Remarks: The claimant was a farmer; lived near Houston in Winston County, Alabama. He was threatened and molested by the rebels who took corn, bacon, and fodder from him many times. He carried provisions to William Looney, John and Samuel Mitchell who had returned home from the Union army on recruiting service and were dodging from the Rebels. This was in the latter part of 1862. He fed and supplied several squads of Union men and soldiers at different times during the war who were hiding to keep away from the rebels. He mentions the names of twelve such persons, two of whom were his brothers-in-law. In reply to Question 14, he says he was highly pleased at the capture of New Orleans, fall of Vicksburg, and Union victories, and at the final surrender he felt like a free man. Two witnesses, his neighbors testify to his loyalty and to his aiding them with provisions and information when they were lying out in the woods to avoid Rebel conscription. We think his loyalty is fully proved. The property was taken in March 1865 by soldiers of General Wilson’s command. We allow in all one hundred and twenty-five dollars. [signed] A.O. Aldis, J.B. Howell, O. Ferriss, Commissioners of Claims

To the Commissioners of Claims, Under Act of 3^rd March, 1871, Washington, D.C.

The petition of Joseph L. McAllister, respectfully represents: That your petitioner is a resident of the County of Winston, in the State of Alabama; that his post office address is Houston in said county and State; and that at the time his claim and each item thereof as herein set forth accrued, he was a resident of the County of Winston and state of Alabama; that he is the original owner of said claim; that he has never sold, assigned or transferred the same or any part thereof to any person; that no mortgage, bill of sale or other lien of like nature has at any time rested upon it, or any part thereof, nor has it been attached or taken in execution; that the same has not been paid by the United States or any of their officers or agents, nor have the United States any legal offset against the same or any part thereof; that he is the sole owner of the said claim, no other person being interested therein; that said claim does not contain any charge for property which was destroyed or stolen by the troops or other persons; that the rates or prices charged are reasonable and just, and do not exceed the market rate or price of like stores or property at the time and place stated; all of which your petitioner states of his own knowledge.

Your petitioner further states that he is now and was at the time the several items of his said claim accrued, as stated herein, a citizen of the United States; that he remained a loyal adherent to the cause and Government of the United States during the war of 1861, &c.; and was so loyal before and at the time of the taking or furnishing of the property for which this claim is made.

And your petitioner further represents, and of his own knowledge states, that on the 23^rd day of March, A.D., 1865, at Houston in the State of Alabama the following property or stores were taken from your petitioner for the use of the army of the United States, and for which payment is claimed, viz:

1 grey horse, 5 years old, 15 hands high ($150); 1 saddle ($10); 1 bridle ($5); total: $165

Which said property or stores being of the kind, quantity, quality and value above stated was taken by Col. Alexander belonging to the Department of the United States Army, in the service of the United states, whose rank was Colonel, who, as your petitioner has been informed and believes was stationed on a raid or march to Selma, Alabama under the command of General Wilson who at that time had command of the United States forces in the District in which said property was taken.

And your petitioner further represents that he has been informed and believes that the said stores or property was taken from your petitioner as above stated and removed for the use of the U.S. Army; that at the taking of said property, or stores, no vouchers, receipt or other writing was given therefore by the person taking the same as aforesaid or received at any time by your petitioner.

Your petitioner further states that the claim, within and above mentioned has never been presented to the departments or to Congress.

Your petitioner hereby constitutes and appoints Stilson, Bundy & Webster, Attorneys-at-Law, of Washington, D.C., his true and lawful attorneys with full power of substitution and association, to prosecute this his claim, and to receive a draft payable to the order of your petitioner for such amount as may be allowed, and to do all acts necessary and proper in the premises.

Your petitioner therefore prays that his said claim may be examined and considered under the providence of the Act of Congress approved 3^rd March 1871, dated this 15^th day of April 1871 [signed] Joseph L. McAllister; Witnesses: [signed] M.A. Williams and Joseph McClower

State of Alabama, County of Winston: Joseph L. McAllister, being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is the petitioner named in the foregoing petition, and who signed the same; that the matters therein stated are true, of the deponent’s own knowledge, except as to those matters which are stated on information and belief, and as to those matters he believes them to be true; and deponent further says that he did not voluntarily serve in the Confederate army or navy, either as an officer, soldier, or sailor, or in any other capacity, at any time during the late rebellion; that he never voluntarily furnished any stores, supplies, or other material aid to said Confederate army or navy, or to the Confederate government, or to any officer, department or adherent of the same in support thereof, and that he never voluntarily accepted or exercised the functions of any office whatsoever under, or yielded voluntary support to, the said Confederate government. [signed] Joseph L. McAllister

Sworn to, and subscribed before me this 15^th day of April 1871, and I certify that the affiant is to me personally known, and that I read over to him this affidavit before he made oath thereto.

[signed] Asa B. Hays, Justice of the Peace in and for Winston County, Alabama.

State of Alabama, County of Winston, to wit: I, James Hilton, Judge of Probate Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that Asa B. Hays whose name appears to the foregoing jurat, was at the time stated in said jurat, a Justice of the Peace, commissioned and duly authorized to administer oaths, and that the above is his genuine signature. I am not interested in this claim or its prosecution. Witness my hand and seal of office at Houston, April 15, 1871. [signed] James Hilton, Judge of Probate Court and Ex Oficio, Clerk of the same.

I rely upon the following witnesses, and others, to prove my loyalty:

M.A. Williams, residing in Houston, Alabama

Joseph McClure, residing in Houston, Alabama

Andrew Willis, residing in Houston, Alabama

M. Walker, residing in Houston, Alabama

D.A. Willis, residing in Houston, Alabama

And also expect to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition by

M.A. Williams, residing in Houston, Alabama

Joseph McClure, residing in Houston, Alabama

Andrew Willis, residing in Houston, Alabama

M. Walker, residing in Houston, Alabama

D.A. Willis, residing in Houston, Alabama

My Post Office address is care of C.W. Hanna, Houston, Alabama

My Counsel is Stilson, Bundy & Webster, Esqs. Whose Post Office address is Box 636, Washington, D.C. [signed] Joseph L. McAllister.

Before the Commissioners of Claims, Under Act of Congress of March 3^rd, 1871: In the matter of the claim of Joseph L. McAllister of Houston, in the County of Winston and State of Alabama.

Comes now the Claimant before A.B. Hays, Esq., Special Commissioner for the State of Alabama, and represents that he has heretofore filed with the above-named Commissioners a Petition for the allowance of a claim for property taken for the use of the army of the United States, which claim, as stated below, does not exceed the sum of three thousand dollars.

That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding therefrom all such items as refer to the damage, destruction and loss, and not the use, of property; to unauthorized or unnecessary depredations of troops and other persons upon the property, or to rent or compensation for the occupation of buildings, grounds or other real estate, is as follows:

1 grey horse, 5 years old, 15 hands high ($150); 1 saddle ($10); 1 bridle ($5); total: $165

That, as stated in the Petition referred to, the property in question was taken from Joseph L. McAllister, of Winston County, in the State of Alabama, for the use of a portion of the army of the United States, known as General Wilson’s Cavalry and commanded by General James H. Wilson, and that the persons who took or received the property, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the following: Colonel Alexander.

That the property was removed to the army on the march, and used for or by them to mount and troops of said command; all this on or about the 23^rd day of March, in the year 1865, as appears by the petition presented to the Commissioners.

That the Claimant is unable to produce the witnesses hereafter to be named before the Commissioners at the city of Washington for and because of the following reasons, to wit: by reason of the smallness of the claim and the great distance to be traveled by claimant and his witnesses.

That your petitioner remained loyally adherent to the cause and the Government of the United States during the war, and was so loyal before and at the time of the taking of the property for which this claim is made, and he solemnly declares that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United states to the end thereof, his sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; that he never, of his 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 he 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 his means and power, and the circumstances of the case permitted:

M.A. Williams, of Houston, Alabama

Joseph McClure, of Houston, Alabama

Andrew Willis, of Houston, Alabama

M. Walker, of Houston, Alabama

D.A. Willis, of Houston, Alabama

That, by the following named persons, the Claimant expects to prove the taking or furnishing of the property for the use of the army of the United States:

M.A. Williams, of Houston, Alabama

Joseph McClure, of Houston, Alabama

Andrew Willis, of Houston, Alabama

M. Walker, of Houston, Alabama

D.A. Willis, of Houston, Alabama

The Claimant now prays that the testimony of the witnesses just designated be taken and recorded, at such place an at such time as the Special Commissioner may designate, at the reasonable cost of the said Claimant; and that due notice of the time and place of the taking thereof be given to the Claimant, or to his counsel.

Submitted on this 22^nd day of August 1871, Joseph L. McAllister, by Stilson, Bundy & Webster, Attorneys.

Before the Commissioners of Claims, Washington, D.C.: Claim of Joseph L. McAllister of the County of Winston and State of Alabama, numbered 396

It is hereby certified that on the 17^th day of August 1877, at Houston in the County of Winston and State of Alabama came personally before me, for the purpose of a hearing in the above-entitled cause, the following persons, namely:

Joseph L. McAllister, Claimant

Memory Walker, Witness

Joseph McClure, Witness

Marion A. Williams, Witness

Each and every deponent, previous to his or her examination, was properly and duly sworn or affirmed to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth concerning the matters under examination; the claimant’s witnesses were examined separately and apart from each other; the testimony of each deponent was written out by me in presence of such deponent, who signed the same in my presence after having the deposition read aloud to such deponent, and the signature of such deponent was by attested at the time it was affixed to the deposition.

Witness my hand and seal this 17^th day of August [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner.

1 – My name is Joseph L. McAllister, age fifty-six years, residence at Cypress Inn, P.O., Wayne County, Tennessee for past six years. I removed from near Houston, Winston County, Alabama when I resided from before the late war until after its close about six miles northwest of said Houston. My occupation is farming.

2 – I am the claimant and so interested.

3 – I was born near Marysville, Blount County, Tennessee

4 – I resided about six miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama for more than six months before and from the beginning until after the close of the rebellion. My business was farming and attending a little water grist mill near my home.

5 – My sympathies were on the Union side from the beginning to the end of the war.

6 – Never

7 – I was.

8 – Yes. I carried out victuals to William Looney, John Mitchell, Sam Mitchell, who had come home from the Union army on a recruiting business and were dodging from the Rebels. This was near my house in the latter part of the year 1862. There were also several other Union men and soldiers with those men. I carried them bedding also out in the woods. I also fed and supplied several squads of Union men and soldiers at many different times during the war and placed them in rock houses or bluffs out of the way of the Rebels. Sometimes I kept them supplied for a week and sometimes I fed a dozen or more for two or three days at a time. It was all done in my neighborhood. I cannot recollect the dates. I have fed and aided Doc Spain, Bennett Jones, a Mr. Long (soldier), James G. Curtis, Benjamin F. Curtis, Emanuel Steele, Memory Walker, Dillon A. Willis, Isaac Walker, Joseph McClure, John C. Jones, Marion A. William and a great many more. Some were Union soldiers and some Union men lying out, Marion A. Williams and Adolphus D.E. Williams were my brothers-in-laws.

9 – Yes. Several nephews and relatives in East Tennessee were in the Union army. I don’t know what regiments or companies. I had no sons to send.

10 – No.

11 – Nothing more than feeding Union soldiers and aiding them to keep from being captured by the Rebels in my neighborhood, at many times during the war.

12 – I took the Union side and voted against secession.

13 – I adhered to the Union cause.

14 – I heard that the Union forces were defeated at the Battle of Manassas or Bull run and I did not like to hear such news. I was highly pleased at the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg and all other Union victories. At the final surrender of the Confederate forces I felt like a free man once more.

15 – I was not near enough to any stationed Union forces to receive any favors or protection.

16 – I only remember of taking the oath of allegiance and registration oath in order to vote.

17 – Buckner Walker, Andy Willis, Joseph McClure, Memory Walker, Benjamin F. Curtis, Marion A. William, Dillon A. Willis, Isaac N. Walker and William V. Curtis, some of them are called to testify to my loyalty and the taking of my property.

18 – I heard that I was threatened reported to the Rebels for my Union sentiments and for feeding and keeping Union men and Union soldiers about me. The Rebels raided on me, taking my corn, bacon, and fodder, at my house near Houston, Alabama at many different times. They also taken my horse, saddle and many little things out of the house in the Spring of 1864.

19 – No. I always dodged and kept out of their way or reach.

20 – They raided on me taking my corn, bacon, fodder, and many little things out of my dwelling and at one time in the Spring of 1864 taken a horse, bridle and saddle. I never received any pay for it, nor I never presented any claim for pay to the Confederate government or any Rebel officer.

21 – None, except as stated.

22 – No.

23 – None.

24 – No.

25 – No.

26 – No.

27 – No.

28 – No.

29 – No.

30 – No.

31 – No.

32 – No.

33 – No.

34 – No.

35 – No.

36 – I never heard of any of my relatives being in the Confederate army.

37 – No.

38 – No.

39 – No.

40 – No.

41 – No.

42 – No.

43 – No.

44 – I voted against candidates favoring secession, and against secession.

45 – No.

46 – No. I claimed to be too old for a time and I dodged and kept out of their way for a time. I never furnished any substitute.

47 – No.

48 – No.

49 – No.

50 – No.

51 – No. Not in the late war. I was a volunteer in the U.S. service in the Seminole Indian war.

66 – I was the owner of the property charged in this claim. I bought the horse, bridle and saddle and paid my money for them.

67 – The property was taken at my residence about six miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama. I owned about one hundred and sixty acres of land at my said residence about fifteen or twenty acres of it was in cultivation, and about 140 or 145 woodland.

68 – No.

[signed] Joseph L. McAlllister; Attest: [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioners

1 – My name is Memory Walker; age forty-one years. My residence is about five miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama where I have resided for the past nineteen years; my occupation is farming.

2 – I am not related to claimant or interested in the success of his claim.

52 – In favor of Joseph L. McAllister.

53 – I have know Joseph L. McAllister for the past twenty-five years. I have been intimately acquainted with him for the past twenty years.

54 – I lived near him during the war, about two and half miles distant.

55 – I saw him often during the war, I suppose upon an average I saw him about three times a week, except what time I was a soldier in the Union army.

56 – I often talked with claimant about the war, almost or every time we were together, I cannot remember the dates. It was sometimes at his house and sometimes at my house and sometimes in the woods, and many places in our neighborhood. We often talked about the war, its causes and results in presence of our families, and in presence of Joseph McClure, Benjamin F. Curtis, William V. Curtis, Buckner Walker, Marion A. Williams, Adolphus D.E. Williams, and a great many other persons. The causes of such conversations was the existence of the war and the cruel treatment of Union men by the Rebels and secession party. Joseph L. McAllister on all occasions and at all times declared himself in favor of the Union cause and in favor of the success of the Union arms, and all who knew him, knew that he was most bitterly opposed to secession and the Confederacy. I often heard him abuse the Rebels in his conversation for the manner in which they conscripted and carried off Union men to their army. I have often heard him say, that if the Rebels got him and carried him to their army he would not fight for them or do them any service. I have often known him to dodge the rebels and keep out of their way to save himself.

57 – I have known the claimant to bring out victuals and food for many Union men and also myself who were lying out from the Rebels to save our lives and keep out of the Rebel army. He done so a great many times. I cannot tell how often. He did so in latter part of 1861 and in 1862 and all along during the war. I cannot recollect the dates. It was in his own neighborhood and vicinity about six miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama. The claimant fed several Union soldiers during the war, who were recruiting for their companies in this country during the war, but had to do so very secretly and slyly generally traveling through the woods and after night. I saw John Gardner and several soldiers of the 1^st Alabama Federal Cavalry fed by claimant in the woods in the fall of 1862. I was with them.

58 – No.

59 – I have heard my neighbors say over and often that claimant always expressed himself to them as a Union man, in favor of the success of the Union army and opposed to the Confederacy. I heard it from Adolphus D.E. Williams, Marion A. Williams, Joseph McClure, Buckner Walker, Benjamin F. Curtis and many others at many times. Cannot recollect dates.

60 – The claimant’s public reputation for loyalty to the United States during the war was good, none better. I know it by claimant having voted for the Union at the time the state seceded, and by his advising his friends and neighbors to vote for the Union, and by his Union sentiments and principles during the war. I have heard William V. Curtis, Buckner Walker, Benjamin F. Curtis, Joseph McClure, Andy Willis, Dillon A. Willis and many others. William B. Seymour, William A. Channell, George Hughes, William J. Davidson, William R. Cole, Nathan Montgomery and many others, could testify to claimant’s public reputation and loyalty to the United States during the war.

61 – Joseph McClure, Marion A. Williams, John Hill, Buckner Walker, Andy Willis, Dillon A. Willis, Benjamin F. Curtis, William V. Curtis, William R. Cole, Isaac N. Walker and Adolphus D.E. Williams are among the prominent Union men of the neighborhood during the war. I know they could all testify to claimants loyalty during the war.

62 – Yes. The claimant knew it by seeing me vote for the Union and against secession at the time Alabama seceded from the union, also by knowing that I joined the Union army and served in the 1^st Alabama Federal Cavalry, and by seeing my discharge after I was mustered out of the service.

63 – I heard an old secession citizen by name of Gage threaten claimant with the Rebel cavalry, also another secessionist by name of John Cox. They threatened to have his property all taken from him because he was a Union man. I heard them make such threats in early part of 1862. The Rebel cavalry often foraged off of claimant, taking his corn, produce and family supplies by force.

64 – Claimant aided Union soldiers and Union men in every way he could during the war and often said he hoped the Confederacy would get conquered.

65 – I cannot remember now anything more than what I have already said, only the claimant was much opposed to the Rebels taking any of his property and always furnished Union men and soldiers with provisions and necessaries wherever he could or had an opportunity and always without charge. [signed] Memory Walker

[signed] Memory Walker; Attest: [signed] Special Commissioner

1 – My name is Joseph McClure—age fifty-nine years. I have resided about six or seven miles north of northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama constantly ever since the year 1858. My occupation is farming.

2 – I am not of kin to claimant and not interested in the success of his claim.

52 – In favor of Joseph L. McAllister.

53 – I have known him for past twenty-three years and intimately by for twenty-two years.

54 – I lived within about one mile of the claimant from the beginning to the end of the war.

55 – I was with the claimant almost every day during the war, except one time when I was captured by the Rebels and kept for weeks by them.

56 – The claimant and myself talked about the war almost every time we were together. I cannot recollect the dates. I have heard him talk about the war at my house, his own place and several others, in presence of our families, and in presence of Marion A. Williams, William Looney, Adolphus D.E. Williams, Memory walker, Andy Willis, Dillon A. Willis, Buckner Walker, William R. Cole, Isaac N. Walker and a great many others, many of whom are now dead. This was all in the neighborhood where we lived. The existence of the war and the cruelty towards Union men was the cause of our conversations. I have often heard claimant say that the war was a very unjust one and that the secession part cause the war. Claimant had such talk all along during the war, and was never known to express himself in any other way than in favor of the Union party.

57 – Yes. He fed many Union men and soldiers during the war. He did so a great many times during the war, while the Union men and soldiers were secreting themselves from the Rebels. I was often with him while he fed them and helped him carry provisions to them a great many times. He did so all along during the war. I cannot remember the dates. It was all done in our neighborhood and vicinity. Claimant did so because he was a Union man and desired to help Union men and soldiers all he could. Claimant often piloted Union men from one place to another through the woods during the war.

58 – No.

59 – I have often heard a great many Union men, D.C. Cantrell, Benjamin F. Curtis, James H. Cantrell, Marion A. Williams, Andy Willis, William R. Cole, William V. Curtis and many others say at many different times during the war that Joseph L. McAllister was a true Union man. I cannot remember dates.

60 – The claimant had a good reputation for loyalty to the United States during the war. I know that claimant voted for the Union and against the secession at the time Alabama seceded from the Union. I saw him vote against secession. Claimant advised his neighbors to vote for and try to save the Union, he also advised them to keep out of the Rebel army and did all he dared do to help men from volunteering in the Rebel army. I know these to be facts because I was with him almost every day. I have heard Benjamin F. Curtis, Buckner Walker, Andy Willis, James G. Curtis, Dillon A. Willis, William R. Cole, George Hughes, William V. Curtis, Dennis C. Cantrell, Marion A. Williams, James H. Cantrell, Memory Walker, Isaac Walker and many other speak of it and all of these men could testify to claimants public reputation.

61 – Buckner Walker, D.C. Cantrell, Marion A. Williams, Andy Willis, Memory Walker, Dillon A. Willis, Benjamin F. Curtis, William R. Cole, William V. Curtis, Adolphus D.E. Williams and many others, those being the nearest neighbors, they all could testify to the claimant’s loyalty.

62 – Yes. The claimant knew me to be a Union man because he knew that I voted for the Union and tried to keep men out of the Rebel army; also by being with claimant almost daily during the war, and helping him carry provisions to Union men and Union soldiers numerous times during the war, often in the night time.

63 – I know claimant had to secret himself from the Rebels many times during the war when the Rebels had me as prisoner in Jasper jail house, Walker County, Alabama. I heard rebel Captain Goodwin say that he intended to have Joseph L. McAllister, the claimant, for feeding Union men and Rebel deserters. This was in the Fall of 1864. I also heard John Cox, a Rebel lieutenant, say that they intended to kill Joseph McAllister, the claimant, if they could get him. This I also heard while in prison. The Rebels often raided on claimant and took his corn, bacon, flour, and provisions &c. by force at several times during the war. I don’t remember dates.

64 – Yes. He opposed the war and secession and everything done by the Confederates. He fed Union men and Union soldiers as I have before said, at many times during the war, and always without charge. He did all he could by persuasion to keep men out of the Rebel army, and by providing for them while lying out from the conscript officers and Rebel soldiers.

65 – The claimant was much opposed to the Rebels taking his property, produce, and provisions and always appeared well pleased when he had an opportunity to assist Union men and Union soldiers or to feed them and help them when they were secreting themselves from the Rebels. He never made any charges for feeding Union men or Union soldiers. [signed x his mark] Joseph McClure; Attest: [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner

Joseph L. McAllister on property:

72 – Yes. I actually saw it taken. I saw my horse bridle and saddle taken.

73 – The property was taken publicly in day time.

74 – Yes. I complained to an officer. I don’t know his rank or regiment. He answered that an end must be put to the war and that they must have horses to ride; he then rode on.

75 – No. It was my last horse, and I was left destitute of anything to live on, and did not know what to do. I did not think of pay.

76 – No, to all.

77 – The troops appeared to be on a march or raid south. They said they were after the Rebel General Forrest.

79 – It was a gray horse, five years old, about 15 hands high, well proportioned in moderate work order, and was a splendid good horse. The horse was at my residence about six miles northwest of Houston in Winston County, Alabama. The horse at that time was worth at least one hundred and fifty dollars in United States money. The horse was taken from me on or about the 23^rd day of March 1865. It was said to be Col. Alexander’s Regiment of General Wilson’s command. I suppose there were at least two regiments along when my property was taken. I do not know names of any officers. The soldiers said Col. Alexander was in command. The soldiers taken my horse out of my stable at my residence, placed my bridle and saddle upon him and rode him away. Some officers were present. I do not know how many. I knew the officers by their shoulder straps and uniform. One officer said they were compelled to have the horse for the use of the army or words to that amount. I don’t know the names of any of the officers who came by my place except Col. Alexander. I believe the property was authorized to be taken by officers as some were present and that it was necessary for the use of the army, as a great many broken down horses were left along the road. One officer said they were going to put an end to the rebellion and must take my horse for the use of the army. The saddle and bridle was taken at the same time and place by the same soldiers. The saddle was in good condition and worth about ten dollars in United States money at that time. The bridle was worth then five dollars in United States money. [signed] Joseph L. McAllister; Attest: [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner

Joseph McClure on property:

72 – I was not present when the property charged in this claim was taken and did not see it taken, but came to claimant’s house in about two hours afterwards. I know claimant had the property at his home the day before it was taken and when I came to his house it was gone. They all, the family, said Wilson’s Cavalry had taken it, and I had good reasons to believe so, because no other troops or parties of soldiers or any other squads of men had been along through the country.

73 – To the best of my knowledge it was taken publicly in the day time.

74 – I don’t know. I heard claimant say that he asked the soldiers to let him keep his horse, bridle and saddle, and that they said they were compelled to take him, the horse and saddle and bridle, to keep their men mounted.

75 – I do not know.

76 – I never have heard of any payment being made for any property charged in this claim, and no payment has been asked for or received by claimant for any property whatever taken from him during the war, or furnished by him during the war.

77 – The troops were on a march or raid south.

79 – I was well acquainted with the horse, bridle and saddle. I had borrowed and used them several times. The horse was in pretty good work order, was about five years old, and considered a fine horse. He was a gray horse. The horse when taken was on claimant’s premises at his residence about six miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama. The horse was worth at that time at least one hundred and fifty dollars in United States money. The property was taken some time in March 1865. I can’t exactly remember the date. It was said to be General Wilson’s cavalry or a part of his command, commanded by Col. Alexander. I don’t know the names of any other officers belonging to the command. I believe the property was necessary for the use of the army, as they left several broken down horses at different places through the country. The saddle and bridle, as I believe, was taken at the same time and place by the same soldiers, as the horse was taken and was necessary to accompany the horse. The saddle was worth at that time, to my best judgment, some ten or twelve dollars in greenbacks, and the bridle was worth about five dollars in greenbacks. I considered it a good saddle and a splendid new bridle. [signed x his mark] Joseph McClure; Attest: [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner

1 – Marion A. Williams—age forty years. My residence is now near Cypress Inn, Post Office, Wayne County, Tennessee where I have resided for the past six years. I removed from Winston County, Alabama where I resided from the beginning to the end of the late war, to my present residence. I am a farmer.

2 – I am a brother-in-law to Joseph L. McAllister, the claimant. He married my sister. I am not interested in the success of his claim.

72 – I was not at the house of J.L. McAllister when the property was taken, but came in a few minutes afterwards. I know that the claimant owned the property and it was gone when I reached his house a few minutes after the troops passed.

73 – The property was taken in the daytime, publicly.

74 – I don’t know.

75 – I don’t know.

76 – I am satisfied that no pay has ever been received for any property charged in this claim, and no pay has been received for any property taken at the same time as the property charged in this claim. No payment has been asked for or made for any property taken from claimant during the war. This property has never been included in another other claim whatever, to the best of my knowledge.

77 – The property was taken by General Wilson’s cavalry while on a march or raid south.

79 – The horse taken by General Wilson’s troops was a gray horse, five years old, I suppose about 15 hands high in fair order and a very fine horse. The horse, when taken, was at the residence of Joseph J. McAllister six miles northwest of Houston, Winston County, Alabama. The horse at that time was worth one hundred and fifty dollars in United States money. The property was taken about 23^rd of March 1865. The troops were known as General Wilson’s Cavalry. There were a great many troops I suppose, and it was said that they were about two hours in passing. They carried the property on with them. I don’t know where to. I suppose the property was authorized to be taken by officers and I believe it was actually necessary for the use of the army, as the army left along the roads several broken down horses.

The saddle was a very fair one. I know as I used it several times myself and at that time was worth about ten or fifteen dollars. It was taken by same troops at same time as the horse was taken and I suppose was necessary for the use of the army as the horse. The bridle was a good one. I had also used it with the horse and saddle. The bridle was worth about five dollars, I would suppose, in United States money and was taken at the same time as the horse and saddle, about 23^rd March 1865. I believe all the property charged in this claim was really necessary for the use of the army, and was all taken at the same time and place. [signed] Marion A. Williams; Attest: [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner

I heard the claimant, Joseph L. McAllister, and witnesses Marion A. Williams and Joseph McClure say that the soldiers at the time they taken claimant’s horse, saddle and bridle, taken from claimant about a barrel of meal, a lot of flour and some two hundred pounds of bacon and all the corn he had. Claimant said that as he was in favor of the Union he would not make any charge for those things. Witness Marion A. Williams and Joseph McClure said in my hearing that claimant had some fifteen or twenty bushels of corn and that they saw the scattered corn on the ground where the soldiers had fed their horses and that they heard claimant say that he would not charge for provisions &c. but only wanted pay for his horse, bridle and saddle. [signed] A.B. Hays, Special Commissioner

Office of the Commissioners of Claims, Washington, D.C. No. 396, Joseph L. McAllister, Winston County, Alabama.

1 gray horse ($150); 1 good saddle ($10); 1 bridle ($5); total: ($165)

(Testimony taken by Commissioner Hays in Aug. 1877)

Client 56, Cypress Inn, P.O. Wayne County, Tennessee, six years past, moved from near Houston, Winston County, Alabama where he lived from before the war till after its close, 6 miles NW of Houston; farmer—born near Marysville, Blount County, Tennessee. On Union side from beginning to end—carried provisions to William Looney, John Mitchell, Samuel Mitchell, who had returned home from Union army on recruiting services and were dodging from the Rebels—latter part of ’62—carried them bedding into the woods—fed and supplied several squads of Union men and soldiers at different times during war and placed them in rock houses or bluffs out of way of Rebels—fed and aided Doc Spain, Bennett Jones, soldiers (Mr. Long), James G. Curtis, Benjamin F. Curtis, Emanuel Steele, Memory Walker, Dillon A. Willis, Isaac Walker, Joseph McClure, John C. Jones, Marion W. William, and many others. Some Union men and some soldiers. Adolphus D.E. Williams and Marion A. Williams were client’s brothers-in-law—several nephews and relatives in Union army—had not sons to send—voted against secession—did not like to hear of defeat of Union forces—highly pleased at capture of New Orleans, fall of Vicksburg, and Union victories, and at final surrender felt like a free man—took oath of allegiance and registration oath to vote. Rebels raided on him and took corn, bacon, fodder many times from his place near Houston in Spring of ’64—took horse saddle—never presented any claim for pay—claimed for a time to be too old for conscription and dodged them and kept out—a volunteer in the Seminole Indian war.

Memory Walker, 41, 5 miles NW of Houston, Ala, lived there past 19 years, farmer, known client 25 years, intimately 20 years, 2 miles distant during war; saw him about 3 times weekly during war except when witness was in Union army—often conversed together about the war—client always declared himself in favor of Union cause; knew he was bitterly opposed to secession—often heard to abuse the Rebels and say if they conscripted him he would not fight for them—knew him to dodge the Rebels—have know client to furnish provisions for many Union men (including witness) who were lying out—at different times during war. Saw John Gardner and several soldiers of the 1^st Alabama Federal Cavalry, fed by client in woods, Fall of ’62—witness was with them—client’s public reputation for loyalty to Union was good—he voted for Union—advised his friends and neighbors to vote for Union—heard a rebel named Gage threaten client with Rebel cavalry and another, John Cox, threatened to have his property taken because he was a Union man and aided the other Union men—early in ’62—Rebel cavalry often foraged off client.

Joseph McClure, 59. 6 or 7 miles northwest of Houston, Alabama, ever since 1858, farmer, no relation to client and no interest in claim—known client past 23 years—intimately 22—one mile distant during war—with client most every day during war, except 2 weeks with Rebels after captured by them—often conversed with him about the war. He always expressed himself in favor of Union; often helped him carry provisions to Union layouts. He often piloted Union men from one place to another during war—knew client voted against secession; advised his neighbors to keep out of Rebel army. When witness was in jail in Jasper, Walker County, Alabama heard Rebel Captain Goodwin say he intended to have client for feeding Union men and Rebel deserters—fall of ’64, heard Rebel Lt. John Cox say he intended to kill client if they could get him. Rebels often raided on him and took his corn, bacon, flour, and provisions—never made any charges for feeding Union men or Union soldiers.

Marion A. Williams, 40, Cypress Inn, P.O., Wayne County, Tennessee, where have lived past 6 years, farmer, am brother-in-law to client---he married my sister—no interest in claim. Property. Did not see it taken—but was there few minutes after it was taken—know client owned the property—was gone when I reached the house—taken by General Wilson’s Cavalry on a march or raid. A gray horse, 5 years old, taken from client’s residence 6 miles NW of Houston, Alabama; saddle, fair one, taken same time; bridle taken same time. Client saw horse, bridle and saddle taken in day time; complained to an officer he said horse must be taken to ride—last horse he had—the troops were chasing Forrest. Gray horse, 5 years old, taken March 23, ’65 by what was said to be Col. Alexander’s Regiment—horse taken from stable—put bridle and saddle on him and rode him away. One officer said they were compelled to have the horse for use of army—believe the property was authorized to be taken by officers as some were present and necessary for use of army, as a great many broken-down horses were left along the road; saddle and bridle taken at same time.

Joseph McClure, did not see it taken—arrived at client’s house 2 hours after—knows client had the property at his home day before it was taken and when I came to his house it was gone. The family said General Wilson’s cavalry had taken it—heard client say he asked permission to keep horse, bridle and saddle and they said they were compelled to have them to keep their men mounted—horse in good working order—saddle and bridle taken at same time.

The United States to Joseph L. McAllister: For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No. 183 approved March 3^rd, 1879, entitled “An Act making appropriations for the payment of claims reported allowed by the Commissioners of Claims under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871:” The sum of one hundred and twenty-five ($125) dollars. Payable in care of Messrs. Stilson, Bundy & Webster, Washington, D.C. Treasury Department, Second Comptroller’ Office, March 19, 1879, [signed] E.F. French, Clerk. Treasury Department, Third Auditor’s Office, March 11^th, 1879, [signed] H.M. Bennett, Clerk.

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