Silvia Baker – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant was a slave & lived with her husband on her master’s plantation in Liberty Co. Ga. He died about the time the war closed & she files the claim for herself & little children. These persons were loyal during the war & were permitted to acquire & hold some property in their own right. They owned the property for which claim was made. It was taken in Decr 1864 by the Union Army. One of our agents has investigated the claim & our allowances are based chiefly on his report herewith filed. We recommend the payment of $137.

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

[Transcriber’s Comment; Silvy Baker’s signature (signed by mark) was witnessed by F.W. Baker and John Lambert. ]

Testimony of Claimant

In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:

My name is Silvia Baker, my age 45 years, my residence Riceboro, Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a farmer; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.

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

My name is Silvy Baker. I was born on Thomas Bacon Plantation in Liberty County Georgia, a slave, and became free when the Union Army came into the County. I am about 45 years of age. I reside on Major William Thompson Plantation. I work at farming 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?

From the 1st of April 1861 to the 1st of June 1865 I resided on Raymond Cay Sr [Senior] Plantation I was a field hand I did not change my residence or occupation between those dates

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 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.

After the Yankees came into the County I cooked and worked for them till they went away. – I think they was in our neighborhood over 3 weeks some paid me for little jobs. I did not make any charges I was only to glad to do for them. They gave some little presents. I was satisfied – some said if I would do this or that they would pay me they went away without paying me I was to glad to be free I could have worked till this time – .

30 to 39 inclusive to each and every question the claimant answers “no”

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?

At the beginning of the war I sympathized with the Union Cause or the Yankee Cause as we called it, but I could not “speak it” I fret all the time for the Yankees whenever I heard of a battle and did till they came into the County. – I cast all the influence I had on the Union side, we was talking about the war all the time among ourselves in the fields and in the woods. We never spoke loud. We had to think and whisper when we was hid or were so afraid.

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.

In conclusion I do solemnly declare that from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof my feelings were constantly on the side of the United States that I never of my 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 I was 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 I could with[in] my means and power and the circumstances of my case permitted.

43 At the beginning of the rebellion I was a slave and became free when the Union Army came into the County. After I became free I kept right on farming – My husband was manager or driver for our master and had been for several years before the war, on Christmas his master would make him presents and ?one time? would give him $20 in cash We raised Poultry, hogs, and Corn and rice to sell got the money and when we got enough together we bought a mare and raised Colts, this mare charged in my Claim is one we raised from the mare we bought. We bought the buggy and harness in the same way I worked “at task work” and got time to do a good deal for myself in that way I could help my husband to “accumulate” many slaves made enough in that way to buy their freedom but they so often got cheated out of their freedom [that] but few would risk it. Raymond Cay Sr [Senior] was my master. I am not in his employment I do not live on his land, or land bought of him. I am not indebted to him – he is living, and in Walthourville Liberty County, Ga – I and my children are the only parties interested in this claim – I have 7 children 3 Gals and 4 Boys – all the larger ones are living in Darien McIntosh County Georgia – none married. My husband died the 2nd year after freedom – he did not owe a cent to anybody when he died. – My Attorney is a son of my old master – Raymond Cay Sr [Senior]

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

I was present when the soldiers took the articles of property specified in my petition.

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

I saw them take all the property

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 came up to my house they ordered the boys to catch the horse and to put the saddle and bridle on to him – they ran for their lives to do it they did catch them and they mounted them and rode off – they brought their own saddle and bridle, they went on and took all the property from us, and all the rest on the place they made no difference they took it all clean from White as well as from the blacks –

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 my house on Raymond Cays Plantation in December in 1864 I can’t remember the day of the month it was taken by the Yankee soldiers. I do not know what Company they belonged to they were all on horses. I can’t tell how many there were they were so thick I could not count them or see through them they were just like a flock of black birds only you could not scare them – they were several days taking the property they came one day and then would jump a day, so kept on till they got all I had and the others had on the plantation.

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

I was present William Roberts William Gilmore Peter Way; my husband was present but he is dead.

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 with the soldiers I do not know the company or regiment. I think they said they belonged to Kilpatrick Army. I did not hear the officer give any order but they were on their horses and looking on while the soldiers were taking the things.

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 saddled and bridled the horse and rode him off they put one of their horses to my buggy using my harness, loaded it up with corn “taters” and bacon and drove off. The sow they shot cut her up put it on to the horse and went off to the camp. The rice and Corn was in the loft of my house they sacked the corn and rice and put it into a wagon.

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 wagon and on horses.

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?

It was removed to the camp at Midway I did not follow it they went there because they went on that road, and could not go any where else on the road they took.

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 the things for their own use They used it on a good deal [word] right then at my house. I kept cooking for them as long as I had anything left. They killed all of my Poultry and cooked it for them about 15 head.

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 one on account of such taking after I understood what it meant I was glad that I had anything for them.

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 one for a 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?

The property was all taken in the daytime at all hours mostly at mid 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 they took the property the Army was encamped at Midway about 3 miles from my house on Cays Plantation. Genl [General] Kilpatricks Army was encamped, that was what it was called. They came to my house I think the next day after they landed in Midway. There had not been any battles or skirmish near there just before the property was taken. They staid [stayed] at Midway about 3 weeks it may have been 4 weeks. I did not know any of the Quartermasters or any of them or any of the other officers of the Army

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

The property they took from me was all in very fine condition. The Rice had been thrashed and put away for sale [word] the corn was gathered stowed away in the loft of my house.

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 The Mare was about 10 years old. The mare was a good medium size animal was very fat and well broke to work anywhere. My husband raised her from the first mare he owned the soldier rode her off –

Item No 2 The buggy was a good 2 seated buggy on springs. We did not use the buggy only on Sundays, it was in first rate order the harness was a good leather harness. The soldiers came with a horse put the harness on and hitched him to the buggy loaded it up and drove off

Item No 3 The sow was a large fat sow I did not weigh her they killed the sow, cut her up, and put the meat on to the horse and went off. I have no judgment on the weight of the sow she was large and fat that is best I can say about it she was about 2 years old –

Item No 4 I raised the rice – planted 3 ½ tasks of Rice it was thrashed measured and put away – it was in nice order they took it away in sacks and put into wagon and drove off there was twenty five bushels of it –

Item No 5 I raised 3 tasks of corn it was in the ear and measured for 20 Bushel of corn the corn was in the loft of my house and taken by the soldiers just as they took the Rice.

This property all belonged to me and I saw it all taken from my house on Raymond Cays Sr. [Senior] Plantation by the Union soldiers they did not pay me anything on it and this is the first and only claim I have ever made against the Government

Witness E. E. Adlington

her
Silvy Baker
Mark

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

Testimony of Witness (William Roberts)

My name is Wm [William] Roberts: I was born in Liberty Co Ga, a slave; became free when the Yankees came here. My master was Raymond Cay Sr [Senior]. I am about 50. I reside at the same place on Cay’s place now. I am a farmer and carpenter and blacksmith I know the claimant. I am not related to her. I have no interest in her claim. I have known her some 28 years. She is a widow. I knew her husband. He died I think 2 years after the war. He was a very good Union man and his wife a good Union woman.

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

I was present when the most of this property was taken from her.

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

I saw the mare, and buggy and harness, and the sow rice and corn and some of the poultry and the things out of her house 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 to her that they wanted [2 words] that they come to forage. She said she didn’t think they would take from her, and they said yes, they would take from all, because they had nothing to eat. They went in and commenced to take , said no more, but asked her to cook something [word or words faded] & she went on & did it, & meanwhile I went off to attend to those who were then taking from me. My house was within calling distance from hers.

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 Claimants house on Mr Cays plantation, on the 15th of Dec [December] I don’t know the year exactly but I know it was the year the raid came. It was taken by Union soldiers of Kilpatrick’s Army. They were a cavalry company. I don’t know the exact number but there was a large number taking. I think they were taking 2 or 3 days off and on.

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

The Claimant’s husband, [word – possibly Alvin] Baker, his son and Tira Baker, his daughter, were present and Peter Way was a little way off, when this property was 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?

There were officers present. I don’t know rank but think they were sergeants and lieuts [lieutenants]. I saw 2 stripes and 3 stripes. They ordered this property taken. They just said they must have the property and went on and took it.

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 mare and rode her off horseback. The harness and wagon they put their own horse in [word]. They killed the sow and cut it in two and hung it on the saddle and took it to camp. They took the rice and corn in sacks from upstairs in the loft. ?The mare’s old Driver? when he took sick, they took me for a driver.

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 removed most of the property on horseback some of it was removed 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 removed this property to camp at Midway Church. I went to Midway myself the first day with them and saw them take it 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 said they took it for the horses and themselves to eat. They said they had nothing [2 words] to eat. I saw them use a little of it there at the house to take bread. I did not see any of it used at the camp.

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 anyone make any complaint 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 hear anyone ask for a voucher or a 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 daytime and about 10 or 11 oclock.

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 when this property was taken at Midway Church, 3 miles from claimant’s house. It was Kilpatricks Army encamped there. I think they staid [stayed] there 6 weeks, at Midway Church. They were riding through to Bryan Co & back. Midway church was their headquarters. They were gathering up supplies all the [2 words] in those 2 counties Bryan and Liberty. I did not know any of the quartermasters or other officers 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.

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 was a sorrel mare. I think she was near 9 years old. I guess her age by the age of my mare. I think they were nearly an age. She was a medium sized mare, good bodied. He raised this mare. He bought the mother of this mare, and raised this one. The soldiers rode the mare away. I was there.

Item No 2. This was a spring buggy, for [word] to ride in, one seat. He had had this buggy a long time, it was a good buggy and [3 words] a good harness, he bought it since he did the buggy. It was a leather harness. I did not see the buggy taken away. I saw it there in the morn and when I came back from the camp the old man told me they took his buggy too.

Item No 3. One sow. I think she was [word] years old. She was a large, fat, sow. I think would weigh 150 lbs [pounds]. They killed her and cut her up right there. I saw them kill her and take her off.

Item No 4. She had a good pile of rice. I think he had 3 planted about an acre but a little of it was broken ground. It was new ground and he made a heavy crop of rice that year. I did not see it measured. I saw the pile. In a good acre you ought to have 40 bus[els] but he had used some of it. I think there was 25 or 26 bus[els] in the piles. It was all thrashed and winnowed nicely. I saw them take a part of the rice away but not all.

Item No 5 – I think he had 10 or 11 bus[els] of corn maybe 12. It was in the ear. I think there was so much ear corn. I don’t know how much land he had planted in corn we had to catch one corn land in patches when we could find it.
I belonged to Mr Cay the same master as the claimant belonged to. I think he had 28 working hands. He worked them all by the task. Most all of these had such property as hogs, and poultry and 6 of us owned horses. Mr Baker the husband of the claimant owned property ever since I knew him. I knew him since I was a little boy. He owned property 20 odd years. I never knew his master to claim any of this property. His master used to try to help him with his property. Most of the masters tried to help their slaves with their property if they were honest and industrious.

his
William Roberts.
mark

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Peter Way)

My name is Peter Way. I was born in Liberty Co Ga at Mr Washington Winns plantation a slave; became free when the raid came through. My master was Mr Raymond Cay Sen [Senior]. I am 41 or 2 years old. I reside at Mr Cay’s place; I am a farmer. I know the claimant Sylvia Baker. I knew her husband. I am not related to them in any way. I have no interest in her claim. I knew them both before and during the war. They were Union folks during the war I believe. I know they were glad when the war came, and freed us.

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

I was present when the soldiers took this property

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

I saw them take the property.

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 asked where are all the horses and I told them in the old field and they made some of the boys drive them up. They took 4 plantation mules and 3 buggy horses from Mr Cay, and 2 from the colored people 1 from Wm [William] Roberts and 1 from Mr Baker.

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 from the claimant’s house on Raymond Cay Sr [Senior] plantation, in Dec [December]. I don’t recollect the year but when the Union Army came in here. This property was taken by the cavalry force under Kilpatrick’s command. There were so many going and coming all the time I couldn’t count them. They took this property and other property on the plantation in 2 or 3 days.

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

Wm [William] Roberts, Sylvia Baker, the claimant, and her husband Billy Gilmore, James Walthour, Aleck James and myself, were present at the taking of this 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?

There were officers there for I saw men there who had 1, 2 and 3 stripes on their arms, and some with shoulder straps. I did not hear any orders given to take this property. I heard Mr Baker tell them that it was his property and they said he might get the worth of it after awhile.

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 rode the horse off. The horse was in the old field they sent some of the boys down after it and rode him off. They brought a horse there with them, and hitched claimant’s buggy to him, with claimants harness and drove off. They shot the sow and carried her off on the horse. They carried the rice and corn, out of his house and put it into wagons.

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 removed this property from there in wagons and on horses.

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 removed the property to the camp at Midway Church. I did not follow it, but they didn’t go any wheres else, except to the camp.

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

I know what they took this property for it was for their own use. I saw them using some at home and after they carried it off I think they would use it.

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

I did not hear any complaint made to any officers 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 hear him or her 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 daytime, believe 10 and 11 oclock.

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 this property was taken the army were encamped in that neighborhood at Midway Church about 3 miles from claimant’s house. They staid [stayed] there about 3 weeks. While they were there they were going from place to place getting forage. I was at the camp and I did not know any of the quartermasters or other officers. I heard one named [word] Gilmore I think it was a Major.

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 horse was in pretty good condition and so was the rest of this property. The rice and corn gathered and put away.

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 the age of the horse. He was a very good animal, a good even sized horse. She was well broken to harness and saddle. I saw them take the horse away. He had it some 3 or 4 years. He raised the horse from a colt. He owned the mother of this mare. I don’t know whether he sold the mother or she died. I know this mare belonged to him. I knew when he bought this mare’s mother she always claimed it. His master never claimed it.

Item No 2. A buggy and harness. This was a spring buggy and a leather harness. I don’t remember how long they had been used. They were in good order. The soldiers put their own horse into the buggy and put claimant’s harness to the horse and drove off with a load of corn and rice.

Item No 3. – They shot the sow and cut her up and carried her off on horseback.

Item No 4. – I think there was about 24 or 25 bus[els] of rice. He planted about 3 ½ tasks. I judge from that. It was rough rice. I saw them take it away. They put some in sacks and some in the legs of pants and threw them across the horse and some they put in the wagons.

Item No 5. – I think there was 10 or 12 bus[els] of ears corn. I think that was what I saw the soldiers take out. He had corn planted but I don’t know how much. It would make about 5 or 6 bus[els] of shelled corn. Mr Baker was driver for Mr Cay, and he allowed him to have an acre to plant in corn, and sometimes 3 and sometimes 5 tasks in rice. His wife was an industrious hard working woman. This property all belong to the claimant and her husband. I know because I lived right there and saw them have it. I know their master allowed them to have such property.

his
Peter Way
mark

Witness E. E. Adlington

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

Testimony of Witness (Raymond Cay Sen.)

In person came Raymond Cay Senr [Senior] and in answer to certain questions propounded, answering saith: on oath.

Raymond Cay, aged 72 years, Walthourville Liberty County Georgia has lived in Liberty County since 1832, occupation a farmer.
Is not related in any manner to claimant, and is not interested in the success of this claim. Witness knows claimant Silvy Baker; witness owned Silvy Baker as a slave, and owned her husband, Brister; the claimant was known by the name of Silvy, and after emancipation she assumed the name of Baker, which was the name of her husband Brister: – Brister was the driver of witness, until he was taken sick, sometime during the war, about 1862. Witness allowed all his slaves privileges, such as owning personal property, and many of them did own property, such as horses, cattle, hogs, fowls, etc. Brister who was a favorite slave of witness, owned, one horse, worth in gold about one hundred dollars: Brister owned a buggy and harness, Witness sold the buggy and harness to Brister for the sum of Forty dollars: – Witness is certain that Brister had hogs, including sows and pigs. – worth on an average if stock hogs two or three dollars; a fine sow was worth seven or eight dollars. – Brister was allowed to raise fowls, and Witness knows he had some. – Fowles worth about twenty five cents apiece – Witness knows that Brister planted rice and corn, and it is reasonable to suppose Brister had 25 bushels of rice, and ten bushels of corn – Rice was worth from 90 cents to $1 per bushel, and corn about the same.

Witness is certain that the troops of the United states took from Bister, the above stated property, which he had on the plantation of Witness: – Witness cannot state, by what authority the property was taken, but is certain it was taken by United States troops – Witness, was not present when the property was taken: – Howard’s Corps, and Kilpatricks Cavalry camped near the plantation of Witness at Midway Church – Prices as stated by witness was the price before the war.

R. Cay

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th July 1876.
W. W. Paine
Special Agent.

Special Agent’s Report

Savannah, Ga.
July 31st 1876
Hon [Honorable] Commissioners of Claims.
Washington City D.C.

I have the honor to report in the matter of the claim of Silvy Baker, (#21451,) of Liberty County, Georgia, that I have obtained the evidence of Mr Raymond Cay Senr [Senior] of Walthourville, Liberty County, who is an old, and very much respected citizen, he is the father of Raymond Cay Jr [Junior] the attorney for the claimant, but I cannot think that fact biased his testimony.

Mr Cay testifies that claimant was the wife of his driver Brister, that Brister was the driver of Witness until about 1862: – That witness allowed all his slaves privileges, such as owning property, and that many of them did own property, such as horses, cattle, hogs, fowles, etc That Brister was a favorite slave of witness; and witness states that Brister, owned a horse worth in gold, about one hundred dollars and that Brister owned a buggy and harness; that witness sold the buggy and harness to Brister, for forty dollars. – Witness is certain that Brister, had hogs, including sows and pigs, if stock hogs they were worth from $2 to $3 apiece – that a fine sow was worth $7 or $8 – That Brister was allowed to raise fowles, and that fowles were worth twenty five cents apiece. –

Witness knows that Brister planted rice and corn, and that it was reasonable to suppose that he had 25 bushels of rice, and ten bushels of corn – That rice was worth from 90 cents to $1 per bushel, and corn worth the same.

Witness is certain that the troops of the United States, took from Brister, the property he had, and which was on the plantation of witness: – Witness could not state by what authority the property was taken, but is certain it was taken by United States troops.

Witness was not present when the property was taken: – Howard’s Corps, and Kilpatricks Cavalry, camped near the plantation of Witness, at Midway Church: Prices as stated by Witness, were prices before the war.

Dr. E. J. DeLegal, a gentleman of character and stand, told me, he thought Brister, the husband of claimant, owned some property: so did Mr L. J. Mallard, another respectable citizen: – but they both stated that the value of this property, as set forth in the claim, is too high.

Very respectfully
W. W. Paine
Special Agent.

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Claim No. 43607
Sett No. 3573

Silvy Baker of Ga

$137

Due h34

Out of the appropriation for

“Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies
Furnished during the rebellion”

For amount allowed her
By the Southern Claims Commission

Reported: April 19, 1877
Returned: April 20, 1877

Requisition No. 4029, dated
April 25, 1877, transmitted for
Warrant April 2?, 1877 .

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The United States
To Silvy Baker of Ga

For the amount allowed herby 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.”

The sum of $137

Payable in care of [Raymond Cay Jr Atty had been crossed out] James Atkins, Collector of Customs, Savannah, Ga

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 20, 1877

Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office
April 19, 1877