L.J. Mallard vs. Morris LeConte, freedman, 1866
The papers of the U.S. Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands provided a glimpse into events in Liberty County after the Civil War through a case tried in the Freedmen’s Bureau Court between Lazarus John Mallard, a white landowner (and former slaveowner), and a freedman named Morris LeConte. LeConte had charged that Mallard stole a mule from him that he (LeConte) had been given by a U.S. officer; Mallard responded that he had lawfully confiscated the mule from LeConte based on orders from his commander officer, Confederate Army officer Colonel Hood. The case was heard by the Freedmen’s Bureau agent for Liberty County, Colonel William B. Gaulden. A colorful character and also a Liberty County landowner and former slaveowner, Gaulden had advocated in the 1840s for the resumption of the African slave trade, had opposed secession, had served in the militia during the Civil War, and became an unlikely advocate for Liberty County freedpeople after the Civil War. This transcription of the case papers include a summary of the case, the evidence heard on both sides, Gaulden’s decision in favor of LeConte, and Mallard’s appeal. Source citation: Papers of the U.S. Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner, 1865-1872, Case of L.