Jacob P. Tate Southern Claims Commission File

Scott County Arkansas
Southern Claims Commission File
JACOB P. TATE
Contributed by Sandy Conant

Claim No. 18.800
Claim of Jacob P. Tate of Scott County, State of Arkansas______$320.00
Testimony of
Claimant ________page 1
Jeremiah J. Tate___page 13
Elijah Leming_____page 23
C.L. Hutcheson___page 25
Taken before William A. Skannis
W. L. Taylor of Van Buren, Arkansas Attorney

Petition

To the Honorable Commissioners of Claims, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871, Washington D.C.
The Petition of Jacob P. Tate, respectfully represents:
That he is a citizen of the United States, and resides at present at or near Olio Post office Scott County, Arkansas and that he resided when this claim accrued at or near the same.
That he has a claim against the United States for property taken for the use of the army of the United States during the late rebellion at (or near) at my residence, in the county of Scott, and State of Arkansas. That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding any and all items of damage, destruction, and loss (and not use) of property; of unauthorized or unnecessary depredations by troops and others persons upon property, or of rent or compensation for the use or occupation of buildings, grounds, or other real estate, is as follows:
No. of items, Quantities and articles, Value
1 One thousand pounds of bacon at 15cts per lb, 150
2 700 lb pork at 10 cts, 70
Taken by Lieut. Bassett commanding the Post at Waldron in Dec 1863
3 1500 binds of fodder $2 per hundred, 30
Same as above
4 20 bushels of sweet potatoes $1.00, 20
Same as above
5 50 bushels of corn $1.00, 50
Same as above
Total, 320

That the property in question was taken or furnished for the use of a portion of the army of the United States, known as 2nd Kansas Cavalry, Vol. and commanded by Lieut. Col. Bassett and that the persons who took or received, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the following:
Bassett-----Lieut. col.-----2nd Kansas Cav. Vol.
that the property was removed to Waldron, Scott Co. and used for or by the 2nd Kansas Cavalry all this on or about the (blank) day of December in the year 1863.
That no voucher, receipt, or other writing was given for the property.
That your petitioner verily believe that the property described was taken under the following circumstances, or one or more of such circumstances, viz:
1. For the actual use of the army, and not for the mere gratification of individual officers or soldiers already provided by the government with such articles as were necessary or proper for them to have.
2. In consequence of the failure of the troops of the United States to receive from the government in the customary manner, or to have in their possession at the time, the articles and supplies necessary for them, or which they were entitled to receive and have.
3. In consequence of some necessity for the articles taken, or similar articles which necessity justified their officers or soldiers taking them.
4. For some purpose of necessity, useful, beneficial or justifiable as to warrant or require the government to pay for it.
5. Under the order or authority of some officer or other person connected with the army whose rank (unknown word), duties or other circumstances at the time authorized, empowered or justified him in taking or receiving it or ordering it to be taken or received. That your petitioner was the original owner of said claim, and that he is the present owner of the same.
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, attempted to do anything, by word or deed, to injure said cause or retard it success, and that he was ready and willing, when called upon, or if called upon, to aid and assist the cause of the Union, or its supporters, as far as his means and power, and the circumstances of the case permitted.
That said claim has never before been presented to any officer, agent or department of the government or to congress or to any committee thereof for allowance and payment.
That William Taylor, Van Buren, Crawford Co., Ark is hereby authorized to act as authority for the prosecution of this claim. Wherefore your petitioner pray for such action of your Honorable Commissioner in the premium as may be deemed just and proper.
Jacob P. Tate
Witnesses:
Z.R. Pratt
Elijah Leming

State of Arkansas, County of Scott
Jacob P. Tate, being duly sworn deposes and says his is the petitioner named in the foregoing petition and who signed the same; that matters therein stated are true; of the deponent's own knowledge except as the those matters which are stated on information and belief, and as to those matters he believes 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 (unknown word) of the same in support thereof, and that he never voluntarily accepted or received the franchises of any office whatsoever under, or yielded voluntary support to, the said Confederate government.
Jacob P. Tate
Witnesses:
Z.R. Pratt
Elijah Leming
Sworn and subscribed in my presence, the 7th day of January 1873
W.A. Harris

Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove loyalty:
Jeremiah J. Tate--------------Olio, Scott Co., Ark
John Hunt---------------------Olio, Scott Co., Ark
William Hunt------------------Olio, Scott Co., Ark
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition:
Jeremiah J. Tate---------------Olio, Scott Co., Ark
Charles L. Hutchinson------Olio, Scott Co., Ark
Post office address of claimant: Olio, Scott County, Arkansas
Post office address of attorney: Van Buren, Crawford County

No 18.800
Before the Commissioners of Claims, Under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871
In the matter of the Claim of Jacob P. Tate of Olio Post Office, in the County of Scott and State of Arkansas
Comes now the claimant, before W.A. Harris, Esq, Special Commissioner for the State of Arkansas, and represents that he has heretofore filed with above-named Commissioners a Petition for the allowances 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 five 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-one thousand pounds bacon at 15cts per lb ----------$150
2-700 lbs pork at 10 cts-------------------------------$70
3-1500 binds of fodder at $2.00 per hundred------------$30
4-20 bushels of sweet potatoes $1.00-------------------$20
5-50 bushels of corn $1.00-----------------------------$50
Taken by Lieut. Col Bassett Comdr. Post atWaldron Ark in December 1863--------------------Total $320

That, as stated in the Petition referred to, the property in question was taken from or furnished by Jacob P. Tate of Scott Co., in the State of Arkansas, for the use of a portion of the army of the United States, known as the 2nd Kansas Cav Vol, U.S.A., and commanded by Lieut. Col. Bassett and that the persons who took or received the property, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the following;
Bassett-----Lieut. Col.---------2nd Kansas Cav. Vol.
That the property was removed to Waldron, Scott County, Arkansas and used for or by the United States troops stationed there: all this on or about the (blank) day of Dec, in the year 1863.
That the following named persons, the claimant expects to prove 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 work or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success, and that he 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 his means and power, and the circumstances of the case permitted.
Jeremiah J. Tate of Olio, Scott Co., Ark
John Hunt of Olio, Scott Co., Ark
William Hunt of Olio, Scott Co., Ark
Elijah Leming of Waldron, Scott Co., Ark
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:
Jeremiah J. Tate of Olio, Scott Co., Ark
Charles L Hutchinson of Olio, Scott Co., Ark

The Claimant now prays that the testimony of the witnesses just designated be taken and recorded, at such place and 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 the his counsel.
Submitted on this 8th day of January, 1873
Jacob P. Tate, Claimant
William L. Taylor, Attorney
P.O.Address of Attorney:
Van Buren, Crawford Co., Arkansas

(In answer to interrogatories)
2-From the first of April 1861 until June or July 1862. I resided some twenty miles east of Waldron, Scott Co., Ark. at which time I was conscripted in the rebel army where I remained some three month and about the first of October I deserted and returned to my home laying out in the mountains the most of the winter of 1862&3. In the spring and summer of 1863 I was engaged in farming at the place I lived when I was conscripted and in the fall of 1863 when the Federal army occupied Waldron I went within the lines and remained within the Federal line on until the close of the war, the greater portion of the time being engaged as a scout for the Federal army.
3-No
4-I was conscripted and forced to take the oath at that time or do (unknown word)
5-9 No
10-Only as a conscript
11-12 No
13-Some time in July 1862 a rebel scout of 8 or ten men came to my house and arrested me and took me to Waldron, Ark with several other Union men and was kept under guard over night. The following morning we were sworn into the service by the rebel Major Gibson. After which we was sent to Fort Smith, Ark where we was stationed some two months, we went out on one scout to Fayetville and once to Clarksville, Ark and one night while encamped at Van Buren Ark I together with my brother A.J. and cousin forded the Arkansas river and deserted making our way home to Scott Co. having been out in three months. My brother Amos J. Tate was afterwards captured and hung by the rebels.
14-23 No
24-Only as stated fully in No. 13-I never was arrested by the U.S. Government
25-I had taken by the rebels the following property: two horses, two cows, 100 bushels of corn, besides robbing me of my clothing. It was taken for the use of the rebel army. I never received any pay for any of the articles taken.
26-I was frequently threatened with language and injury to my person and property on account of my Union sentiments. The threats were made all along during the war by Allen Manns and Huston Manns, Jesse Gentry, Jacob Weaver, Granville Lorbett and many other rebel soldiers and officers. They were to the effect that they would kill me.
27-Only by being robbed and forced to leave my house and lay out in the brush to save my life.
28-Only in the way of feeding Union soldiers.
29-I acted as a scout for a long time for the Union army.
30-Only one brother who was conscripted the same time I was and deserted and afterwards killed by the rebels. I furnished him with no military equipment, clothing or money and did not contribute in any way to aid or support him while in the rebel services.
31-39 No
40-At the beginning of the rebellion I sympathized with the Union cause. My feelings and language were in sympathy with and in favor of the government of the United States and the Union cause. I exerted my influence and cast my vote in favor of the Union and after the ordinance of succession was adopted in the state I still adhered to the Union cause and was opposed to succession and the rebellion from the beginning to the end thereof-
41-Yes in full

Part 2-Claimant being further questioned regarding property taken states as follows. I was present when all the articles as specified in the several items of my petition were taken and saw them all taken. I saw bacon, pork, fodder and sweet potatoes and corn taken. Items No1-2-3-4&5 were all taken at the same time and by the same command some time in the month of December AD 1863, by the federal troops stationed at Waldron, Scott County, Ark. About the middle of December there came to my house from the direction of Waldron, Ark a federal forager train of some 8 or ten U.S.A wagons guarded by about 25 or 30 federal soldiers commanded by a Lieutenant of the 2nd Kansas U.S. Cavalry and took from the smoke house about ten steps from the dwelling house 1000# of bacon loading it on the wagons. I had killed this meat about a month previous to the taking. At the time of the killing there was about 1500# of the meat. A family of some six persons had been using the meat during the month and as well as I can recollect they had used only the back bones and span ribs and I am pretty satisfied that there was at least 1000# of the bacon. They took all the bacon except 4 or 5 hams. The bacon was in fine order and worth at the time of the taking $15.00 for 100#. I paid .25 cts per pound for bacon not long after that. Of item No. 2 at the same time I had eight head of hogs in the pen about 100 yds from the house and when I saw the train coming I went and turned out 7 of them thinking they would get away and the soldiers would not get them, but they commenced killing the hogs as soon as they got there and killed 7 hogs that I turned out, they would average 100# each dressed. Pork at that time was worth $10.00 per 100#. The hogs were loaded on the wagons. Item #3, the 1500 binds of fodder was stacked in the field about 300 yds from the house. There was 3 stacks of the fodder. I had stacked the fodder myself and built a rail pen around the stacks. There was 500 binds per stack. The train came to my place in the evening and what fodder they did not feed out that night and in the morning they loaded on the wagons and hauled off in the direction of Waldron, Ark. The fodder was in fine order and worth at the time of the taking $2.00 per 100 binds. Items No. 4, the 20 bushels of sweet potatoes were taken out of a hole in the garden about 15 or 20 steps from the house. There was about 100 bushels of sweet potatoes in the hole and I estimate the quantity by the amt that was gone. I know a low estimate there was at least 20 bushels taken. They used some of the potatoes while encamped at the place overnight. The remainder was loaded on the wagons and hauled off in the direction of Waldron. The potatoes were in good order and worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel. Item No. 5, the 50 bushels of corn was taken from the crib some 30 or 40 yds from the house they loaded one army wagon which they hauled off in the direction of Waldron, the remainder was fed out to the animals while they encamped. I suppose they had from 70 to 75 head of animals along with the train that was fed from the crib of corn. Said corn was in good order and worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel. They came in the evening about one hour by sun leaving the following morning about two hours by sun and all of items No. 1-2-3-4--5 that was not used by the command while they encamped was hauled off in the direction of Waldron, Ark for the use of the troops stationed there. Other than soldiers there was present at the time of the taking my wife's fathers family, consisting of Chas L Hutchison, his wife and some small children not old enough to remember. They said they needed the articles for the use of the troops stationed at Waldron and that if I would go to Waldron I could get a receipt for all of the property taken. I neglected to go for the receipt as others of my neighbors had got receipts and never succeeded in getting any pay and I thought they would be of no advantage or worth to me and I never applied for any, and I never received any voucher, receipt or pay of any kind for any of the articles charged for in the claim. Neither did I ever make any claim for the property before this.
Jacob P. Tate
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of January A.D. 1873

Deposition of Jeremiah J. Tate who being duly sworn to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows; My age is 33 years, my residence Scott County, Ark and my occupation a farmer. Claimant is my cousin. I have no beneficial interest in this claim. My acquaintance with claimant began as long ago as I can remember and was intimate throughout the war. I lived about 200 yds from claimant and saw him as often as 3 or 4 times a week. I conversed often with claimant about the war, its causes and progress. I was an adherent of the Union cause and was so regarded by claimant. In my conversations with the claimant I always found him in sympathy with and an adherent to the cause of the Union. I knew the sympathies and opinions of claimant by our conversations which were both by ourselves and in the presence of other Union men, and if in the presence of others those only who were known to be Union men. I knew the public reputation of claimant as to loyalty-it was that of a loyal man and was always so regarded by his loyal neighbors. I don't know that claimant ever contributed any money or property in aid of the Union army and cause, but am satisfied he did everything in his power to aid the Union army and cause and know that he gave information to officers and soldiers of the Union army in aid of their movement and cause. I know that claimant was molested and threatened with injury to himself his family and property on account of his Union sentiments. I know that claimant had to lay out in the mountains for a long time to keep from being captured and killed by the rebels. I lay out with him on a good many occasions. I know that claimant never contributed anything to aid the confederate government or its officers or soldiers or ever owned any confederate bonds or did anything to sustain the credit of the confederate states. I know that claimant acts and language were such as would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the confederacy if it has been maintained as a separate government. The fact of his having been employed as a scout for a long time for the Federal army would have prevented him and going within the federal lines the first opportunity where he remained until the close of the war.
Jeremiah J. Tate, his mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of January 1873

Deposition of Jeremiah J. Tate who being duly sworn to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows-my age is 33 years, my residence Scott County, Ark, and my occupation a farmer. Claimant is my cousin. I have no beneficial interest in this claim. I was present when all the articles as specified in the several items of claimants petition were taken and saw all the property taken. I saw 1000# of bacon-700# of pork, 1500 binds of fodder-20 bushels of sweet potatoes and 50 bushels of corn taken. Item No. 1-2-3-4-5 were all taken at the same time by the same command about the middle of December 1863. I was at claimants house about 21 miles east of Waldron in Scott County, Arkansas. While there a Federal forager train from the Post of Waldron Lieut. Crossgrove of the 2nd Kansas Cavalry USV was in command of an escort of about 25 to 30 US soldiers, there was a forage master along with from 8 to ten U.S. Army wagons came up and camped about 100 yards from claimants residence. I think the sun was about one and a half hours high when they came. A good many soldiers came to the smoke house near the dwelling and carried the bacon to their wagons-the only means I have of knowing the amount of bacon taken is by the amount of meat killed and put up by claimant and the probable amount used by him up to the time of the taking, and the amount left. I could not ascertain the amount taken by the taking or by the wagon load for the soldiers swarmed in and out of the smoke house, some taking one and others taking two or more pieces in their hands and on their shoulders, carrying it away to the wagons. About one month before the taking I had helped claimant kill and salt down 8 large fat hogs. I think they would average about 200# each. His family of some 5 or 6 in number had used of this meat from the time it was killed until the taking and I suppose there was left in the smoke house some 4 or 5 joints. I think there was some 10 or 12 soldiers engaged the taking of this bacon. They were but a short time taking as their camps were near by (100 yds) they made some 4 or 5 trips each back and forth from the camp to the smoke house. The bacon was in fine condition and worth at the time of the taking 15cts per pound. The same evening I saw them kill 7 head of claimants fat hogs that he had had in a pen fattening. Claimant had turned these hogs out of the pen they had been in when he saw the train coming up. Claimant said he turned them out (of) the pen, thinking that the soldiers would not kill them outside, he left one in the open which they did not molest. I saw the soldiers shoot the hogs and skin them. These were small hogs in good order and would average about 100# each. Pork was selling at the time of the taking at ten cents per pound. Claimant had three stacks of fodder in the field about 200 or 300 yards from the house. He had a rail fence around the stacks to keep the stock off. The soldiers drew one wagon down to the stacks that evening and loaded it with fodder. A good many of them went on foot and carried the fodder on their shoulders to their camp, feeding it to their animals. They took all three of the stacks that evening-What they did not feed to their stock that night and the following morning-they hauled off on the wagons next morning. I estimate the amount taken by the size of the stacks-I had stacked a good deal of fodder and could tell very near from the size of the stack the number of binds it contained. I think there was 500 binds in each of the stacks, these were very large stacks-an ordinary size stack generally contained about 300 binds-fodder was worth $2.00 per 100 binds. I saw a good many soldiers that evening carrying away sweet potatoes from a stock in hole of potatoes in the yard. They were carrying them in sacks, some in blankets and some in their arms-I was about camp that night and I saw the soldiers cooking and eating the potatoes with some of the fresh pork they had killed-they seemed to relish them pretty well. I have no means of estimating the amount of potatoes taken. I think potatoes were worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel. The same evening the soldiers drove one of the wagons to the crib near claimants house and loaded it with corn in the husk. I saw this wagon go away loaded the following day. The whole train fed night and morning from the crib. I saw soldiers carrying this corn in their arms and blankets feeding it to their animals. I think there were between 60 or 70 animals fed night and morning from the corn. The wagon that was loaded I think would hold about 25 bushels of corn. The corn was in good order and worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel. Some of the officers I think the forage master told claimant that if he would go to Waldron he would get a receipt for all the property taken. Claimant did not go after any receipt. He never received any pay for the property that I ever heard of and had he been paid for it I think I should have heard of it. As I have often during and since the war heard him speak of this property and say he had never been paid for it. I was a soldier at the time of the taking of this property and the way I happened to be down at claimants house, I was out recruiting for the 4th Ark Inftry. Lieutenant Col. Bassett was then in command of the U.S troops at Waldron. I came to Waldron with the train and saw the property used by the soldiers at the Post of Waldron. There was present other than soldiers at the time of the taking, claimants father-in-law Chas L. Hutchinson, Mrs Hutchinson and some small children not large enough to remember the particulars of the taking.
Jeremiah J. Tate, his mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of January A.D. 1873

Deposition of Elijah Leming who being duly sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows. My age is 52 and my residence Waldron, Scott Co., Ark and my occupation a physician. My acquaintance with claimant began about A.D. 1859 and was intimate throughout the war. I lived about 21 miles from claimant and saw him as often as once a month during the first part of the war. I conversed often with claimant about the war its causes and progress. I was an adherent of the Union cause and so regarded by claimant. In my conversations with claimant I always found him in sympathy with and in favor of the U.S. government and the Union cause. I know the sympathies and opinions of claimant by our frequent conversations which were both by ourselves and in the presence of others and if the presence of others, those who were known to be Union men. I knew the public reputation of claimant as to loyalty. It was that of a loyal man and was always so regarded by his loyal neighbors. As to money or property I don't know, but know that claimant was a scout for the federal army and done everything in his power to aid the Union army because I know that claimant was molested and threatened with injury to himself, his family and property on account of his Union sentiments. He was run away from his home and compelled to lay out in the mountains for months at a time to keep from being killed on account of his Union sentiments. I don't think claimant ever contributed anything in any way to aid the confederate government or its officers or soldiers or ever owned any confederate bonds or did anything to sustain the credit of the confederate states. I am satisfied that the claimants acts and language were such as would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the confederacy if it had been maintained as a separate government the fact of his being engaged as a scout for the federal army would have prevented him and he was always regarded as a truly loyal man. The whole Tate family are a truly loyal family and so regarded throughout the war.
Elijah Leming
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 10th day of January A.D. 1873

Deposition of C.L. Hutchinson who being duly sworn to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows. My age is 46 years, my residence is Scott County, Arkansas, and my occupation a farmer-claimant is my son-in-law. I have no interest whatsoever in this claim. I was present when all the articles as specified in the several items of claimants petition were taken and saw all the property taken. I saw about 1000# of bacon-about 700# of pork-3 stacks-1500 binds of fodder-20 bushels sweet potatoes and about 50 bushels of corn taken. The property was all taken at the same time by the same command by U.S. troops stationed at the post of Waldron, Scott County, Ark. Some time during the month of December A.D. 1864 (actually 1863) there came to my house a federal forage train of some, say, 5 wagons. U.S.A. wagons guarded by about 70 or 75 U.S. soldiers from the post of Waldron, Ark and I think commanded by an officer. The command came to my house soon after dinner, I think , and I think they camped overnight near the house. When they came in the evening the soldiers went to the smoke house some 8 or 10 steps from the dwelling house and took there from about 1000# of bacon carrying it out through the gate and loading it on the wagons and hauled it off in the direction of Waldron. This bacon was in good order and worth at the time of the taking about 15 cts per lb. They also killed 7 fat hogs the property of claimant which were either used by the soldiers while they encamped or hauled off the following morning. Said hogs would average about 100# each. They went into the field about 1/4 of a mile from the house where there was 3 stacks of fodder with 2 or 3 wagons and loaded the fodder on the wagons, hauling it to their camps. the men carried some away on their horses, they took all three stacks of the fodder and what they did not feed to their stock they hauled away. The 3 stacks of fodder contained 1500 binds. I estimate the quantity of fodder so taken by actual count. I had helped to stack it. The binds were ordinary size. It was in good order and worth at the time of the taking $2.00 per 100 binds. Item # 4, the 20 bushels of sweet potatoes were taken from a stack in the garden about 25 steps form the house. I had helped to stack up the potatoes, and I am satisfied they must have taken from 20 to 25 bushels. I estimate the quantity taken by the amt. there was in the stack and what they left. the potatoes were in good order and worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel. Item No.5-the fifty bushels of corn was taken from the crib some 30 or 40 yards from the house. I think they moved one wagon to the corn crib loading it with corn which they hauled off. The rest was carried off by the soldiers in their arms and in sacks and fed to their animals while so encamped. I estimate the quantity of corn taken by the number of wagon loads they hauled and the number of animals they had to feed and think they used at least fifty bushels. Corn at the time of the taking was worth $2.00 per bushel. There was present other than soldiers at the time of the taking, claimant and my family is all that I now recollect of , there might have been others. Claimant was living at my house, had made his home there a good many years. I don't remember of hearing anything said about the taking at the time, neither did I hear anything said about receipting for said property. I don't think claimant ever received any pay, either receipt voucher or pay of any kind for any of the property charged for in this claim. the property was taken from my place twenty one miles east of Waldron, Scott County, Arkansas and hauled to the Post of Waldron for the use of the United States troops there stationed. Claimant has lived at or near my house ever since the taking of said property charged for in the claim and had he ever received any pay for said property I would have certainly have known it.
C.L. Hutchison
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 10 day of January A.D. 1873

Office of William L Taylor, Attorney at Law and Real Estate Agent, Special attention given to the Collection of Southern Claims, Bounties, Pensions, etc. Homesteading and procuring Patents for Lands
Crawford County, Ark. Van Buren, December 28 1876
Honorable Charles F. Benjamin
Washington DC
I send here with testimony in case of Jacob P. Tate. I wrote to Gilbert and Tate to have their witness testify fully as to loyalty. I see they have taken espostee affidavits-as it is to far down there I suppose we will have to put up (with) them. Mr Tate was a notorious union man before and since the war. I do not now recollect what the proof was as to property-I know the loyalty is good. Hope you will look over the informality in this case as to application and mailing direct to you.
Respectfully, Wm L. Taylor

United States of America State of Arkansas County of Crawford Claim 18.800 Jacob P. Tate Amt 320.00

Testimony as to Loyalty
Martin Nelson being duly sworn esposes and says in answer to Question No 1 "My name is Martin Nelson, my age is 59 years. My residence is Crawford County, Ark where I have resided for the last 9 years past. My occupation is farmer."
In Answer to Question No 2 witness says "I am not claimant or related to him or in anyway interested in the claim."
In answer to Question No 52 witness answers and says "I am here to testify in favor of Jacob P. Tate, claimant in a loyal claim against the United States."
In answer to Question No 53 witness answers and says "I have know Jacob P. Tate formally since the fall of 1863 and by reputation from the commencement of the war to that time."
In answer to Question No 54 witness answers and says "From the commencement of the war up to the fall of 1863 I lived within fifteen miles of Jacob P. Tate in Scott County in the State of Arkansas. In the fall of 1863 I left my home because my life was threatened on account of my sentiment of loyalty to the government of the United States and went into the neighborhood of Mr. Tate, the claimant, where I stayed for about a year most all of the time.
I lay out in the brush in the fall of 1864. I moved my family to Lewisburg Ark where there was a post of federal soldiers whose protection I claimed and where I stayed until after the surrender." In answer to Question No 55 witness answers and says "During the year from fall of 63 to 64 I saw Jacob Tate nearly everyday and when I went to Lewisburg, Tate went about the same time and there we met I think at least every week."
In answer to Question No 56 witness answers and says "I frequently conversed with the claimant about the war, it's causes, it's progress and results. We spent hours, days and nights, in talking about it. I cannot now specify any particular conversation, but remember that when we heard of a battle we talked about it and how we got the news and that claimant always expressed himself greatly rejoiced to hear of Federal victorys and rebel defeats and that he hoped the Union always would conquer."
In answer to Question No 57 witness answers and says "I know that claimant laid out in the brush at the same time I did because his life was threatened by the rebels on account of his loyal sentiments to the Federal government. I know he always tried to assist loyal men to escape from the rebels and he often joined Federal scouts to guide them through the country and belonged to an independent company of home guards for the protection of Union men during the war."
In answer to Question No 58 witness answers and says "I know of nothing he said or done against the Union cause." In answer to Question 59 witness answers and says "I never heard of claimant doing anything against the Union cause, but have heard of his advocating the Union cause both before and after I became acquainted with him in the fall of 1863." In answer to Question 60 witness answers and says "His, claimants, public reputation during the war was that of a Union and loyal man to the United States government. I know this by having Union men speak of it. I heard William Hunt, Thomas Hyfield, who was killed by the rebels for his loyalty to the Union, Judson Tate, Thomas Tate, his brother (cousin, written over brother) speak of it. George Terry, James Terry, Jesse James and others could testify to his loyal reputation."
In answer to Question 61 witness answers and says "The persons above named and others."
In answer to Question 62 witness answers and says "I was a Union man during the war and claimant knew it by conversing with me, my actions and by having others speak of me as such."
In answer to Question 63 witness answers and says "Claimant was a single man during the war. I know there were threats made against his life by the rebels because he was a Union man, know of no injury inflicted upon him or his property, know he went to the brush because of the threats so made against his life."
In answer to Question 64 witness answers and says " I do, his language in sustaining the Union cause, lying out in the brush to avoid rebel forces, helping and assisting Union men and guiding Federal scouts belonging to the Union home guards would have prevented him from proving his loyalty to the Confederate government."
In answer to Question 65 witness answers and says "Claimant went into the Federal lines at Lewisburg, Ark in the fall of 1864 and claimed Federal protection until the war closed."
Martin Nelson
Sworn and subscribed before me this 23rd day of December 1874