Claim Summary
Caesar Roberts’ Southern Claims Commission claim — for property taken from him by U.S. soldiers in December 1864 — is illustrative of the status of enslaved “drivers” (foremen) in antebellum Liberty County, Georgia. Caesar’s wife Linda submitted the claim in 1873 as administrator of her husband’s estate, he having died about five years earlier.
Her application stated that the soldiers had taken 1 gray mare, a buggy, a saddle & bridle, 20 cows, 30 hogs, 40 beehives, 18 ducks, 50 chickens, 20 bushels of corn, and 100 bushels of rice, which she valued at $1159. Based on the testimony of two white men, and their own perception of what an enslaved couple could have owned, the Commissioners approved the claim but awarded her only $154. The Commissioners, who were northerners and based in Washington, D.C., made their preconceptions plain in their remarks: “That he owned the property claimed is highly improbable. 20 cows would make a good large dairy for a northern farmer; and as her husband “was a driver – did not work in the field but just overlooked” it is not easy to see how he could manage & take care of the 20 cows.”
In fact, Linda Roberts and both the formerly enslaved and white witnesses explained clearly that being a driver/foreman was a position of (relatively) great privilege in Liberty County. Linda Roberts testified in 1873 that she was too old to know her age, but that she had great-grandchildren and was still cooking for a living. She said she was owned by George Walthour but lived at Dr. George Howe’s place because her husband, Caesar, was owned by Howe. Caesar, as a driver, did not work in the fields himself, but instead supervised, and she herself never did field work until after she became free, when she rented land and learned to use a hoe.
William A. Golding, a formerly enslaved man who became a Georgia state legislator after the war, testified that the planters in Liberty County assigned task work to their enslaved people, and when their tasks were done, they could raise crops and stock for themselves. About Roberts, Golding said, “I can swear to it that there was more stock property owned by slaves before the war than are owned now by both white and black people together in this county. He was living just like a white man except his color. His credit was just as good as a white man’s because he had the property to back it, and he had his master to back him too.”
Toney Law, a formerly enslaved man who was also owned by Dr. Howe, testified, “The way they come to have so many cattle he was a driver and his master allowed him so much privilege to raise all he wanted to. There were 37 working hands on the “Home place” over 100 big and little. Mr George W. Walthour was the manager of the place. Mr Walthour had 4 plantations with the one Caesar lived on. He had about 600 hands I think on all the 4 places. He gave them tasks and in summer he wanted them to be through with their tasks by the time he got down from Walthourville, which was about 5 miles to average it round, to all the plantations. He got there about 10 a.m. or before; he came as soon as he had done breakfast. He allowed us besides the time we got by task work 6 days a piece in the year to work for ourselves. None of the other slaves on the Howe place owned cattle but Caesar Roberts, the claimant’s husband, but others owned horses.”
He also testified, “The rice belonged to Claimant and her husband. The hands worked for them in making their crop. These hands worked for them in the white people’s time. The master allowed him to take the hands and work his crops and the hands harvested it too. He sold the rice and used some for his family; he shipped it to town by Capt Charley. The same one who runs a vessel to Riceboro. Caesar took the money Mr Walthour wouldn’t take his money. There is no doubt that all this property belonged to the claimant and her husband…He had privilege to do just as any white overseer would have had. He could plant all he chose. The drivers had the privilege of planting 2 or 3 acres of rice and some corn and having it worked by the slaves on the place the same as the white master had his worked.”
Samuel Luton, also a formerly enslaved man who had belonged to George Howe, testified that he had known Roberts all his life, and gave details about his owning the property and how he came to own it.
The Southern Claims Commission often assigned a special agent to investigate cases, and in this case it was W.W. Paine, who went to Liberty County in 1876 and interviewed Raymond Cay Sr and W.S. Norman. Paine acknowledged that Cay Sr was the father of the attorney in the case, Raymond Cay Jr, but said he was an “old and respectable citizen of Liberty County” and he did not think the relationship influenced his testimony. Cay testified that Caesar was a “favorite slave” of Dr. Howe’s and was allowed many privileges, including the right to own property. He said that Roberts had indeed owned a gray mare, and had ridden in a buggy, though he could not swear that Roberts owned the buggy. He also testified that he did not know for sure that Roberts had owned cattle and hogs, but that he could have, and he thought he did.
“Judge W.S. Norman, a highly respectable citizen of Liberty” told Paine that he did think that Roberts had owned some property but that the values in the claim were entirely too high.
The Commissioners evidently were conflicted about how to value the property in this and other cases in which formerly enslaved people submitted claims for property taken by Sherman’s Army in Liberty County. There could be no doubt from the testimony that the Roberts’s had in fact owned property, but of course the Commissioners did not know how much such property would have been worth in the local market. One of Special Agent Paine’s duties was to evaluate this, and he submitted a report for them to use as a guide:
For horses owned by negroes from $40 to $80.00
For cattle owned by negroes from $7 to 10.00
(a good cow sometimes worth more)
Rice & corn per bus[hel] from .80 cents to $1.00
Stock hogs $2.00 to $3.00
Fine sow $7.00 to $8.00
Buggies from $15.00 to $50.00
After the Commissioners awarded Linda Roberts’ $154 of her claim, the money was sent payable to James Atkins, Collector of Customs in Savannah, Georgia, to be paid to her. Because most of the claimants did not have bank accounts, the awarded money was sent via an intermediary. Previous awards were sent via the attorney Raymond Cay, Jr; however, after he was caught charging exorbitant fees that ate up most of the meager awards, he was barred from receiving the awards and they were sent instead to Atkins.
Claim transcribed by Cathy Tarpley Dillon; Research by Stacy Ashmore Cole
More about the Claimant
Caesar was said to have died about 5 years before Linda Roberts’ 1873 SCC testimony. He did live until at least 1867, because he registered to vote in Liberty County on August 1, 1867. The registry recorded that he had lived in the county for 65 years, presumably his age. He appears to have died before November 15, 1870, when Linda Roberts was recorded in the 1870 U.S. federal census without him. Her age was listed as 60 years and her occupation as a farmer. She was also listed in the 1870 agriculture schedule as working 3 acres of land.
In her 1873 testimony, Linda Roberts said that she had two sons living, and some grandchildren. Samuel Luton testified that both of the Roberts’ sons were present when the property was taken; unfortunately, he did not name them, nor did Roberts when she described who was present. Instead she named her husband’s sister, whose name unfortunately was illegible, Isaac Golden, Sam Howe, and Tony Law. Tony Law named Mary Dryer, Rosanna Baker, Sam Luton, Middy Winn, Sarah Clay and Susan Golding as being present (other than himself and Caesar and Linda Roberts).
Who were Ceasar and Linda Roberts’ two sons? Unfortunately, since they were not named in the claim, and were not living with them in the 1870 U.S. census, we cannot be certain. However, there may have been a clue in the 1870 census. The 1870 census did not list relationships, but Linda Roberts had in her household Frances Roberts, 19, and Benjamin Roberts 11, presumably her grandchildren. Her household was enumerated on November 15, 1870 by Robert Q. Baker. On November 25th, Baker enumerated the household of Joseph Roberts, 41, and his wife Rebecca, 30, listing Benjamin Roberts, age 9. It is certainly possible that these were two different children, but it is also possible that Benjamin was at his grandmother’s house on the 15th and at his parents’ house on the 25th.
However, there is also another possibility. In Linda Roberts’ initial SCC application, she stated that she intended to call Elijah and John Roberts as witnesses. However, neither testified. Could they have been her sons? Neither were found in the 1870 U.S. census for Liberty County.
No record was found that either Caesar or Linda Roberts bought or sold land after the Civil War.
Slavery
Linda Roberts and her witnesses testified that she had belonged to George W. Walthour, but had lived on Dr. George Howe’s plantation because her husband Caesar had been owned by him. Tony Law testified that he had known Linda Roberts for a long time and they had both lived on Dr. Howe’s plantation for over 30 years.
William A. Golding provided the most specific testimony in this regard. He said that Dr. Howe had married “the Claimant’s mistress and he had been an overseer from a boy and Dr Howe let him go on in the same business.”
George W. Walthour (1799-1859) was the son of Andrew Walthour (d. 1824). His sister, Sarah Ann Walthour (1803-1885) married first Robert McConnell (d. 1826) and second George Howe (1802-1883). Of these individuals, three — George Walthour, Andrew Walthour, and Robert McConnell — died before the end of the Civil War and might have probate records that would name enslaved people, including Caesar and Linda.
Andrew Walthour wrote his will in 1822. He named 23 enslaved people in the will, loaning some to his wife for her lifetime and leaving the others to his son George and his daughter Sarah Ann, but Caesar and Linda/Lindy were not named. His estate was inventoried in February 1825 after his death. There was both a Caesar ($350) and a Lindy ($350) named and valued. These were fairly common names, and Walthour had a large estate, but given the circumstances, it seems likely that these were Caesar and Linda Roberts.
In 1829, the part of Andrew Walthour’s estate that he had loaned to his wife for her lifetime was inventoried and divided among his heirs. Caesar and Linda were not named. Thus it appears likely that they were in the part of the estate inherited directly by the children George and Sarah Ann, and based on W.A. Golding’s testimony, that Caesar went to Sarah and Linda went to George.
Sarah married Robert McConnell, and presumably took Caesar into that marriage, but Walthour had stipulated in his will that her inheritance was not to be subject to her husband’s debts, and there was most likely a marriage contract that protected her rights. McConnell died in 1826; Caesar was not named in either his 1827 or his 1837 estate inventories, which makes sense because he was Sarah’s property. (There was a Caesar named in the 1837 inventory, but he was specified to be a child, and thus could not have been Caesar Roberts, who would have been about 35 at the time.) Sarah Walthour McConnell married George Howe on December 19, 1836. William A. Golding stated in his testimony that Caesar had already been acting as a driver/foreman since his youth, and that Howe maintained him in that role. Howe was a professor at the Columbia Theological Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, at the time of their marriage and maintained that position until his death in 1883. It is likely that the Howes’ land in Liberty County was land that Sarah had inherited from her father, and thus familiar to Caesar.
Both Sarah and George Howe lived until the 1880s, so there would be no probate records for them that would name Caesar.
Andrew Walthour’s son — Sarah’s brother — George W. Walthour died in 1859. His November 1859 estate inventory listed the enslaved people at his three plantations: Homestead, Richland and Westfield. There was a Lindy, described as 50 years old and worth $350, at the Homestead Plantation. This fits with the age that Linda Roberts would have been at the time. There was also a Lindy, described as 40 years old and worth $500, at the Richland plantation, which would have been too young to be Linda Roberts. A third Lindy, described as 13 and worth $375, at the Richland plantation was also too young. At the time of his death, George Walthour left a widow and four minor children, meaning that the estate would take some time to be fully distributed, and the Civil War and Emancipation likely intervened before that happened.
Both Caesar and Lindy were members of the North Newport Baptist Church in Riceboro, Liberty County, when Rev. Charles Colcock Jones made a census of the African Americans who were church members in 1846. Interestingly, 25 enslaved people belonging to George Howe attended that church, even though Howe himself was a prominent Presbyterian minister and professor. His and Columbia Theological Seminary’s complicity in being supported by slavery has been documented by the Seminary’s Archives in “A Window Into the Breach: Theology and the Economy of Slavery at Columbia Theological Seminary, 1824-1899.”
The North Newport Baptist Church had both Black and White members until the white members moved the church Walthourville in 1854. The Black members continued to use the church building in Riceboro and formed their own church, the First African Baptist Church, which is now the oldest African American church in Liberty County.
Citations:
1870 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Subdivision 180, p. 6, dwelling #56, family #56, enumerated on November 15, 1870, by Robert Q. Baker, Linda Roberts household, digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 12/20/2020).
1870 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Subdivision 180, p. 37, dwelling #350, family #350, enumerated on November 25, 1870, by Robert Q. Baker, Joseph Roberts household, digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 12/20/2020).
U.S. Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880, 1870, Liberty County, Georgia, Subdivision 180, Linda Roberts; digital image, Ancestry.com, “U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880,” Georgia, Liberty County, Subdivision 180, image #1, (www.ancestry.com: accessed 12/20/2020)
“Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867-1869,” registered in Precinct no. 1, Liberty County, for the 2d Election District. Digital Image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 12/20/2020).
Caesar and Linda attending North Newport Baptist Church:
Jones, Charles Colcock, 1846 Census of African American Church Members in Liberty County’s 15th District, held in the Charles Colcock Jones papers, Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University. Transcribed at: https://theyhadnames.net/1846-c-c-jones-census/.
Andrew Walthour’s 1825 estate inventory:
“Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L93L-P91?cc=1999178&wc=9SYT-PT5%3A267679901%2C268032901 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Wills, appraisements and bonds 1790-1850 vol B > image 446 of 689
George W. Walthour 1859 estate inventory:
”Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-993T-XTF2?cc=1999178&wc=9SB7-6T5%3A267679901%2C268014801 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Miscellaneous probate records 1850-1863 vol C and L > image 231 of 703
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): Roberts, Caesar (Roberts, Linda – administratrix of his estate)
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N):
Amount of Claim: $1159.00
Total Amount Allowed: $154
Nature of Claim: Quartermaster & Commissary Supplies
Claimant living in: Riceboro, Liberty County, Georgia
Incident occurred in: [illegible]
Claim #: 21467
Secondary Claim #: 43694
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1873-06-21
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1873-07-19
Claimant’s Attorney: Raymond Cay Jr, Savannah, Ga.
Special Commissioner: Virgil Hillyer
Property Removed to: Midway Church
Date property removed: 1864-12-14 to 1864-12-25
Army unit involved: The U.S. Army commanded by General Kilpatrick
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1876-12-04
Post Office of Claimant: Riceboro, GA
Items Claimed
Transcription
Remarks: The claimant is an old colored woman – was the slave of George Walthour. “sewed , milked & did housework.” Her husband belonged to Mr. Howe & was a favorite slave & had many privileges & owned some property. He died about three years after the war. That he owned the property claimed is highly improbable. 20 cows would make a good large dairy for a northern farmer; and as her husband “was a driver – did not work in the field but just overlooked” it is not easy to see how he could manage & take care of the 20 cows. The proof of the number is wholly unsatisfactory. She says “he counted them off from the other cattle as they went by” at the time of the raid.
Our special agent, Mr. Paine, has investigated this case and took the testimony of Mr. Cay & Mr. Norman, respectable white people in the vicinity. It appears from their testimony that the claimant’s husband was a favorite slave of Dr. Howe, that he owned a grey mare, & was allowed to own some cattle & hogs, but they are not able to state the number he owned. It is not certain that he owned the buggy, and we do not think if he did that it was taken for army use. With this evidence confirmatory of the testimony of the colored witnesses we allow some portion of the claim. Mr. Cay & Mr. Norman both think the claim entirely too high. (See Mr. Paine’s report)
We allow $154.00
A.O. Aldis
O. Ferris
J.B. Howell } Commrs of Claims
From the evidence in this & other cases reported by Mr. Paine (see his reports in this case & in 21451) it appears that the fair prices in Liberty County & the adjoining region were as follows:
For horses owned by negroes from $40 to $80.00
For cattle owned by negroes from $7 to 10.00
(a good cow sometimes worth more)
Rice & corn per bus[hel] from .80 cents to $1.00
Stock hogs $2.00 to $3.00
Fine sow $7.00 to $8.00
Buggies from $15.00 to $50.00
Testimony of Claimant
In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:
My name is Linda Roberts, my age (too old to know) years, my residence Riceboro, Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a cook; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.
1. What is your name, age, residence, and occupation?
My name is Linda Roberts. I was born in Liberty County, a slave and became free when the Army came. I don’t know how old I am but I have great grand children. I am living at Riceboro. I am a cook. 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 lived from the first of April 1861 to the first of June 1865 on Mr Howe’s place in Liberty County. George Walthour was my master. I sewed, and milked, and did house work during that time. I lived at Mr Howe’s place because my husband lived there, he belonged to Mr Howe.
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?
I never took the amnesty oath.
6 to 28 inclusive to each and 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 cooked for the Yankee Soldiers after they came and did every thing I could for them. I sat up the whole night cooking for them. They said it would be made good to me; after a while I would get it.
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?”
I all the time sympathized with the Union and I said I was happy when the Yankees came and we shook hands and they wanted dinner and we got them milk and clabber. I used to feed the Union prisoners who got away. I been sorry they feet were all swelled and I bathe them there were 3 or 4 of them they staid [stayed] a day and a night. It was in the Fall the first of the Fall before the raid came. I had to hide them because the rebels would kill me if they find them out. I did all I could for them during 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 solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end my feelings were with the cause of the United States that I never of my own free will did anything to injure that cause or retard its success and that I was at all times ready and willing to aid and assist that cause and its supporters as far as my means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted.
[Question 42 only asked of women – but for some reason was not asked of her]
If the claimant be a colored person, ask the following questions:
43. 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 and became free at the raid. After I became free I learned hoe work. I hired land. I owned the property in my petition because my husband bought it. In the first place my husband bought a mare colt which [was] the beginning of his raising. He planted corn and sold it to buy the mare. He raised this colt till she had a colt, she had three colts, one died, Master bought one, and we keep one; which we swapped for a grey mare, which the Yankees took from us. He got the cattle same as he did the horse, bought a cow & raised off her. He got the hogs in the same way bought a sow and raised from that. He got the other things mentioned in his petition by buying, raising & trading. My husband was manager on his Master’s plantation. Myself and my husband begun when we were young raising these things and trading. My Master and my husband’s master allowed us both to raise these things as much as we wanted. We were allowed to buy and sell when we wanted to do so and my master used to buy these things of us sometimes. My husband has been dead about 5 years. My husband said he owed Mr. Broughton about $20.00. This was the only debt he owed. I have not been appointed Administratrix. I had no reason to be till I had something to administer on.
Questions by Claimants Attorney.
My husband’s name was Caesar Roberts. He belonged to Mr George Howe. I belonged to Mr George W. Walthour. I lived at Mrs Howe’s place when the Yankees took the place. My husband attended to the people he was a driver on his place. I been at Mr Howes place before the war many years with my husband. He did not work in the field he just overlooked. I sewed, and spinned, and milked, and nursed if any of the family was sick. I never have done any field work till I was free. Mr. Broughton is a merchant at Riceboro. This [word] all belongs to me, it used to belong to me and my husband together. I have two sons living and some grandchildren. I have never had any estate to administer on. If I am successful in obtaining this claim I will apply to be appointed Adiminstratrix. The Yankee soldiers took all these things from me that I have claimed in my petition. It was cold weather when they took these things. I do not remember the year. My husband got this mare by swapping with Master Robert Walthour. My master allowed me to raise anything I could in the way of chickens, hogs, cattle and sell that I could and was able to have.
2nd set of Int[errogatories] by Special Commissioner
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present at my house when the Yankees came to get this property.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw the Soldiers take this property. 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.]
They said they would take the things from us because if they left anything the Rebels would take it from us. They went on and took the things they said they were not doing anything [word illegible] what they were doing was right.
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 our house on Mr Howe’s plantation. They did not take all of Mr Howe’s property they did not drive off all the cattle, they took everything they could get but they didn’t get all. My property went at the [1 or 2 words illegible] that his did. This property [was] taken in the Fall just before Christmas when the Yankee Army came here. I do not know the year. The Yankees took all this property from me. There was so much there I couldn’t tell you how many, this lot full. They came every day to our place till they left the county.
5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?
My husband was there and his sister [word illegible – probably her name] and Isaac Golden and Sam Howe and me and Tony Law 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 couldn’t tell officers from [2 words illegible]. I heard no orders given to take [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.
They caught the horse from the pasture and took my buggy from under [2 words] house and drove it up to the door and put things in it. They drove the cattle off some of them and some they kill there and they killed the hogs there in [word]. They took the corn from my corn house and the rice from the barnyard where it was stacked.
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 these things away some on horses and some in wagons.
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 moved they said down to the camp at Church. I did not follow to see where it went. I was not able to get there. I was sick.
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 took these things I think to kill and eat while they were there. I saw them using some of these things to feed the horses and they cooked some at my house.
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 [word]
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 for any voucher or receipt.
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 about midday. They didn’t come in the night. They did not take any of it secretly.
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 were encamped at Midway Church when they took this property. I think it was 9 or 10 miles from the house to the camp. I think it was named Sherman’s company. I couldn’t tell how long they were there. They camped about 2 days before they came to my property, they came just before [they] camped and we gave them some thing [faded but probably said “to eat” and then they looked round at the things & went away. They staid [stayed] at Midway Church a long time. I don’t know how long. There had been no battles or skirmishes about there. I did not know the quartermasters nor any of the other officers.
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 good order. I had some of the hogs in the pen fattening all thru summer and the rice stacked in the yard and the corn in the crib.
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.
Item No 1. This horse was one we swapped for and I couldn’t tell how old [it was]. When the Yankees took this mare she was in good order. She was a [word]. They led the mare off.
Item No 2. One spring wagon. The buggy was all made over new about 1 or 2 years before the Yankees came here. It was then in nice ?order we? didn’t use it much except Sundays to go to Church. It was as [several words faded] My husband got Mr. Bradwell the [word] wright to make this buggy for him.
Item No 3. 20 head of cattle. These were counted by my husband before the raid came and when they came to take them he counted off his cattle [[several words faded] as they went by. [Sentence mostly faded.] My husband bought the first of this cattle & raised the rest from the first. The cattle were cows & steers all sizes. [Two sentences describing the cows but too many words faded.] They killed some of the cattle right in the pen.
Item No 4. There were over 20 [word faded] hogs all sizes. I had 6 or 7 head of big hogs, 3 in the pen fattening and the [others?] raising outside. I don’t know how much they would weigh [?they were not?] weighed. They killed of these hogs but not all at once. We bought a sow & [two words] raise themselves didn’t disturb them. We had been doing this a long time ever since we first [word faded] one another.
Item No 5. I had 40 bee hives. They took out the honey and left the bees piled up all dead. They took all my pails & all my piggins to carry [word faded]. These beehives all belonged to me & my husband. We used to sell honey.
Item No 6-7. We had [# faded] ducks & [# faded] head of chickens. [Sentence too faded.] They took [faded] to Midway Church to have some there. The rest they took off alive [in] wagons.
Item No 8. The corn was [rest of sentence has too many illegible words]
Item No 9. I do not know [faded] rice. It was in one large [word faded]. They fed the horses right there with the rice did not take any of it off.
Item No 10. A new leather saddle & bridle [rest of sentence too faded]. They took these out of my house. My husband bought these for his own use. He had been a ??manager?? ever since he was married. Mr. Walthour had 3 plantations of his own. I don’t know how many slaves he had.
17-18 passed.
19 They never pay me anything for my things. I cooked for them up & down.
This is the first and only claim I ever presented against the Government. I am the only person interested in this claim except my two children. I am presenting it for myself.
[signed by] Linda Roberts [signed by mark]
Witness E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Samuel Luton)
My name is Samuel Luton. I was born in Liberty Co a slave; became free when the Army came here. George Howe was my master. I think I am about 60. I live at Savannah. I am a farmer & do not live right in town. I live on the Master’s land. I know the Claimant she raised me. I am not related to the Claimant. I have no beneficial interest in her claim. I knew the Claimant during the war; she was a good friend to the Union. Oh yes she was [word] for the Union.
2d Set of Interrgatories by Special Commissioner
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 specified in Claimants account was taken by the Soldiers.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw 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 first came up they asked about property she said it was her property they said no matter – they must have it. They went a head then and took it.
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 property was taken at Claimants house on Dr Howe’s Plantation – When the Yankees came in to the County – soldiers belonging to the Union Army I do not know what company Every body called it the Yankee Army – I could not count them there was so many – they was thick as rice birds on the rice fields. I think they were 3 or 4 days taking all the property on the plantation – they did not take all of Roberts in one day
5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?
I was present Mr Roberts his wife and both of their boys were there and many more that I don’t recollect the names of –
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 saw officer there I do not know their rank I know they was officer by their stripe – I heard the officer order the soldiers to take the property they went a head and took the property then
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 into the pasture and took the horse, cattle and hogs the corn from the corn house and the rice from 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.
The property was removed in wagons on horses and any way they were ordered to
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?
This property was removed to Walthourville or they went in that direction Walthourville is about six miles from Dr Howe’s Plantation I did not follow the property at all I saw it leave the place –
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 suppose they took the property to eat I don’t know what else they took it for the horse they could not eat but I suppose they took him to use with the wagon they fed their horses right there I seen the men eating at Claimant’s house I saw Mrs Roberts cooking for them – they were coming and going all the time and she kept cooking for them as long as they had anything to cook
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 heard Mrs Roberts and Mr Roberts complain to the officer who ordered the soldiers to take the property I do not know the rank of the officer or to what command he belonged I heard them complain that they were wrong to take the property the officer said nothing but went on and took 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 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 about midday – did not take any of it secretly but openly
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 in that neighborhood about six miles from Dr Howe’s plantation one part of the Army was encamped at Midway and I think the other at Walthourville I did not go to either of the camps I can’t be positive about where they did camp I am positive in saying the property was all taken away from Mr Roberts house I do not know how long they had been in camp when when they took the property – I do not know how long they remained in camp. There had not been any battles or skirmishes near there when the property was taken I did not know any of the Quartermasters any of the other officers –
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 taken care of: the corn were in the corn house part shelled the Rice stacked in the barnyard the other articles were all in good order
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.
Item No 1 I don’t know how old the mare was. I should think about [# too faded] year old – large and in good working order. I saw them lead the horse away with a halter – I know the horse belonged to Claimant – he swapped a horse for the mare and I think he had her about two years before she was taken by the soldiers he had been raising horses and [word] them ever since I knew him I have known Claimant ever since I was a boy.
Item No 2 The wagon was a spring wagon [2 words faded] – I think he had it 4 or 5 years it was in good order he only used it occasionally – he had the wagon thoroughly repaired I think about one year and a half they put a horse into the wagon filled it up with things anddrove off. I know it belonged to the Claimant for he bought it when new – and always Claimant I never heard his title to it disputed or to any other article he [word] to own –
Item No 3 I think Mr Roberts had about 30 head of Cattle – I was raised on the place and used to see Claimant’s cattle and count them often I would think 20 head of them [word] large full grown cattle – I have no idea what they would weigh I am not a judge of the weight of cattle – he bought little calves and raised cattle he had been raising cattle horse and hogs from the time I have before stated – I saw them drive the Cattle off. I did not see any of the cattle killed at his house
Item No 4 I think he had 20 head of hogs of his own raising I think about 10 head was large hogs I think they would weigh 100 to 130 lb [pounds] the [word] then would weigh about 20 lb [pounds] I suppose they killed some and some took away alive –
Item No 5 I should think he had about 50 Beehives. I used to help him [2 words] they mashed them up right there and carried off the honey –
Item No 6 and 7 I don’t how much Poultry he had Ducks and Chickens I don’t know the quantity – I saw the soldiers take the Poultry away –
Item No 8 I can’t tell how much corn they had it was “right [word]” I call between 20 and 30 bus [bushel] a “smart lot” they took the corn away in the wagons I think there was 20 bus [bushel] shelled there was some shelled
Item No 9 The rice was in square stack or rick I judge from the size there was a hundred bus [bushel] some of it was fed on the ground and some of it was hauled away –
Item No 10 The Saddle and Bridle I know nothing about – I did not see it taken
17 and 18 and 19 passed
his
Samuel Luton
Mark
Witness E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (W.A. Golding)
My name is W. A. Golding I was born in Liberty county a slave and lived so till the Union Army came into the County I am 59 years old I reside in Liberty County I am a farmer I am not related to the Claimant I have no interest in his claim. I have known him all my life. The Claimant belonged to Dr Howe. He was an overseer for him. Dr Howe allowed the Claimant to own just what stock he wanted, that family owned a large place & a large [word] of people I don’t know how many [word] but they had much stock & always raised a great deal of stock.
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 did see the cows taken that is I saw them after they were taken in their herd; I know his mare well she was a [word] fine animal don’t know her age she was a large mare. I think he traded for this animal during the war with Capt Walthour. I think he raised the horse he traded for this mare, he always raised very fine horses. He was [word] with the Walthours and Dr Howe married the Claimant’s mistress and he had been an overseer from a boy and Dr Howe let him go on in the same business; he always had a chance to raise and sell all he could for himself after attending to his duties as overseer his time was his own. I knew he had a spring wagon a very good one. It was there on Monday, and the mare was captured on Wednesday. I saw the wagon on Monday. I saw the calves all there Monday. I know he had a good stock of cattle all the time. I did not see the cows they were out to pasture. I saw hogs there; he had a good stock of hogs always; he could always offered to sell to his owners his fattening hogs, some times 6 or 7. He had a large quantity of bees. I do not know how much though. I saw a large stock of beehives there. He was allowed to plant corn & the hands worked it for him that was the [word] of the family who owned him to allow this privilege to the overseer, and he was allowed to sell it to any body who would buy. Don’t know how much corn he had. He was allowed to raise rice and sell it to anybody. I bought it of him. He had a good sized stack, and he had rice thrashed in the house. I think the rice was in the yard and some in a barn thrown in, in sheaves. I think he had more than a [word] of it was all cleared out. I saw the mare on Monday when I was there hitched under a shady tree with double reined bridle on with martingale and a fine yellow leather saddle. I saw some of the Claimants cattle in possession of the soldiers and knew they had come and had wanted to swap one of [my] cows for one of his & I found [faded word] there and the officers let me [word] back but I lost 20 Head at the same time. I am satisfied this property all belonged to the Claimant, He was not a man who would lay claim to property not his own. He was too high [word] for that.
Questions by Claimants attorney.
I was living at Walthourville Liberty Co when the Yankee Army came here. I am now living at my own place Liberty Co Gauldens Grove. I am now a farmer. I am a member of the Georgia Legislature. I formerly belonged to John B Mallard. I attended to his business as body servant. The Army got to Walthourville on Dec 13th or 14th 1864. Capt Hancocks cavalry were the first soldiers that got to Walthourville. The next ?Sunday? the Howards corps got there and staid [stayed] 2 or 3 weeks. They camped outside the village in the Piney woods. Some of Kilpatricks company were there too so they said. I visited the Yankee camp. They had just such things as they could get from the farms to eat; nothing else. I saw some of this very property mentioned in this claim out there at the camp. I did not see the horse. I saw the cattle, for I know the marks. The planters in this county invariably worked their hands by task work. I do not know a single planter that worked by days work [word] sun to sun. They all allowed their people to own and sell stock. I can swear to it that there was more stock property owned by slaves before the war than are owned now by both white and black people together in this county. He was living just like a white man except his color. His credit was just as good as a white man’s because he had the property to back it, and he had his master to back him too.
W.A. Golding
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Toney Law)
Interrogatories by Special Commissioner
My name is Tony Law. I was born in Liberty Co Ga on Ben Law’s plantation, a slave; became free after the raid came here. I am about 70 years old. I am a farmer. I have no beneficial interest in this claim of Lindy Roberts, the claimant. I am not related to her at all. I have known her a long time. We grew up together. She belonged to Mr George Walthour. She was a house servant all the 1st part of her life till she had a husband, and then she was in the field and after that a seamstress and milkmaid and made [looks like “bulla” but probably butter], etc She was a Union woman I know by what she said.
Questions by Claimant attorney.
I have known the claimant all my life. We both belonged to the same family of white folks, and both lived on Dr Howe’s plantation. We lived there over 30 years together. The Yankees took her mare and wagon, cattle, hogs, poultry and her provisions. I was there when they took this property and helped them clean the hogs. The whole army took this property. They were camped all around there and staid [stayed] there a day and fed their horses on corn and rice. These Soldiers came from Midway Church and went back there. This first gang of soldiers didn’t take the cattle off; they killed some. About a week another gang from the part of the Army which was camped at Walthourville drove off the cattle. This horse was a grey mare. The horse was in the road feeding and the soldiers came and took her and led her off. She would bring $150.00 now. I think she was a fine mare. They came there and put their horses to claimant’s wagon and loaded it with corn and rice and meat, and poultry, and went off to Midway and I never see no more of the wagon. They had about 30 head of cattle the claimant and her husband, and they didn’t leave but 3. I saw them when they drove them off. They took 3 of the boys fellow servants of mine to help drive them off. All were fat cattle for they killed some on the place and there were fat. They were most all hornless cattle: [2 words] cattle. They drove the cattle to Walthourville. The way they come to have so many cattle he was a driver and his master allowed him so much privilege to raise all he wanted to. There were 37 working hands on the “Home place” over 100 big and little. Mr George W. Walthour was the manager of the place. Mr Walthour had 4 plantations with the one Caesar lived on. He had about 600 hands I think on all the 4 places. He gave them tasks and in summer he wanted them to be through with their tasks by the time he got down from Walthourville, which was about 5 miles to average it round, to all the plantations. He got there about 10 a.m. or before; he came as soon as he had done breakfast. He allowed us besides the time we got by task work 6 days a piece in the year to work for ourselves. None of the other slaves on the Howe place owned cattle but Caesar Roberts, the claimant’s husband, but others owned horses. I had 2 horses and Bella had a horse. I saw the Yankees take claimant’s rice; it was stacked in the barnyard. They took it [word faded] to feed their horses. They were both horse and foot companies. The horse company came first. She had a good stack of rice I think 10 bus [bushel] if thrashed out. The rice belonged to Claimant and her husband. The hands worked for them in making their crop. These hands worked for them in the white people’s time. The master allowed him to take the hands and work his crops and the hands harvested it too. He sold the rice and used some for his family; he shipped it to town by Capt Charley. The same one who runs a vessel to Riceboro. Caesar took the money Mr Walthour wouldn’t take his money. There is no doubt that all this property belonged to the claimant and her husband. I saw the Yankee Soldiers take it. They took it the same time when they were camped at Midway. It was near about Christmas and very cold. The Yankees took 2 horses and a buggy from me. I have not put in my claim against the Government yet because I haven’t seen those who put in get any money. I heard that some in “Hilton Head” had got some money but I am afraid that there won’t any ever come here in my lifetime.
2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner
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 all taken. I saw the iron grey mare taken. This mare was one he got by swapping with his master’s son Robert Walthour. He raised the one he swapped. I saw the spring wagon taken and the cattle and hogs, and beehives, ducks, chickens, corn rice, and saddle and bridle. One of the boys had the mare out by the gate, he was going to hide her Caesar sent him to hide her and the Yankees came up and met the mare there and took her and led her off. They took the wagon out of the shed and put one of their own horses to it and loaded it with corn and rice, and potatoes, and meat and drove off to camp. The cattle were near by the house in the field and they came, and drove off most of them to the Sand Hill way and then to the “Lattice,” this is a bridge over the Altamaha river. The boys who went with them came back the next night and said they left them at the “Sand Hills.” I call Walthourville “Sand Hills” The army was camped there. I don’t know how long they staid [stayed]. 3 fat barrows were in the pen: they shot them and made me clean them and put them in the same buggy wagon and drove off with them. The beehives were in the garden and they mashed them and took the honey out and put it in a pail and carried it off. It took all the pails and tubs and they put some in their canteens and ate a good deal of it there. They took some of the clothing from the house and burnt it to smoke out the bees. The ducks were in the yard, they caught them and took them off in the plantation cart alive. They ate a good many there of the poultry and took the rest off. The claimant was cooking all night for them. The corn was in a big box in the smokehouse and they went in and filled their bags. The box would hold 30 and 40 bus [bushel] it was more than ½ full and they only left about 3 or 4 bus [bushel] in it when they left. The rice was in the barnyard in stack about 15 ft [feet] by 8 across the size of the stack. They fed it to the horses. The saddle and bridle were in his house and they took them and put them on his Caesar’s horses went off. They said that they come a long way to fight for us and they had nothing to eat.
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.]
[Nothing listed as answer for #3]
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?
This property was taken at claimant’s house on Dr Howe’s plantation, in Christmas month about 9 years ago. I don’t know the year. It was the Yankee Army took these things. There were a large number took this property. I couldn’t count them. They were all crowded up together. They were 2 or 3 days taking it; they kept coming.
5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?
Mary Dryer, Rosanna Baker, Sam Luton, Middy Winn, and myself, and Linda Roberts, the claimant and her husband Caesar, and Sarah Clay and Susan Golding and others were there and saw this property taken.
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 any of the officers and did not see any who seemed to be giving orders. The Capt came with 4 men the 1st evening and told her to take care of her things for the soldiers would come. He told her if she had any little sugar or other little things to put it away for them the next day. She gave him a little sugar [word]
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 met the horse in their way and took him by the gate and took the cattle and hogs from near by the house and from the pen and the rice from the barnyard and the corn from the smokehouse and the corn in the ear from the little jailhouse.
8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.
This property was removed in the ox cart on horses and in wagons.
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 drove the cattle to Walthourville, and the rest of the property they took off in the direction of Midway. That was the place they were camped at – they didn’t stay anywhere else but there. I did not follow it but this is the reason I think they went there.
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 took it to eat this property and the horse and wagon to use they took the things away in the wagon. I saw them use some of this property.
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 heard the claimant and her husband both complain to an officer who came up after the most of the property was taken. The way I knew he was an officer was some of the soldiers had tried to take some small articles out of the house, some meat and grits, and a little looking glass, and the officer told them if they came in the house to take such things they must knock them down, and he said they would get pay for their 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 hear either the claimant or her husband ask for any receipt or voucher.
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. All times in the day begun about sunrise.
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 were encamped at Midway when this property was taken about 6 miles from Claimant’s house. I don’t know if they were encamped at Walthourville. I did not go to the camp. I think they staid [stayed] in camp at Midway about 2 or 3 weeks. Just as soon as they got to the camp they came down and took the property. People said it was Sherman’s or Kilpatrick’s Army there. There had been a Skirmish just before I heard down at [word] Point on the coast. I did not know any of the quartermasters, or other officer’s 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?
This property was in very good condition when taken. The rice in the stack and the shelled corn in the box in the smokehouse, and the ears in the ear-in-the cornhouse.
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.
Item No 1. – One iron grey mare She was large for any kind of a horse. She was not one of the common colored folks horses. She was too lively for the army was the reason Caesar and he swapped. I think Massa Robert said she was 6 or 7 years old. I think Caesar had owned and raised horses 20 years about. He raised and sold about 5 or 6 horses. She was well broken to saddle and harness. She was in good order. I saw them lead her off.
Item No 2. – This was a one horse spring buggy with one seat. I think it had a wooden axletree. I know it had because I made the axletree myself. The buggy was in good order. He didn’t use it much only on a Sunday to come to Church and he only lived 3 miles from Church. I think he had had it a long time and he had it made over by Mr Bradwell the man who made it new for him in the first place. I saw them take the wagon off. He had it made on purpose for himself.
Item No 3. I think he had 30 of cattle. He had not killed any and he had 5 milch cows, old ones breeding right on. I think 10 head were full grown old cows besides those which were most big enough to have calves. I call the ones full grown 5 years old. I am no judge of the weight of cattle. I think he bought a little heifer and raised from her first. His master sold his portion of crop for him and gave him the money every year and he put it up and bought these things. I saw them drive these cattle of his off. I did not see any of his killed there. They killed some others.
Item No 4. – I think he had 15 head of hogs or more. I know he had a large lot of them. I know he had 3 in the pen killed. I think they were all of them pretty large. Those in the pen were very large: it took 2 of us to lift them I helped I was there. I couldn’t tell anything about the weight. They killed all of these hogs and carried them off. I saw them.
Item No 5 – I think he had 40 beehives. They ate and carried off the honey in everything they could lay hands on.
Item No 6 – and 7 – He had more than 15 head of ducks and a crowd of fowls. I couldn’t tell how many. I saw the soldiers take them all off.
Item No 8 – I think he had about 5 bus [bushel] of ears corn taken and the shelled corn in the big box which held 30 or 40 Bus [Bushel] he had about ½ full not quite and they left about 3 or 4 bus [bushel] in it. I saw them take this corn, the corn in ears they threw on the ground for their horses to eat.
Item No 9. – This rice was in a stack. I think there was 100 bus [bushel] in it but I don’t think they took and fed to the horses more than half of it. I think there was over 60 bus [bushel] left in the stack. She had enough left to live on for some time till the next year. One 1/2 of 100 I think is 50.
Item No 10. – This was a new saddle. I think he paid $9.00 for the saddle. This was a stiff leather bridle with martingale, double reins. I saw them taken.
This property all belonged to him, he had a right to own it he labored for it. All the rice they took was what the horses ate there. I think they had left after the soldiers left about 60 bus [bushel] of rice. I think they had about an acre of rice planted by his master for him; but he planted the ponds about, besides, for himself and his wife to work. They made butter and sold it, and bought such things as our master did not give us, and then in those times they used to kill 2 and 3 hogs every year. The slaves had more hogs to kill then than now. They had the same use for these things that the white people had; for the cattle and such things they could buy and sell things, and sometimes in this way they could save up enough to buy their freedom. I knew one man who bought his freedom and went off to Liberia. He had to go off because the white people would not let him stay here they said he spoiled the slaves. I think his name was Harry Stewart. This property all belonged to Mr. Roberts and his wife Lindy the claimant. He died since the war. He was a driver and at the end of the year his master used to give him so much money. He bought his cow, and his horse and his buggy, with this money. He had privilege to do just as any white overseer would have had. He could plant all he chose. The drivers had the privilege of planting 2 or 3 acres of rice and some corn and having it worked by the slaves on the place the same as the white master had his worked. The drivers were not allowed to plant any cotton or to buy or sell. Lindy Roberts is the widow of Caesar Roberts.
[signed by] Tony Law [signed by mark]
Witness E.E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Raymond Cay Sen)
Lindy Roberts vs United States
Before Virgil Hillyer Esq
Special Commissioner
State of Georgia
I have no further testimony to present in this case and it is respectfully submitted to the Commissioners of Claims for their consideration and decision
Raymond Car Sr [Senior]
Atty [Attorney] for Claimant
In person came Raymond Cay Senr [Senior] and after being duly sworn; to certain questions propounded, he answering saith.
1 That his name is Raymond Cay, aged 72 years – Walthourville Liberty County Georgia – has lived in Liberty County since 1832 – occupation a farmer.
2 Is not related in any manner to claimant Linda Roberts; and not interested in this claim.
Witness knows Linda Roberts, and knew her husband Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts, who is dead, he died one or two years after the war, it may have been 1868. – Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts belonged to Dr Howe, was a favorite slave of his master, and was allowed many privileges, and allowed to own personal property: – Witness recollects that he owned a gray mare, worth witness thinks at least one hundred dollars. – Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts, rode in a buggy. Witness cannot say, that he owned it, Witness has seen him with it at Church – buggy and harness worth about $50 it was a second hand buggy. – Witness says that he knows that the negroes on Dr Howe’s plantation did own cattle, for he bought two head from a negro on the said plantation: – Cattle worth about $7 per head, big and little. – Witness does not know of his own knowledge that Ceasar [Caesar] owned Cattle, but thinks he did, as he was a favorite of his master, and had an opportunity of owning them. – Witness knows the negroes on Dr Howe’s plantation owned hogs, and thinks Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts did, but does not know how many: – Hogs per head, worth from $2 to $3 that is big and little. – Witness says that many negroes in Liberty County owned beehives: – Witness knows nothing about Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts owning corn or rice, but he was allowed to plant both. Knows nothing about the other property: Witness knows nothing about the taking of the property by the Federal troops: – A portion of the army under Gen Sherman, camped in a few miles of Dr Howe’s plantation. –
Witness is the father of Raymond Cay Jr [Junior]
R Cay
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of July 1876.
W. W. Paine
Special Agent
Special Agent’s Report
Savannah Ga.
July 29th 1876
Hon [Honorable] Commissioners of Claims,
Washington City, D.C.
I have the honor to report in the matter of the claim of Linda Roberts, (#21467) of Liberty County Georgia, that I have been able to obtain the following facts: Linda Roberts was the wife of Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts, now deceased, according to the testimony of Mr Cay, Senr [Senior] he died in 1868 – Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts was a favorite slave of Dr Howe, who gave him many privileges, and that Ceasar [Caesar], owned some property. None of the family of Dr Howe now lives in Liberty County, so I have been told.
Mr Raymond Cay Senr [Senior], who is an old and respectable citizen of Liberty County, testifies, that he knows Linda Roberts, and knew her husband Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts, that Ceasar [Caesar] was a favorite slave of Dr Howe, and was allowed many privileges, and allowed to own personal property and that witness recollects that Ceasar [Caesar] Roberts did own a gray mare worth he thinks at least one hundred dollars: – and that Ceasar [Caesar] rode in a buggy, witness could not say that he owned the buggy, and that the buggy and harness, was worth about $50.00 it was a second hand buggy: – Witness says that he knows that the negroes on Dr Howe’s plantation did own cattle, for the witness bought two head, from a negro on the plantation – Witness could not say of his own knowledge that Ceasar [Caesar] owned cattle, but thinks he did, as he was a favorite of his master, and had an opportunity of owning them. – Witness knows that the negroes on Dr Howe’s plantation owned hogs, and he thinks Ceasar [Caesar] did. Witness thinks cattle worth $7 per head, and hogs, big and little, worth from $2 to $3 per head. – It is in proof, that cattle in Liberty County were worth from $8 to $10 per head and hogs, from $2 to $4. – Witness knows nothing about Ceasar [Caesar] owning the other property set forth in the claim of Linda Roberts, Admrx [Administratrix] – That Ceasar [Caesar] was allowed to plant Corn and Rice – and that many negroes owned beehives in Liberty County.
Judge W. S. Norman, a highly respectable citizen of Liberty, informed me that Ceasar [Caesar] he thought, owned some property – but that the valuations, as set forth in the claim was entirely too high.
Mr Raymond Cay Senr [Senior] the witness is the father of Raymond Cay Jr [Junior] the attorney for claimant, but I do not think this fact, influenced the witness, he seem to testify very fairly:
Very respectfully
W. W. Paine
Special Agent
——————————————————
Claim No. 43.694
Sett No. 3585
Linda Roberts admx of Caesar Roberts of Ga
$ 154.00
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
Reported: April 19, 1877
Returned: April 20th, 1877
Requisition No. 4040, dated April ?, 187?, transmitted for
Warrant [date too faded]
$154
————————————————————
The United States
To Linda Roberts, admx of Caesar Roberts, dec’d
For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No.
Approved March 3, 1871, 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.”
The sum of $154.00
Payable in care of James Atkins, Collector of Customs, Savannah, Ga
Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 20th, 1877
H. Spalding, Clerk
Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office
April 14th, 1877
[name illegible], clerk