were necessary or proper for them to have?
They did not pay me anything when they took this property. This is the first & only claim I have [two words] against the government. This property all belonged to me [several words]
Samuel Harris [signed by his mark]
Witness: E.E. Hillington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of George
[Image 21]
Testimony of Peter Winn [one word]
Interrogatories by Special Commissioner
My name is Peter Winn. I was born in Liberty County slave and made free when the raid passed through. I am 52 years old. I reside on Capt. Winns place in Liberty County was born there and been there all my life. I am a carpenter and work wherever I can get a job. I am not related to the claimant. I have known him as long as I have known any body. He was a good Union man a good friend to the Yankees all through the War. I have no interest in his claim at all.
[20] Set Interrogatories
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present when the property was taken.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw a part of his property taken the horses hog and Poultry.
3. Did you see any of the articles named in the petition taken, other than those you have specified?
I heard them say they wanted something to eat and they must have it if they could find it. Their horses were broke down and they must have all the [word] they could get. That was about all I heard them say. They went in and took the horses hog and poultry. I did not see them take the wagon or saddle.
4. When and where and by whom were the articles taken, which you say you saw taken?
The property was taken at Capt Winns plantation from Claimant’s house when the raid passed through. I do not remember nor the [image 23] month or year I think [one word] it was Christmas month any way it was when the Yankee Army came into the County and by the Yankee soldiers. I think Genl Sherman was the head man at the Midway Church the soldiers were on horses the whole place was taken up with soldiers they were at every house I can’t tell how many there were. I think 9 or 10 were at Claimant’s house taking his [word] stock it did not take them long they took the horse or what I saw taken the [word].
5. Who were present when you saw them taken?
I saw Samuel Harris, Toby Pinkney, David Stevens there at Claimant’s place at the time the things were taken. There were more there but I don’t recollect their names now.
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 did not know the officer from the private “keepers” I did not hear any order given some one said go on boys and help yourselves there was so much confusion – could not tell much about orders or anything else.
7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.
They went to the stable took out the horses saddled and bridled them rode them off the hog was killed in the pen cut up and put it on to the horse and went off the poultry they caught and tied them up but I did not see how they [word] [image 24] off.
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 rode the horses off carried the meat on horses the fowls I do not know [how] they were taken off.
9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?
I saw them take the property what I did see them take away out the gate but I don’t know where they carried it to but they went in the direction of the church and I know they went to the camp. I did not follow it I went to my own house about 30 or so yards off.
10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.
I know they took the things for their own use because they said they wanted them I did not see them use any thing except I saw them ride the horses.
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 any voucher or receipt asked for.
13. Was the property or any of it taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day, (as near as you can tell,) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?
The property was taken in the day time they did not [word] any thing at night it was taken about mid day. They were on the plantation all day.
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 at Midway Church about 3 miles from Claimant’s house. They came to Claimant’s house the next day after they encamped there. They staid there about one month I think. I did not hear of any battles or skirmishes [image 25]
15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking. Thus, if corn, was it green, or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks; or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?
The property was all in good order.
16. What means have you of knowing quantity taken? 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.
Item No 1 & 2: I think the old mare was about 8 or 9 years old the young one 4 the mare was a good large size in fine order the young mare was out of the old one, about 4 year old they had just commenced riding her she was a nice bodied and good medium size I saw them ride the horses off.
Item No. 3: The wagon was a one horse jersey wagon [something about axles] and on springs I [word] the box was on springs – it was in splendid order. I think he had just had it ?repaired? and put in good order. I do not know how long he had had it but some time – I did not see it taken. I saw them put a mule to it as I was leaving I know they or somebody done took it for it was gone.
Item No. 4. The saddle was a good leather saddle I saw claimant using it before the raiders took and I thought a pretty nice saddle I did not see it taken. It was gone though.
Item No. 5. I saw them kill one hog [image 26] a very large fat hog. Claimant had him up in the pen for this winter bacon was very fat I think he would weigh off good. I saw the soldiers take him off on their horse.
Item No. 6. I don’t know how many head of poultry claimant had. I saw the soldier catching them in the yard. There was quite a gang of them. I did not see them carry the poultry out of the yard but it was clear not one left it was all clear as it could be.
17 & 18 & 19: Passed [see questions below]
17. If you have testified as to the taking of wood; how do you know it was taken? How do you know the quantity? Was it measured? By whom? What was the kind, quality, and value of the wood? Was it taken in the tree, standing? Or had it been cut? Where was it taken?
18. If rails were taken; did you see them taken; how taken; in wagons, or by soldiers? To what place taken? How do you know, and what do you know as to the quantity taken? Were the rails new or old? Did officers try to prevent their being taken? Was any complaint made to officers on account of the taking?
19. Do you know, suppose, or believe that the property described in each item was taken for the actual use of the army, and not for the mere gratification of individual officers or soldiers already provided by the Government with such articles as were necessary or proper for them to have?
This property all belonged to the claimant every bit of it I know it belonged to him because I lived on the same plantation with his wife we belonged to the same owner and I know he was allowed to buy everything he could buy or get money to buy he paid his master wages monthly. I paid wages for 14 or 15 years myself & he paid wages before I did. He was a hard working industrious man.
[signed] Peter Winn [by mark]
Witness
Virgil Hillyer
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
[Image 27]
Testimony of Witness
Interrogatories by Special Commissioner
My name is David Stevens. I was born in Liberty County a slave and made free when the Yankee raid came through. I am 50 years old. I reside on Capt. Winn’s place in Liberty County. I know the claimant. I am not related to him at all. We were fellow servants in the same neighborhood. He belonged to Mr. DeLegal. I belonged to Capt. Winn. I knew claimant all through the war and knew him to be a good friend to the Yankee cause.
[20] 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 the Yankee soldiers took claimant’s property.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw all of the above named on his account taken.
3. Did you see any of the articles named in the petition taken, other than those you have specified?
Item No. 1 & 2. The horses were fine horses one was 8 or 9 and the other about 4 years old. They were all in fine order and in first rate condition. The mare was good size & the colt 4 years old he had just broken was nearly as large as the old mare. I saw them taken away. They put saddles on to them and rode them off. [image 28]
Item No. 3. The wagon was a [one word] wagon iron axle for one horse and been in use some years. I do not know how long but it was in good working order a fine Jersey wagon and I believe just been overhauled. They put one of their own mules to the wagon filled it up with “[one word]” drove off. They took the potatoes from my bank.
Item No. 4. The saddle was a [one word] saddle had been used some but it was as good as new. They took the saddle off on the shoulder of one of the soldiers.
Item No. 5. I saw them kill the meat [or neat] hog right in the pen. He was very fat and I know just from the size would weigh 200 lbs or very near it. They cut him up and put him on to the horses and carried him off.
Item No 6. I think he had about 20 head of Poultry. I did not count them but he had quite a lot in his yard and I judged the number to be that. He had a good [word] of them. I saw them take the poultry off to the camp. The soldiers were encamped when they took the property at Midway Church about 3 miles from claimant’s house. I think it was called Sherman’s [image 29] Army. They staid there between 2 & 3 weeks. The army was raiding all through the county and gathering up provisions & forage all the time they staid there. The property specified in claimant’s account belonged to him. I know it because he bought and raised [it] right there. He had been raising and trading in horse and stock for many years. He was a carpenter worked by the job and paid his master wages for many years. I know that.
[Signed] David Stephen [by mark] [note the different spelling of surname]
Witness
Virgil Hillyer
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness
Interrogatories by Special Commissioner
My name is Toby Pinckney. I was born at Capt. Winn’s place in Liberty a slave became free when the raid came through here. I am about 43 years old. I live on Mr. John Winn’s place now. I am farming right now. I am not related to the [image 30] claimant. I have no interest in his claim. I have known the claimant since I been a boy. I knew him all through the war & talked with him about it. I was glad to have freedom come. He was a good friend to the Yankees all through the war. The col’d people were usually good friends to the Yankees.
2nd set of int[errogatories]:
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present at the Harris’ when this property was taken from him.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw this property taken.
3. Did you see any of the articles named in the petition taken, other than those you have specified?
Item No. 1 & 2: He had 2 horses taken from him. They were bright sorrell. One was 8 or 9 years old the other between 3 & 4. One of these they took out of the stable & the other horses near by in the lot. They rode them off.
Item No. 3. This was a half buggy with spring and I think it had been used 2 or 3 years when he got it & I think he had it about 2 years before the raid. I saw the soldiers take this buggy away. They put their mule on it & loaded it up with David Stephens potatoes & rode off.
Item No. 4. He had a new saddle been used a little. It was a leather sad- [image 31] dle. They took this saddle away on their shoulders.
Item No. 5. He had one good fat hog weigh about 160 lbs. They killed the hog in the pen cut off his head & took out the entrails & cut it up & put it on the horses & carried it off.
Item No. 6. He had 20 head of fowls. He told me he had 20 head before the raid. He counted them. They took these off alive caught them & took them on the saddle.
These things were taken from the claimant’s house on Capt. Winn’s plantation. They were taken by Yankee soldiers but I don’t know their names. It was taken just before Christmas. There were lots of them ?but? I could not count them really sir. They were cavalry soldiers. They were encamped about 3 ½ miles from the claimant’s house. They staid there in camp about 3 weeks. They just rode about from one plantation to another gathering up forage through the county. This property was in good condition when taken. The horses were fat & the hogs were fat & the fowls were good healthy fowls. This property [image 31] all belonged to the claimant. I know it all belonged to him because he was a carpenter & worked for himself & paid his master wages & he worked & earned this property. He did this from the time he learned his trade when a boy.
[Signed] Toby Pinckney [by mark]
Witness
E.E. Hillington
Sworn to me and subscribed before me.
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
[image 33]
[Last page].
Remarks by the Special Commissioner
Respectfully submitted
[marks made to show no comments made by special commissioner, ending with his signature]
[image 34]
18123 favorable
Samuel Harris
Evidence of Dr. E.J. Delegal, and report of the Special Agent on the claim of Samuel Harris of Liberty Co. Ga.
[image 35]
18123
State of Georgia
County of Liberty } Edward J. DeLegal being duly sworn [word] answers to make to certain questions, answering [word].
- Edward J. DeLegal – 61 years of age – Dorchester Liberty Co Ga. – forty three years – occupation a planter and physician.
- Is not related in any way to claimant, nor interested in any manner in his claim.
Witness knows nothing about the alleged taking of property from the claimant Samuel Harris.
Witness states that the claimant was his slave, and was of good character. Witness states that claimant had at the time of the march of Gen. Sherman through Georgia a mare and a colt, the mare was worth about sixty five dollars and the colt worth about forty dollars. Claimant had a wagon worth about forty dollars. Claimant had some hogs, witness does not know how many, and that he had fowls. Witness thinks the hogs were worth $2 to $3 per head. Fowls worth about 20 cents per head. [image 36]
Witness gave claimant many privileges, and he had a good opportunity to accumulate property and did so.
[Signed] E.J. DeLegal
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of July
1876.
W.W. Paine
Special Agent
[image 37]
Savannah Ga.
July 17th 1876
Hon. Commissioners of Claims
Washington City
I have the honor to report in the matter of the claim of Samuel Harris #18123 Liberty County, Georgia, that I examined Dr. Edward DeLegal, former master of claimant, and that he testifies that claimant was his slave, that he was of good character, and that claimant had at the time of the march of Gen. Sherman through Georgia, two horses, a mare and colt; that the mare was worth about sixty five ($65) dollars and the colt about forty ($40) dollars and that claimant had a wagon north about $40; that claimant had some hogs, witness does not know how many, hogs worth from $2 to $3 per head; that claimant had some fowls, worth 20 cents per head. Witness says that he gave claimant many privileges, that claimant had a good opportunity of accumulating property, and that he did so. Witness does not know [image 38] anything of the taking of the property by the troops of the United States army but told me he thought they did take the property for they took all they could find. I could not obtain any proof among the gentlemen of the county of the taking of the property by the proper Officers but many stated their belief to be that all property was taken which was of any use to the troops.
Dr. DeLegal is a gentleman of high respectability, one of the first gentlemen of the County.
Judge W.S. Norman and Mr. L.J. Mallard, well known and highly respectable gentlemen, say that they know the claimant and have known him for many years, that he is a negro of good charcater, and that they believe he had the property said to have been taken; but know nothing of the taking. They think the property stated by claimant [image 39] is valued too high. They both state that claimant’s master allowed him many privileges, and allowed him to own property.
Very respectfully Re
W.W. Paine
Special Agent
[image 40]
A.J.
Claim No. 43639
Sett. No. 3143
Samuel Harris of Ga
$75
Due him
Out of the appropriation for
“Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies
Furnished during the rebellion.”
For amount allowed him
By the Southern Claims Commission.
R.
Reported Mch 29, 1877
Returned April 2, 1877
Requisition No. 3619, dated
April 6, 1877, transmitted for
Warrant April 11st, 1871
$75
[image 41]
The United States
To Samuel Harris [letters that could be Ga Dr]
For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No. 70
Approved March 3, 1877, 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:”
Seventy Five Dollars 75
Payable in care of J.C. Todd Atty
Savannah, Ga.
Treasury Department
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 2, 1877
[name not legible]
Clerk
Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office
Mch 29, 1877
[Name not legible]
Clerk