Thomas M. Martin's Claim

The proof of loyal acts as well as of loyal conversation and reputation is fully made out by the claimant and his witnesses. The claimant was a Minister of the Gospel. He fed and sheltered Union men while they were recruiting for the U.S. Army, mentions three by name who belonged to the 1st Ala. Cav. He gave information to Union men. He rejoiced at Union victories. He was molested by the rebels, who took his property and foraged on him and arrested him and took him to the Co. Seat and put him in jail. His witnesses testify strongly to his loyalty. We find him loyal.

The property was taken March 26, 1865 by 1st Ala. Cav. for Army use, 20 or 30 present and officers. Young horse worth $130. The corn and bacon taken at the same time: we think the estimate of bacon quite too large and the price much to high. We allow $245.00. Commissioners of Claims: A.O. Sides, J.B. Howell, and O. Ferriss, Commissioners of Claims.

I certify that W.H. Wilbanks is an acting justice of the peace in and for said county and is duly commissioned and qualified as such. This May the 27th 1871. R.W. Swinney, Clerk of CC in and for Winston County, Ala.

The petition of Thomas M. Martin respectfully represents that he is a citizen of the United States and reside at present Winston Co. Alabama. That he has a claim against the United States for property and provisions taken about the 1st of February & March 26, 1865 in Winston County Ala and used by the U.S. Army as follows: 1 sorrel horse, saddle, and bridle: $175; 15 bushels of corn: $30; and 650 pounds of bacon: $162.50. That all the items in the above schedule were of the full value therein set forth and were taken from the residence of your petitioner for the use of and were used by the United States army. The corn and bacon was taken by General Wilson’s men and used by said company. The sorrel horse was taken about the first of February 1865 by William Floyd, Company A 1 Regt of Ala Cavl. Vol. and known by your petitioner. That no voucher receipt or other writing was given therefor by the persons taking the sum as aforesaid or received at any time by your petitioner.

1. What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such and your occupation? Thomas M. Martin, 50 years of age, nearly. I reside in the County of Winston State of Alabama, and have so resided 15 years. I am a farmer by occupation.

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim? I am the claimant.

3. Where were you born? If not born in the United States, when and where were you naturalized? Produce your naturalization papers if you can. I was borned in the State of Georgia in the County of Hall.

4. Where were you residing and what was your business for six months before the outbreak of the rebellion, and where did you reside and what was your business from the beginning to the end of the war? And if you changed your residence or business, state how many times and why such changes were made. In said County of Winston and my business was that of farming. I made no change in my residence during the War.

5. On which side were your sympathies during the war, and were they on the same side from beginning to end? My sympathies was on the Union side from the beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

6. Did you ever do anything or say anything against the Union cause; and if so what did you do or say, and why? I did not.

7. Were you at all times during the war willing and ready to do what ever you could in aid of the Union cause? I was.

8. Did you ever do anything for the Union cause, or its advocates or defenders? If so, state what you did, giving times, places, names of persons aided, and particulars. Were the persons aided your relations? I did: I have fed and sheltered Anderson Ward, Dock Spain, Bennet Jones, et al while they were recruiting for the U.S. Army. These soldiers belonged to the 1st Ala. Regt. Cav. Vol. I was doing these and other favors for the soldiers, Union men and Union lyouts from the year 1862 to the end of the Rebellion.

9. Had you any near relatives in the union army or navy? If so, in what company and regiment, or on what vessel, when and where did each one enter service, and when and how did he leave service? If he was a son, produce his discharge paper, in order that its contents my be noted in this deposition, or state why it cannot be produced. I had none that I know of.

10. Were you in the service or employment of the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, in what service, when, where, for how long, under what officers, and when and how did you leave such service or employment? I was not.

11. Did you ever voluntarily contribute money, property, or services to the Union; and if so, when, where, to whom, and what did you contribute? Nothing more than before stated and this service I done them by giving them all the information I could in and of the Union Cause.

12. Which side did you take while the insurgent States were seceding from the Union in 1860 and 1861, and what did you do to show on which side you stood? I took the Union side. I voted against secession and done all I could against it.

13. Did you adhere to the Union cause after the States had passed into rebellion, or did you go with your State? I adhered to the Union cause from the beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

14. What were your feelings concerning the battle of Bull Run or Manassas, the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg, and final surrender of the Confederate forces? I was sorry and sad when I learned of our defeat at Manassas and Bull Run and much rejoiced hearing of the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg, and the final surrender of the Confederate forces.

15. What favors, privileges, or protections were ever granted you in recognition of your loyalty during the war, and when and by who granted. I was granted many and kind favors. The Union men and lyouts would come in of nights, in logrolling time, and roll my logs. This was done in the 1st of Spring 1865 by Anderson Ward, Jesse Nevell, et al.

16. Have you ever taken the so-called "Iron-clad oath" since the war, and when and on what occasions? I have not.

17. Who were the leading and best known Unionist of your vicinity during the war? Are any of them called to testify to your loyalty; and if not, why not? Anderson Ward, David C. Manasco, and Vincent S. Roden, et al. Some of them will be called on to testify to my loyalty.

18. Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments, or were you actually molested or injured on account of your Union sentiments? If so, when, where, by whom and in what particular way were you injured or threatened with injury? The Rebell’s come and took my property, my saddles, guns, corn and meat, foraged on me all the War. This was done by said Rebell’s from the year 1862 up to the Surrender.

19. Were you ever arrested by any Confederate officer, soldier, sailor, or other person professing to act for the Confederate government, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, for what cause; how long were you kept under arrest; how did you obtain your release; did you take any oath or give any bond to effect your release; and if so, what was the nature of the oath or the bond? I was arrested in the year 1864 by Col. McCaskell, "a Rebell Commandant," and was carried to Jasper, Walker Co. Ala. and there put in jail and remained therein about 15 hours. He then gave me what he called a Parole and turned me out of jail and sent me home. I give no bond or took any oath to get out.

20. Was any of your property taken by Confederate officers or soldiers, or any rebel authority? If so, what property, when, where, by whom, were you ever paid therefor, and did you ever present an account therefor to the Confederate government, or any rebel officer? Nothing more than before stated. I never presented any account to the Confederate Government therefor, and I never received pay for anything they ever took from me.

21. Was any of your property ever confiscated by rebel authority, on the ground that you were an enemy to the rebel cause? If so, give all the particulars and state if the property was subsequently released or compensation made therefor. Nothing more than before stated. I never received any pay for anything ever taken from me by the Rebells.

22. Did you ever do anything for the Confederate cause or render any aid or comfort to the rebellion? If so, give the times, places, persons, and other particulars connected with each transaction. I never did, only when I was forced to let them forage on me. This I had to submit to, but much against my will.

23. What force, compulsion, or influence, was used to make you do anything against the Union cause? If any, give all the particulars demanded in the last question? Nothing more than before stated. I had to submit to the taking of my meat, corn, and fodder, because they had the power to take it from me.

24. Were you in any service, business, or employment, for the Confederacy, or for any rebel authority? If so, give the same particulars as before required. I was not.

25. Were you in the civil, military, or naval service of the Confederacy, or any rebel State, in any capacity whatsoever? If so, state fully in respect to each occasion and service. I was not.

26 Did you ever take an oath to the so called Confederate States while in any rebel service or employment? I did not.

27. Did you give supplies to the so-called Confederate states, or any State in rebellion; or did you have any share or interest in contracts or manufactures in aid of the rebellion? I did not.

28. Were you engaged in blockade running, or running through the lines, or interested in the risks or profits of such ventures? I was not.

29. Were you in any way interested in any vessel navigating the waters of the Confederacy, or entering or leaving any Confederate port? If so, what vessel, when and where employed, in what business, and had any rebel authority any direct or indirect interest in vessel or cargo. I was not.

30. Did you ever subscribe to any loan of the so-called Confederate States, or of any rebel State; or own Confederate bonds or securities, or the bonds or securities of any rebel State issued between 1861 and 1865? Did you sell, or agree to sell, cotton or produce to the Confederate government, or to any rebel State, or to any rebel officer or agent, and if so, did you receive or agree to receive Confederate or State bonds or securities in payment; and if so to what amount and for what kind and amount of property? I did not.

31. Did you contribute to the raising equipment or support of troops, or the building of gunboats in aid of the rebellion; or to military hospitals or invalids, or to relief funds or subscriptions for the families of persons serving against the United States. I did not.

32. Did you ever give information to any person in aid or military or naval operations against the United States? I did not.

33. Were you at any time a member of any society or organization for equipping volunteers or conscripts, or for aiding the rebellion in any other manner? I was not.

34. Did you ever take an oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate States? If so, state how often, when, where, for what purpose, and the nature of the oath or affirmation. I did not.

35. Did you ever receive a pass from rebel authority? If so, state when, where, for what purpose, on what conditions and how the pass was used. I did not.

36. Had you any near relatives in the Confederate army, or in any military or naval service hostile to the United States? If so, give names, ages, on entering service, present residence, if living, what influence you exerted, if any, against their entering the service, and in what way you contributed to their outfit and support. I heard I had a brother that was conscripted and put into Rebell service. He lived in the State of Georgia, and I lived here. I aided him in no way.

37. Have you been under the disabilities imposed by the 14th amendment of the constitution? Have your disabilities been removed by congress? I have not.

38. Have you been specially pardoned by the President for participation in the rebellion? I have never done anything for which I needed to be pardoned.

39. Did you take any amnesty oath during the war or, after its close? If so, when, where, and why did you take it? I took the Amnesty oath at Littlesville in said County of Winston after the close of the War in the summer of 1865. I taken it because I was willing to abide by the Constitution of the U.S. and all laws enacted thereunder and all proclamations of the President of the U.S.

40. Were you ever a prisoner to the United States authorities, or on parole, or under bonds to do nothing against the Union cause? If so, state all the particulars. I was not.

41. Were you ever arrested by the authorities of the United States during the war? If so, when, where, by whom, on what grounds, and when and how did you obtain your release? I was not.

42. Were any fines or assessments levied upon you by the authorities of the United States because of your supposed sympathy for the rebellion? If so, state all the facts. There was not.

43. Was any of your property taken into possession or sold by the United States under the laws relating to compensation, or to captured and abandoned property? There was not.

44. After the Presidential election of 1860, if of age, did you vote for any candidates, or on any questions during the war, and how did you vote? Did you vote for or against candidates favoring secession? Did you vote for or against the ratification of the ordinance of secession, or for or against separation in your State? I only voted once during the Rebellion and I voted for the Candidate opposing Secession.

45. Did you belong to any vigilance committee, or committee of safety, homeguard, or any other form of organization or combination designed to suppress Union sentiment in your vicinity? I did not.

46. Were you in the Confederate army, state militia, or any military or naval organization hostile to the United States? If so, state when, where, in what organization, how and why you entered, how long you remained each time, and when and how you left. If you claim that you were conscripted, when and where was it, how did you receive notice, and from whom, and what was the precise manner in which the conscription was enforced against you? If you were never in the rebel army or other hostile organization, explain how you escaped service. If you furnished a substitute, when and why did you furnish one, and what is his name and his present address, if living? I was not. I kept out of service because I was a Minister of the Gospel. I furnished no substitute.

47. Were you in any way connected with or employed in the Confederate quartermaster, commissary, ordinance, engineer, or medical department, or any other department, or employed on any railroad transporting troops or supplies for the Confederacy, or otherwise engaged in transportation of men and supplies for the Confederacy? If so, state how employed, when, where, for how long, under whose direction, and why such employment was not giving "aid and comfort" to the rebellion. I was not.

48. Did you at any time have charge of trains, teams, wagons, vessels, boats, or military supplies or property of any kind for the Confederate government? If so, give all the facts as in previous questions. I did not.

49. Were you employed in saltpetre works, in tanning or milling for the Confederate government, or making clothing, boots, shoes, saddles, harness, arms, ammunition, accoutrements, or any other kind of munitions of war for the Confederacy? If so, give all the particulars of time, place nature of service or supplies. I was not.

50. Were you ever engaged in holding in custody, directly or indirectly, any persons taken by the rebel government as prisoners of war, or any persons imprisoned or confined by the Confederate government, or the authorities of any rebel State, for political causes? If so, when, where, under what circumstances, in what capacity were you engaged, and what was the name and rank of your principal. I was not.

51. Were you ever in the Union Army or navy, or in any service connected therewith? If so, when, where, in what capacity, under whose command or authority, for what period of time and when and how did you leave service? Produce your discharge papers, so that their contents may be noted herein. I was not.

66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken and how did such person become owner? I was. I raised it.

67. If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land? It was all taken from my residence on my farm situated in the County of Winston, State of Alabama containing 240 acres. I cultivated about 30 acres, 210 acres were woodland, 4 or 5 acres on wasteland.

68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt? I never have filed a petition in Bankruptcy.

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken. I was present and saw the horse taken and a portion of the bacon taken and I saw the bridle and saddle taken.

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time? It was about night when the horse, bridle, and saddle and a part of the bacon was taken and the corn and balance of the bacon was taken in day time.

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint. The troops that taken my horse belonged to the 1st Ala Regt Cav Vol’s. I said to them that I would like for them not to take my horse, that he was all the horse I had. They replyed they needed him for the Army. I said nothing to them about the rest of the property they took.

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts. None was asked for. And none was given.

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any others authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented? There was not. There was not. This property has never been paid for, and no claim has ever before been presented for payment of the same or any part thereof to any person or persons or to any Department whatever or authority and I have never received any payment for any property taken from me from the U.S. Government.

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish? It was taken by troops on the march.

78. You will please listen attentively while this list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken. I saw the horse, bridle, and saddle taken. I saw a portion of the Bacon taken, and the other portion of Bacon and corn that was taken I happened not to be at the house at the time.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st. Describe its exact condition, as, for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in building or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. &c. &c. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate. 4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army. The horse was a sorrell horse 4 years old, sound and in good plight, was a good saddle and work horse, and was a first class Cav. horse. The saddle and bridle was just about as good as new and the horse bridle and saddle was worth at the time taken $175.00 in U.S. money. The corn was good sound shucked corn, was in the cribb. There was 20 or 30 horses. The troops fed their horses while at my house on corn and fodder. When they started off to join the Company, they carried off with them about one Bushell of corn to the horse. They fed away to their stock while here, and carried off about 25 Bushells of corn; the Bacon was good well dryed Bacon, and was in the Smoke House. The Troops went into the Smoke House and got the meat and packed it off on their horses to Camps on the march about 2 & 1/2 miles distant. There 650 lbs. bacon or more. I killed 6 pork hogs. They averaged 250 lbs. each, and I had only used 2 joints of said meat. The Troops took all I had, nearly. At the time the Bacon was taken, it was worth $2 per pound in U.S. money. That is what I paid for all the Bacon I bought that year after the Raid passed on through the Country. The corn was worth at the time taken $2 per Bushell in U.S. Money, that is what I paid for all the corn I lived on that year, after the Raid passed on through the Country. This property was all taken on or about the 26th day of March 1865. It was called Wilson’s Raid or Corps and was commanded by Maj. J.H. Wilson. The Troops went to the stable caught the horse mounted him and rode off to the Camps of the Company. They went into the cribb and smoke house got the corn and meat and packed the corn off in sacks and packed the meat off on their horses to camps on the march. I only seen 25 or 30 Troops. They were mounted. I saw no waggons. There was a Lieut. in the Squad. I don’t know his name. I knew he was an Officer by his stopping the men from robbing my house. They officer said he regretted to take my stuff, but said they had to live. And this saying of his, and the way they used the property taken made me think that it was by the order of the Army officers. It was taken and was for the necessary use of the Army of the U.S.

(Attest: George C. Moore)

1. What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such and your occupation? David C. Manasco, 73 years of age nearly. I reside in the County of Winston and State of Alabama and have so resided about 30 years. I am a Farmer by occupation.

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim? I am no kin to the claimant and not interested in the success of his claim.

52. In whose favor are you here to testify? The favor of the claimant.

53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him? I have known the claimant intimately about 15 years.

54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away? I lived in 3 miles of him.

55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war? I met him frequently, so often can’t tell how many times.

56. Did you converse with the claimant about the war, its causes, its progress, and its results? If so, try to remember the more important occasions on which you so conversed, beginning with the first occasion, and state, with respect to each, when it was, where it was, who were present, what caused the conversation, and what the claimant said in substance, if you cannot remember his words. I talked with him and heard him talk time and again, he was a square out Union Man and opposed to the Confederacy in toto, he had this talk before the War, voted against Secession, done all he could against it, and from beginning to the end of the Rebellion he opposed it, and does yet. He is the same now, he was before the War, in time of the War, and up to the present.

57. Do you know of anything done by the claimant that showed him to be loyal to the Union cause during the war? If you do, state what he did, when, where, and what was the particular cause or occasion of his doing it? Give the same information about each thing he did that showed him to be loyal. I know that he cooked and packed provisions to Federal Soldiers and outlyers time and again. I know I ground the meal that he packed away from the mill to feed a squad of U.S. Soldiers camped near his house that was going and did go to Jasper, Walker Co. Ala. to burn the jail and town down. Which they done and turned out of jail a Union man. This was in the year 1864. He was feeding Union men from beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

58. Do you know of anything said or done by the claimant that was against the Union cause? If so, please state, with respect to each thing said or done, what it was, when it was, where it was, and what particular compulsion or influence caused him to say or do it. I do not.

59. If you have heard of anything said or done by the claimant, either for the Union cause or against it, state from whom you heard it, when you heard it, and what you heard. I know I have heard of the before stated facts and things that he done for the Union men and Union cause, but I never heard of him saying or doing anything for the Rebell cause. Anderson Ward a U.S. Soldier knows that claimant done the above acts as stated by me.

60. What was the public reputation of the claimant for loyalty or disloyalty to the United States during the war? If you profess to know his public reputation, explain fully how you know it, whom you heard speak of it, and give the names of other persons who were neighbors during the war that could testify to his public reputation. It was that of Loyalty to the U.S. I know it by his acts, talk and deeds and I know it by hearing Anderson Ward & A. Manasco and V.S. Roden & Jesse Nevell, his neighbors could and will no doubt testify to his loyal public reputation.

61. Who were the known and prominent Union people of the neighborhood during the war, and do you know that such persons could testify to the claimants loyalty? The above named persons, Allen Adison and Herman Haynes, they could and would testify to Claimants loyalty.

62. Were you yourself, an adherent of the Union cause during the war? If so, did the claimant know you to be such, and how did he know it? I was. I have proved myself to be such in Claim No. He knew I was loyal by my actions words and deeds.

63. Do you know of any threats, molestations, or injury inflicted upon the claimant, or his family, or his property, on account of his adherence to the Union cause? If so, give all the particulars. Not of my own knowledge, except I know that he was arrested by the Rebb’s and carried off to Jasper, Walker Co., Ala. I know they imprisoned him, and I heard the Rebb’s, and I am satisfyed they did feed and forage on him during the Rebellion time and again.

64. Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language? The before stated facts, and many other such acts and deeds I think is fully sufficient to debar him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy.

65. Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimants loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars. I don’t know that I can state any more.

1. What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such and your occupation? Anderson Ward, 49 years of age. I reside in the County of Winston, State of Ala. I have so resided for 20 years. I am a Farmer by occupation.

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim? I am no kin to the Claimant and I am not interested in the success of this claim.

52. In whose favor are you here to testify? In favor of the claimant.

53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him? I have known him intimately for 15 years.

54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away? I lived in 7 miles of him.

55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war? I met him frequently until about the 1st of December 1863 at that time I left and went and joined the U.S. Army in the 1st Regt. Of Ala. Cav. Vol’s.

56. Did you converse with the claimant about the war, its causes, its progress, and its results? If so, try to remember the more important occasions on which you so conversed, beginning with the first occasion, and state, with respect to each, when it was, where it was, who were present, what caused the conversation, and what the claimant said in substance, if you cannot remember his words. He and eye talked a great deal about the War. He was bitterly opposed to the Rebellion. Before I went to the U.S. Army, he give me all information he was in possession of as to the whereabouts of the Rebell forces, their movement, and at no time did I ever hear him speak in favor of the Rebellion.

57. Do you know of anything done by the claimant that showed him to be loyal to the Union cause during the war? If you do, state what he did, when, where, and what was the particular cause or occasion of his doing it? Give the same information about each thing he did that showed him to be loyal. In the year 1864 Jesse Nevels, and V.S. Roden was lying out to keep out of Rebell Service near Claimants house in the County of Winston, State of Ala. Claimant fed and harbored them and give them all information that he could? in the last of the year 1864 or the 1st of the year 1865. The Union Scouts and U.S. Soldiers and outlyers burned up the jail and town of Jasper in Walker Co. Ala. and before we done this we got the Claimant to go down to said town of Jasper as a spy. He done so. Come back and reported to us the situation of the place. How many Rebel’s was stationed there and all about the place in general. He told us they kept arms and ammunition in the Jail House and that they also had a Union Prisoner in the Jail. The prisoner’s was took out of jail, the jail and courthouse fired and burned up. Before we done all this, I learned from our Union boys that Claimant had been furnishing them Rations for several days before the Raid was made on Jasper before stated. And mostly afterward, Claimant fed and assisted us Union boys in running out a Gang of Cavalry out of this settlement that was in here as we supposed to burn up the Houses of Union men and their families. And all such favors and things was bestowed and given by the Claimant from beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

58. Do you know of anything said or done by the claimant that was against the Union cause? If so, please state, with respect to each thing said or done, what it was, when it was, where it was, and what particular compulsion or influence caused him to say or do it. I know that the Rebell Cavalry, or at least I heard of it, came to his house, found a gun of mine there that I had hid out, and for that they took his wheat, and if he had been at home, no doubt they would have taken him off. I also heard that the Rebells foraged on him during the Rebellion frequently.

64. Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language? The acts and deeds before named in my answer to question no. 57 and all such.

65. Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimants loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars. I don’t know that I can recollect anything else at the present.

1.What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such and your occupation? Malissa J. Martin 34 years of age. I reside in the County of Winston State of Ala. and have so resided nearly all my life. My occupation is that of Housekeeping.

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim? The Claimant is my husband.

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken. I only saw the meat taken, the most of it. I was present and saw it. I did not see the corn, horse, bridle, and saddle taken. I was at my Fathers when the Raid came along and taken the Horse, Bridle, and Saddle and a small portion of the Bacon. I am satisfyed that it was all taken by the Troops of the Raid. When I left home it was all left there, and when I went back said property was all gone, and the family all said that it was taken by the U.S. Troops, which had just passed on through the Country.

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time? The part of the property that I saw taken was taken just about night the family said the rest of it was in the daytime.

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint. My Husband and myself asked McCaskey (said to be a Commissary) not to take our stuff. He replyed that he regretted to do so, but they were obliged to forage, and that we were here in the County and could do better than they could.

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts. None was asked for. And none was given.

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any others authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented? There has not. There has not. There has not. It has not.

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish? It was taken by Troops on the march.

78. You will please listen attentively while this list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken. I only saw the greater portion of the Bacon taken. I know we had all the rest of the property and I am satisfyed that it was taken by the Troops of the U.S. Army as set forth in said application.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st. Describe its exact condition, as, for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in building or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut &c. &c. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate. 4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say in which the property was taken 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army. The Horse that was taken was 4 years old sound and in good plight, was a large horse and was a good saddle and work horse and at the time taken the Horse, Bridle, and Saddle was worth $175.00 in U.S. Money. The corn was good sound shucked corn, and from what the family said. 25 Bushells or more was taken. At the time taken the corn was worth $2.00 per Bushell for all the corn we lived on that year (until corn was made) after the Troops passed on through this Country. The Bacon was good and well dryed Bacon. There was 7 or 800 lbs. of it we killed that Season and pork hogs averaging 250 lbs. or more each. We had used but one or two joints and none of the sides. They took nearly all we had, I think they left perhaps one side and a couple of joints. The Bacon at the time taken was worth $2.00 per lb. in U.S. Money. That was the price of Bacon in this section after the Raid passed on through the Country. The meat was in the Smoke House and the corn in the Cribb. They packed the Bacon off to Camps on the March, and the family said they did the corn the same way. They got it out of the Cribb. They said there was 25 or 30 of them, that they fed their horses, and each one of them packed off about one Bushell to Camps on the March. I only seen 6 or 7 Troops perhaps more. I dident notice them particular. They were mounted Troops. I saw no waggons. All this property was taken on or about the 26th day’s of March 1865 by the Troops as was said belonging to Wilson’s Corp and commanded by Maj. General James H. Wilson and from the talk the Troops had to us, saying that they were oblige to forage, led me to think that it was by order of the Army officers. That they took said property and that it was for the necessary use of the Army of the U.S.

1. What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such and your occupation? Nancy R. Dodd, 26 years of age nearly. I reside in the County of Winston State of Ala. and have so resided most of my life. My occupation is that of Housekeeping.

2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim? The Claimant is my father.

72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken. I was present at my Fathers house when the Troops taken the horse, bridle, and saddle but I did not see them do it, from the fact I never paid any attention to what was done and about the lot, but I know the horse was gone after they left and I know the horse was in the stable when they come to our house. I seen the meat and corn taken, was present.

73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time? It was all taken in day time though a portion of it was taken about night, nearly dark.

74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint. My Father and Mother was not at home and I said nothing to the Troops about what they took. They told me to tell my pa when he come home that we hated to take his stuff, but tell him if he will come over to our Country that we will make it all right with him. I took the person that was talking to me to be an officer but I didnent know him as such.

75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts. No receipts or vouchers were asked for, and none was given.

76. Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any others authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented? It has not. There has not. There has not. It has not. If so, I never heard of it, and am not oppresed of it.

77. Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish? It was taken by Troops on the March.

78. You will please listen attentively while this list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken. As before stated, I did not see the Horse and Bridle and saddle taken. I never paid any attention to what was done out of and around the House. I know they taken the Horse Bridle and Saddle and I could have seen it, if I had noticed about it. I saw the Corn and Bacon taken. The Stable that the Horse was in was some distance from the House. The Cribb was near to the House.

79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st. Describe its exact condition, as, for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in building or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut &c. &c. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate. 4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say in which the property was taken 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army. The Horse was a Sorrell, 4 years old, in fine plight, was large size, and worth at the time taken $175.00 in U.S. Money. The Troops came 25 or 30 in number, went to the Cribb got corn and fed their Horses, and each one of them when they started off as I suppose to Camps on the March, took about 1 Bushell of corn on each horse. There was at least 25 or 30 Bushells of corn taken, fed away, and packed off, and at the time taken it was worth $2.00 per Bushell in U.S. Money. That was the price of corn in the Country after the Army passed on. We killed the year or season the Bacon was taken 6 good pork hogs averaging 250 lbs. each. We had only eat a few of the joints. They took all we had except about 2 joints and one side. It was good well dryed Bacon and was 7 or 800 lbs. of it, and at the time taken it was worth $2.00 per lb. in U.S. Money. That was the price of Bacon in the Country after the Raid passed on through. All this property was taken on or about the 26 day of March 1865 by Wilson’s Raid as it was called, and commanded by Maj. Genl. James H. Wilson. I only seen 25 or 30 Troops, perhaps a few more. They were all mounted and as they Said s???d to be out foraging. They took off said Horse, Bridle, and Saddle, corn and Bacon to the Camps of the Command on the March and from their talk I thought and believed that the taking of said property was by the order of the Army officers and was for the necessary use of the Army of the U.S.

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