■^,'1 
 
 
 AN APPEAL 
 
 '^^' 
 
 ro THE 
 
 C()N(;hkss of the unfted states 
 
 BY AN 
 
 AMERICAN CITIZEN 
 
 FOR 
 
 /^- // 'J 
 
 J'Kl TH AND JUSTICE. 
 
 WASHINGTON : 
 
 riintril ;U tlic Office of TiiK Ohkat Repi bi.ic, 499 lltli Street. 
 
 18G8. 
 
 
AN APPEAL 
 
 TO 'THE 
 
 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 BV AN- 
 
 CA^ OITIZEF 
 
 FOR 
 
 ^iCt^^-^-zr^-^r ^^. 
 
 ''VT^ H "Ti'Sl 
 
 IVTR AND JUSTICE. 
 
 
 WASHIXGTOX 
 Printed at th. OiSce of The Great llEwnLu, 49J Eleventh Street, 
 
 1808. 
 

 Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive 
 in 2010 witii funding from 
 Tine Library of Congress 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/appealtocongressOOwood 
 
Wahui.vgto.v, Ajn-il oO, 18G8. 
 The two documents on this page will explain why it is that I make this appeal to the 
 Congress of the nation. By the course of political events an issue is attempted to be 
 made, at this late day, regarding the purity of my conduct and claim. Having been an 
 inhabitant of the State of Georgia during the rebellion ; and since the war a public officer, 
 by the nomination of the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate ; I do 
 feel anxious to remove all doubts on the subject of my entire heartfelt loyalty at all times 
 to the Government of the United States, and to establish my right to the continued confi- 
 dence ®f those kind friends who have encouraged and supported me in the prosecution of 
 my purpose. 
 
 I respectfully submit the proofs herein contained and ask a careful consideration and 
 a righteous judgment of mv claim. 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIDGE, 
 Ot' Savaimah, 6'a. 
 
 AT THE BEGINNINti. 
 
 nEADQ'R.s Military Div'x Mississii-i'i, 
 In the Field, Januari/ 15, ISfi-J, 
 S.iVAXX.vn, (jEougia. 
 
 llox. Si.MEOX Draper, 
 
 Special Agent Treaswi/ Department : 
 Dear Sin: — I take pleasure in making 
 known to you AVylly Woodbridge, Esq.. 
 the same who has been recommended us 
 Collector of this port. He is unirersaliy 
 admitted to have been always a steady, thor- 
 ough Union man. I would be glad if you 
 would recognize him in that capacity, and 
 deal with him according. I am, sir, 
 
 \\M. T. SHERMAN, 
 Major General Commandimj. 
 
 THE 
 
 END AS THE MATTER 
 STANDS. 
 
 NOW 
 
 [From the ^^avauiiah Daily Advertiser, Jan. 20, ISGS.] 
 
 Although our politics, during and since 
 the war, were and are much at variance with 
 those of the subscriber of the following com- 
 munication, we take great pleasure in pub- 
 lishing it at his request. AVhatever may be 
 the honest differences existing between citi- 
 zens on political subjects, all must unite in 
 scorn and detestation of the miserable 
 wretch who, shrouded in the mantle of in- 
 visibility, launches his shafts at the uncon- 
 scious object of his enmity. The writer of 
 an anonymous letter, written for purposes of 
 malice, would, but for the cowardice natural 
 to such a character, play the part of the as- 
 -:assin: 
 
 "TO TFIE PUBLIC. 
 
 "The following is a copy of a letter writ- 
 ten and directed to the Honorable Secretary 
 of War at Washington : 
 
 'Sava.\.\au, April 11, IStiT. 
 'Sir :—Uefore you use your exertions to secure Mr. 
 Wylly Wooclbndge's claim for cotton, taken at Savan- 
 nah upon its occupancy by the Federal army, had you 
 better not inquire whether he was not .is much a rebel 
 as others, whose claims are hopeless; and whether be 
 did not make a written application to Oen. A. R. Law- 
 ton (now a resident of this city) for a position on his 
 staff y It will not cost you much trouble, and will fur- 
 ther the ends of J USTICE.'' 
 
 "This letter was not written by a fool. It 
 is mean, insinuating, and poisonous, dishon- 
 orable and cowardly, and bears the impre.*s 
 of villainy. It has no right to the name of 
 ' Justice.' It is unjust in the extreme. 
 
 "As my only witness in the case, I must 
 summon Gen. Lawton, and ask of him the 
 proof or denial of the allegations contained 
 in the letter. 
 
 " I also ask him to publish to the world 
 all my correspondence ever held with him, 
 and all the circumstances connected there- 
 with. I ask him to state to the public in 
 what light I was viewed by him and all my 
 fellow-citizens. AVhat was my position, po- 
 litically, before and during the secession 
 agitation in Savannah ? Was I considered 
 a submissionist or not? What were my 
 feelings, words, and actioiis, during the long 
 continuance of the war? What was mv 
 treatment by friends and foes? W^as I re- 
 bellious to the United States Government 
 or the Confederate? Did he know of the 
 persecutions in my house by the vigilance 
 committee, and the various arrests of my 
 person for military duty ? I ask him to state 
 all that he does know concerning me con- 
 nected with the rebellion, so that ' justice' 
 may be clothed again in her own proper 
 robes. 
 
 " WYLLY WOODBRIDGE. 
 
 " Washington Citi/, O. G., January 15, 
 1868. •' 
 
THE REIGN OF TERROR. 
 
 [I'rom Ihe fav.innah Daily News, Kot. "JO, 1S6('. j 
 
 COMMUNICATED. 
 
 tSo'CSsion the only True Mode of li€si.'<tance. 
 
 Mr. Editor : It has been said, and that 
 in high places, that even under the ex- 
 treme aggravation to which (icorgia has 
 been aroused, and which it would seem 
 ought to make us all of one mind, as one 
 rnan, there are to be two jiarties in the com- 
 ing election for delegates to the State Con- 
 vention, 1 am unwilling to think so, I have 
 yet to believe that Georgia contains within 
 her borders an}' respectable number of men 
 who would, in her present exigency, think 
 for one moment of quietlj- submitting to the 
 rule of a man hostile to the very foundation 
 of our social system. Understand me, 1 
 refer to abject subinissionists, Unionists at 
 any hazard, and to the end of the chapter. 
 If there are any such, they are Georgia's 
 foster children, and not born of her. They 
 are her Catalines, her Arnolds, and the 
 sooner the veil is torn from the dark designs 
 of their unnatural bosoms, the better will it 
 he for the honor of our State. 
 
 liut 1 cannot Ijelievc that a corporal's 
 guard of men so low, so servile, so degrad- 
 ed, so lost to shame, and insensible^o wrong 
 and insult, could be drummed up from Dade 
 to Ware, if there be any, they had better 
 keep out of the track of the whiilwind of 
 dctiant indignation that is now sweeping the 
 length and l)readt]i of this State. Sucli 
 cringing submission will be held to be either 
 cowardice or knavery, and the hour of retri- 
 bution will soou overtake them, lie who is 
 not in our favor of resistance in some shape, 
 can be but little short of an ally of our 
 enemies. 
 
 But surely there can be no such men in 
 Georgia, who can l)oast the name of a Geor- 
 gian, for in every meeting in every county 
 the cry of lesistauce inis been made- 
 
 Refusing to submit to Lincoln's rule is 
 '' resistance to Ijincoln." Any step .short 
 of secession, short of disavowing his right, 
 cr willingness for him to rule over us, is not 
 resistance to him, hni tulDnissiottto him, and 
 resistance to some one else* 
 
 S.WANNAH. 
 
 IN'J'EIIROGATORIES. 
 
 1st. Did you not say some months ago that 
 the Government at ^Vashington ought to put 
 down the movement of Southern States at 
 once, or something to that eflcct? 
 
 2d. Did you not say that Abrahatu Lincoln 
 was lawfully elected by the people, and that 
 because some of the office-seekers were dis- 
 appointed, theyhad advocated secession, and 
 also that you had no doubt but that Lincoln 
 would make a good President? 
 
 3d. After Georgia had seceded, did you 
 n^ot endeavor to ship rice to i5oston, or some 
 other northern port? 
 
 4th. Were you not opposed to the secession 
 of Georgia from the United States? 
 
 uth. Did you not positively forbid j'our 
 house to be illuminated in honor of South 
 Carolina? 
 
 tJth. Did you not try to get Wm. D. Olivcra 
 to run the blockade and take a cargo of rice 
 North? 
 
 7th. Do you think that the South had any 
 right to secede from the United States? 
 
 8th- Did you not say that the South had 
 acted too hasty in seceding when she did, and 
 that tlie peo]tle ought to wait until Lincoln 
 committed an overt act ? 
 
 9th. Arc you not opposed to slave labor, 
 and have you not said that it ought to be 
 abolished ? 
 
 loth. Did you not own an interest in an 
 iron mill North ; and if so, how much, and at 
 what place? 
 
 lltli. Did you r.ot rtjfuse to join a mounted 
 guard, organizing in this city, for the protec- 
 tion ol' Savannan, and assign as your reason 
 that ycni were able tt) protect your own home, 
 and that you did not know by whom our 
 homes and firesides were to be invaded? 
 
 12{]\. Did you not in conversation with 
 two gentlemen on Monday or Tuesday last, 
 say that the North was honorable, and acted 
 honorably, and that Kentucky was always 
 an honorable State, and that she was still 
 honorable, if slie had gone with tie North? 
 
 loth. Do you own any slaves? 
 
 14th. Have you not frequently and repeat- 
 edly abused the Sottth and taken up for the 
 North ? 
 
15th. Would you be willing to fight for the 
 Confederate States? 
 
 16th. Would you take the oath of allegi- 
 ance to the Confederate States ? 
 
 17th. Did you not ask Mr. James Wray if he 
 took such trash as Confederate bonds in pay- 
 ment or part payment for work done for the 
 Confederate Government, and did you not 
 say that you would not take them, and that 
 you considered it a hazardous investment. 
 
 18th* Did you not say that you would take 
 oftice under the Lincoln Government. 
 
 Savansah, September 00, IStU. 
 
 Hon. Chaim.es C. JoyES, 
 
 Mayor of Savannah : 
 
 Dear Sill : Herewith I beg leave to .'sub- 
 mit to you a paper containing a series of in- 
 terrogatories that were served on me at my 
 residence, the night of the 2tjth in.«t., by.T. 
 D. Fish, il. F. WiUink, Jr., John Willink, 
 W. B. Adams, Jr., and B. W. Hardee? 
 These persons appeared in a body, as a com- 
 tuittee, and accompanied the delivery of the 
 paper with a demand that the questions 
 therein propounded Ije answered, and to 
 them directly. 
 
 I repudiate the authority of these self-con- 
 stituted inquisitors, and scorn to respond to 
 their insulting demands. 
 
 To you, sir, as the chief magistrate of my 
 city, I am willing to state that whatever may 
 be my individual opinions with regard to 
 the policy that has lieen pursued by the 
 vSouthern States, including the State of 
 Georgia, I feel bound to respect their action. 
 
 In the present fearful is.sue in Avhich wo 
 are engaged, I hold with all true citizens of 
 Georgia, a common involvment of every- 
 thing which is precious to me in life, and my 
 endeavor shall be to be loyal to my native 
 State, and true to the institutions of the 
 South. 
 
 I a)n. sir, respectfully, yours, ' 
 
 wvLLY vroobBiMr)(;E. 
 
 [Vrom the Dally Nevro.j 
 
 NOTICE TO SUIPPER3 OF COTION AND OTIIKR 
 
 SOUTHERN PRODUCTS. 
 
 The S.ifc t.v Guard of Savannah doem the siiipi)ing of 
 rotton and other Southern products, by any vesbel now 
 in onr port, or which may hereafter arrive, as directly 
 or indinetiy giving aid and comfort to the enemy. 
 
 We, therefore, solicit the aid of all loyal citizens of 
 thj« commnnity to prevent the shipment of Southern 
 products to the ports of any government not recogniz- 
 ing our independence and countenancing the iuell'ect- 
 uai blockade of our ports. liy order of the Society. 
 
 Attest: 
 
 B. W. HARDKE, 
 .'iicretary and, Trcamrcr. 
 
 S<»ptemt9i- CO, 1861. 
 
 OffKcrs Safety Guard. 
 JvHS I>. Fish, President, 
 M". G. Bulloch, 1st Vice-President 
 Q. B. L.VMAR, 2.1 Vice-President, 
 11. y. WiLLiXK, Jr., Captain Patrol. 
 .Tames L. IImpt. 1st Liout. Patrol. 
 M'lLLlAy Dixos. -Jd Lieut. Patrol. 
 
 The following letter was read to Dr. ]Jul- 
 lock, but for good and sufficient reasons re- 
 tained in the possession of the author : 
 
 S.iVAXXAH, October?.. ISr.l. 
 Dr. Wn.LT.vM G. Bullock, 
 
 First ]'ice- President Safety Guard: 
 
 Sir: On Thursday night last, during a se- 
 vere storm, Dr. Fish, H. F. Willink, -Ir., W. 
 B. Adams, John Williuk, and B. W. Har- 
 dee, called at my residence, after I had re- 
 tired to my chamber, and were admitted to 
 my parlor by the servant ; they represented 
 themselves as a committee appointed to pro- 
 po.«e written questions for me to answer. 
 During the visit, ill-timed and intrusive, I 
 refused to open the paper presented, and 
 throwing it on the table told them they could 
 leave it. Our interview, interrupted'by the 
 accidental appearance of my son, then ab- 
 rui)tly closed, and the party left my house. 
 What other intentions they had in view 1 have 
 no means of judging ; but the array of num- 
 bers, tlie hour, and the weather, all looked 
 to me ominous of evil. 
 
 They protected their visit under the plea 
 of duty as a committee; but by what author- 
 ity, or from whom or what society they did 
 not state, and I had to draw my own conclu- 
 sions. Finding them in my house, my ser- 
 vant having received them as he is in.^tructed 
 to receive all gentlemen, I treated them as 
 politely as my feelings under the circum- 
 stances would permit. 
 
 I .submit herewith a copy of the paper left 
 on ray table ; it is verbatim. ] consider the 
 questions ridiculous, obtrusive, and iusult- 
 ingin the extreme, totally unworthy of my 
 notice, and were I to submit to such an in- 
 quisition as has evidently been prepared for 
 me, I would do great injustice to myself and 
 encourage an outrage upon society at large. 
 And I will further state to you, as I have°to 
 some of the party engaged," that my recep- 
 tion and treatment at the time of the paper 
 was well judged, for had it been opened, and 
 the contents^ known during the presence of 
 its bearers in my dwelling, 1 am very cer- 
 tain the consequences would have been 
 serious. 
 
 I have held friendly conversations with my 
 fellow-citizens, and have treated them with 
 confidence. 1 have not intruded my opin- 
 ions knowingly, nor have I shrunk from the 
 expression of them open and above board, 
 and I hold that no man or set of men have 
 
tbc right to misjudge my motives; or control 
 my conscience, any more than I have the 
 right to do so to them. As long as I have 
 exercised the privileges of a citizen of bavan- 
 nali mv endeavors have been to discharge my 
 duties' independently through good and evil 
 report, and for the proofs thereof I refer yon 
 to my past career. 
 
 Let me ask you if there may not be some 
 other motive than the public good alone which 
 prompts such a question to me as that one 
 marked number nine. I do not hesitate to 
 declare that the man who suggested it against 
 me can have no other guide or foundation 
 than his own evil and corrupt heart; its 
 beatings alone could suggest such an opinion 
 of me, and I would not trust such a man on 
 his oath; he must be a " sheep in wolfs 
 clothing. ■■ Has such a man a public license 
 to slander me, or to insult me with such a 
 question? 1 answer '' No." 
 
 Allov/ me to suggest to you tliat these are 
 no times to arouse bad feelings among our- 
 selves, and believing that you would not 
 willingly be a party to injustice, I ask that 
 you will use your influence to control your 
 society for good and not for evil. 
 Respectfullv vours, 
 
 WYLIA' WOOPP.IMDGh:. 
 
 The following notice was served on meat 
 my office at noon — read, copied, and indig- 
 nantly returned to the comnrittee-man who 
 brought it : 
 
 Resnlrah That tlie Saf'«ty Ouiiril require Mr. Wylly 
 "VToodbrid^e to answer tlie interrogatorit^s in writing 
 to this society, and to talie the oatli of allegiance to the 
 Confederate States ; in default of wliich we will bring 
 him before the proper authorities for investigation. 
 
 Committee appointed, JOHN H. WILLINK. 
 
 Copy of resolutions passed unanimously by Safety 
 Guard, October 23, 1801. 
 
 October 2'.}, 18G1. 
 
 Soon after the State of Georgia seceded 
 from the Union, I heard Mr. W. Woodbridge 
 gay that Mr. Lincoln was legally elected by 
 the people of the United States, and it 
 was a good Government, and that Mr. Lin- 
 coln ought to put down the Montgomery, or 
 bogus, government, for it was as illegal one, 
 Georgia better wait for some overt act of Mr. 
 Lincoln ; and better fight him in the Union 
 than out of it. 
 
 I further state that I was opposed to the 
 proceedings taken against Mr. Woodbridge. 
 AVILLTAM LAKE. 
 
 October 29, 186 L 
 The night the safety guard arrested Mr. 
 Olieyira, Mr. Willink and Dr. Hardee called 
 
 on Mr. G. B. Lamar to get his opinion about 
 the matter. When they returned I heard 
 them say. that when they told Mr. Lamar 
 that he, "Olievira, had been in conversation 
 with Mr. Woodbridge, that he, Mr. Lamar, 
 recommended the arrest and confinement of 
 Mr. Olievira and Mr. Baird. 
 
 WILLIAM LAKE. 
 
 Note — Mr. Olievira was ii fisherman, and accused of 
 holding communication with the Fec!er,-il fleet at the 
 nidutli of the river. 
 
 Reckless of personal consequences, 1 
 committed my cause into the hands of a gal- 
 lant relative and friend, who had at a previous 
 time bedn the victim of a mob, and under his 
 direction the following correspondence en- 
 sued — he deemed me crazy: 
 
 Savaxx.mi, Or/oher -AO. ISCl. 
 (;• B. Lam All, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir : I have of late been made tlu- 
 subject of much annoj'ancc, and even insult, 
 by an association which puts forth your name 
 as one of its highest officers. You have 
 known me many years ; all my life has been 
 passed in this city, and I claim to be as true 
 and loyal a citizen as any man in it ; had J 
 been otherwise I would not have remained 
 here to meet any contingencies that might 
 result to me and mine as citizens of Georgia. 
 It is reported to me that you urged the arrest 
 of an individual on the charge of having 
 been seen with me, as Is shown by the accom- 
 panying certificate of Mr. Wm. Lake. This 
 is truly extraordinary, if true. Will you do 
 me the favor to explain if this use of your 
 name and conllnned annoyance is by your 
 sanction or afibrd me the me.ans of refuting 
 those who may be using your name to the 
 malicious injury of mine. 
 1 ain 3-ours, 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIDGE. 
 
 Savaxxah, October -il. 18GL 
 
 WiLLV V.'OUDBRIDOE, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir : I have yours of oOth inst., with 
 a note from Mr. Lake, saying that "I had 
 advised the arrest of Mr. Olievira when I 
 had been informed that he had been in con- 
 versation with you," about which there is 
 some mistake, if not something greater. 
 I never heard his name or yours men- 
 tioned in any connection whatever. It is 
 true I have known you many years, and it is 
 equally true that every political expression 
 of opinion I have ever heard from you has 
 been in direct and extreme opposition to the 
 present state of government ; but while we 
 were then in subjugation, which I felt and de- 
 plored — and which you did not heed, but re- 
 
joiccd in — a dificrence of opinion so great 
 might be tolerated, whatever its origin. But 
 there are very changed circumstances. Now, 
 the issues are not mere party q_uestions,_they 
 have assumed broader distinctions, which 1 
 fear you do not properly realize. The issues 
 arc now between war and peace, conquest 
 and subjugation, life and death, and it is no 
 time to be hesitating between the two sides. 
 Those who are not for vs are against us. 
 Tliose who are not our friends are our ene- 
 mies, and there can be no neutrality tolerated 
 on either side. The sooner you realize the 
 truths I have stated and choose your position, 
 the better. Your loyalty to this city or this 
 State is not sufficient. You must be loyal to 
 Ijincoln's Government or that of the Con- 
 federate States. 
 
 If you belong to the former you arc my 
 enemy, and I would not hesitate to kill you 
 the moment you told me so. If you belong 
 <o the latter and, like your sons, manifest it 
 in thoughts, words, and deeds, you are my 
 iViend, as ever before, and shall have the 
 boneht of it as far as I can serve you. 
 
 Hitherto I have taken no part in the action 
 against you, henceforth I shall be governed 
 by your reply to this note — and all depends 
 upon your loyalty to the country which pro- 
 tects you and yours, or your enmity against 
 it. I hope you will be frank and candid and 
 speak out as plainly as i have done, so that 
 there may be no misunderstanding on the 
 uiomentous issues between us. 
 Yours. 
 
 0. ?,. I.AMAli. 
 
 S.\\ AN.\ Aii. Xorrnilif.r \;. J.^Cil. 
 (\. !]. l.AMAi;, Esq. : 
 
 Dear tSir : Your letter of ;!lst ultimo, is 
 hereby acknowledged. The paragraph in 
 regard to Mr. Lake's note is satisfactory and 
 I dismiss tliat subject from niy further con- 
 sideration. 1 regret to ]ierceive that you in 
 common with others are disposed to make as 
 ;i charge against mo the attachment I have 
 professed for the old Union. I was attached 
 to the old Union, and so long as it existed 1 
 g;,ve to its Government my cordial allegiance. 
 When that Union was dissolved by the act 
 of the State of Georgia 1 took my place with 
 the people of Georgia, with thousands of 
 citizens who, whatever of regret they might 
 feel for the j^ast, were not the less determined 
 to support and maintain our native State in 
 the great issue before us. For good or for 
 evil, success or failure, J gave myself, my 
 children, snd my fortune to the fate of my 
 native State. 
 
 You tell me that my " loyalty to this city 
 or This State is not sufficient. You must be 
 
 loyal to Lincoln's Government, or that of 
 the Confederate States." 
 
 I have no hesitancy in declaring to you, 
 sir, that I do give to the State of Georgia my 
 first and highest allegiance. It was through 
 and by the act of Georgia that I recalled sill 
 allegiance and abjured all obedience to the 
 Government ot the United States. It was 
 by and through the act of Georgia that I be- 
 came a citizen of the confederacy of the 
 southern States, and give it ray present alle- 
 giance and supj^ort. So nlso, should the 
 councils of our people find it necessary for 
 their welfare to withdraw from this confed- 
 eracy, I will be. true to my bii'th place and my 
 birthright as a citizen of Georgia. AVhatever 
 be in store for this State, I and mine will 
 bear our jrart. This is the position I have 
 chosen. If that be disloyalty, I have j^et to 
 learn it. 
 
 You make reference to my children. It is 
 ungenerous in you, sir, on that single ac- 
 count, to ciuestiou my lo3'alty, and bitter, too, 
 when I remember that all my sons, with my 
 consent and support, enrolled in the ranks 
 of the volunteers for the defense of the 
 country. 
 
 The respect I have felt for you, and the 
 fact that your name had been used by parties 
 who seem bent on doing me such injury as 
 their malace could compass, induced me to 
 address you, as I did not suppose you doubted 
 me as a citizen, or could countenance ia 
 others the indulgence of personal dislike un- 
 der the plea of patriotic inquisition. In ad- 
 dressing you I gave you the right to question 
 me : I have endeavored to make my answer 
 as '-frank and candid" as you have desired. 
 Respectfullv vours, 
 
 '\V. WOODF.HIDGE. 
 
 The city of Savannah, Georgia, was in a 
 state of intense excitement. The news of 
 the capture of the \\'alker bavtery on Hilton 
 Head, and the arrival of retreating troops, 
 among them many of the wounded, aroused 
 the intensest feeling. Everybody was in the 
 street, and large crowds collected around 
 the news and telegraphic offices throughout 
 the day until late at night. Families com- 
 menced packing up, and large numbers of 
 females and children were sent from the city 
 by the night train to the country. The ef- 
 flux will probabl}' continue, and upon the 
 whole, we think this portion of the popula- 
 tion should not be present to embarrass the 
 defensive preparation. — Sacaiiimh J'cpuhli- 
 can, Nov. 9, 1861. 
 
 NOTK. — After tlip above mauifestatiuu of power of the 
 Uniteil States (rovernmeiit, so neur SavannpJi, where 
 every gun could lie lieanl, tlie Siifety GxiiU'd puisued me 
 no turther, and I believe it was on this day of excite- 
 ment that) virotf tlio letter to (ieneial Lnwton, then 
 in i-oiii)n;-.iiil of t)ie ritv, v.ith the biii!;le purpose of 
 
•^eekinf; his protection against my enemiep, who cUemed 
 me un^:i^.l'fl, arui w.-re eudeavoring to havs mo sent to 
 Riclimoud ub a jiriuoner. 
 
 Savaxkah, Xovemhcr 11, l^Cil. 
 WvLi-v WooDBRiDGE, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir : Your letter of the tJth in.staiit, 
 in reply to mine of Cist iilt., was not receive! 
 till late on the evening it was written. 
 
 I am very sorry you disregarded my re- 
 qviest, and failed to improve the occasion 
 furnished you promptly and frankly to define 
 your position among us. What estimate 
 ought to be placed upon the sincerity of a 
 letter of opinions which six days were neces- 
 sary to elaborate ; and how far can such 
 opinions go to overturn the doctrines not 
 long ago expressed, totally to the contrary of 
 such an elaboration? 
 
 The laws of the Confederacy have declared 
 all who adhered to the Lincoln dynasty to 
 be alien enemies, and gave them foi-ty days 
 to v/ithdraw from our midst ; that time has 
 expired long ago, and it becomes those who 
 remain here to give some tangible evidence, 
 and more especially those who were known 
 to be advocates of Lincoln, and were willing 
 to take oftlce under him, to demonstrate that 
 they are not now enemies at heart and friends 
 in disguise. 
 
 Your attempt to pervert the reference I 
 took pleasure in making to tlie patriotism of 
 your sons nor/ in the army, only throws 
 greater doubt upon the contents of your let- 
 ter. I confess that I am entirely unable to 
 comprehend you, and I do not rely on your 
 loj'alty as I wish I could have had a good 
 foundation to do, and cannot until you give 
 some stronger evidence of a change in your 
 previous opinions. 
 
 You are greatly la error, too, in supi^osing 
 tliat no man except those to whom you have 
 acceded the privilege, has a right to interro- 
 gate you at the present crisis. Every man 
 is liable by law to show his colors, and more 
 especially those whose previous history af- 
 fords so many grounds for disloyalty. We 
 have a perfect right to be satisfied who are 
 our enemies and who arc to be relied on as 
 friends, and it behooves you now to ad as 
 well as lo s^peak, and you cannot too soon 
 remove the doubts which surround you. I 
 write you plainly and frankly, but though I 
 am not fully satisfied of your tuniiy, [ am not 
 your enemy. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 (\. 15. LAMAR. 
 
 Judge of the District Court of the Confed 
 erate States for the Southern District of 
 Georgia, in the sum of ($40) forty dollars, 
 as a defaulting grand juror at its April term, 
 1862, and I am required by the court to col 
 lect the same from you by process of attach- 
 ment. I am not desirous of issuing said pro 
 cess of attachment against you, or to add to 
 the fine and costs, and I would, therefore, 
 suggest to you the propriety, and request 
 that you would, early in the ensuing week, 
 hand to or remit me the amount of said fine. 
 T remain, very respectfully. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 CHARLES S. IIKNRY, Clerk. 
 
 XoTE. — I absented myself on pnrposi' to jjvoid t.ilving 
 the Confederate oath, which I had lesolvod never to do, 
 and giving assiHtance to a court wliich I despised. 
 
 Madisox, Sept., T, 18G0. 
 \\. WooDBiUDGE, Savannah, Ga. ; 
 
 Dear Sir : I write to acknowledge the re 
 ceipt of your kind and sensible letter. No 
 man could ofler better advice. It is verj' 
 seldom that a man of truth, gains anything 
 politically by much writing. You cannot 
 think much worse of the insane folly which 
 has put to hazard all that was worth living 
 for than I do. I have been astonished at the 
 moderation of the adversaries of secession. 
 If they would have only remained passive as 
 to the merits of what had been done, I think 
 it would have been better. 
 
 AVith much respect, yours, truly. 
 
 JOSHUA' IIILr,. 
 
 Of1K';j ClIIKl^ C'OMMl.SSAltV, 
 
 Savannah, October I'J, 1803, 
 
 WvM.Y WOODBRIDGE, Esq : 
 
 >S7)": I have been directed by the com 
 manding general at Richmond to purchase 
 as much of the new crop of rice as I can, at 
 15 cents per pound. Many planters have of- 
 fered to let the Government have one-half of 
 their crop at the above price. Will you 
 please ascertain if those for whom you are 
 factor are willing to do the same, and let 
 me know as soon as practicable. 
 
 r>y direction of the Chief Commissary. 
 Yours, vf'rv rospectfullv, 
 
 GEO. I>. COPE. 
 Caj^f- and A. C. S- 
 
 Savakxaii, April ", 18<31!. 
 Wtllv W'oodbridge, Esq. : 
 Dear Sir : You have been fined by the 
 
 Savaxxau, Oi'ceinber 'JO, 18G3. 
 Ma.iou .kiux ScuivEX : 
 
 Dear Sir: In answer to Mr. Baldwiii's 
 personal application,! have positively de 
 clined entering into any engagement regard- 
 ing the sale of your rice to Government, be- 
 cause it is not possible to know how and when 
 
i 
 
 it can be read}' for delivery, and I do not 
 wish to commit, rayselt" in view of many con- 
 tingencies. My course, however, need not 
 interfere with your reflection.^, for I shall be 
 most happy to be relieved of all responsibil- 
 ity in the matter, and if you so wish, no 
 doubt Jlessrs. Habersham will be glad to in- 
 clude your crops in their bargain, which I con- 
 sider a mo.st unfortunate one for the planters. 
 1 am vor-r.-^. very trulv. 
 
 W. WOODBHLDGK. 
 
 .Sav.vxxah. Decciuber 'C>(K IbiVu. 
 M.\jou .Ions ScRivKX — 
 
 Dear Sir : After talking witJi you a few 
 days since, about selling lo me for the Liov- 
 crnment one-half your rice crop, at 15 cents 
 per pound, J called on Mr. \Voodbridge. 
 who tells me he does not feel authorized to 
 make any such arrangement. It will be neces- 
 sary for me tn have ati order on Mr. W., as 
 he will not do what you stated to me you had 
 told him to do, viz : the same as the other 
 planters had dotie. If you are still willing 
 to sell tlic Government one half vour crop, 
 please send me an order, so that T may ar- 
 range with Mr. Woodbridge about it. 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 • "T). H. BALDWIN. 
 
 Capt. and A. C S. 
 
 Tiie Cuiife<l-M-nt>' (iovei'iiuifiit did not s^et the rW>'. at 
 ihis or any otlier time from ma, nor did my mill ever 
 do any worlc orreoeivd any money from it in any way. 
 At one fiingle lime the Commie-.sary bought 40 barrels 
 from a tliird party, wbicli I was obliged to deliver to 
 ■lis order, but he disputedmy bill of espouses, and never 
 i«aid it. After tbo secession of Georjria I declined to do 
 work exc.ipt to fulfil mj- eng.igemeut.s with iny Irieiid^. 
 
 Mfr.nwRV of;,der>. 
 
 Hi;u)(»"ks 1st Mil. Dts. Gkorut.v Militia. 
 
 MoxTiETT, July 2'i, 18G1. 
 Mr. W. Woodbridge having .applied to the 
 inferior court for exemption from the late 
 call of the Governor, he will not be inter- 
 fered with by the enrolling oftieor of the dis- 
 trict f ir the next four davs. 
 
 GEO. P. IIAlUlf.SON. A. I). C. 
 
 EXKCC'TIVK Dr.lMllTMKNT. 
 
 Mii.i.DDCKviu.K, G.V., AiigmtlG, l.SG<. 
 Col. A. A. Wii.HLR, Sacannah : 
 
 Colonel : Information having been re- 
 ceived that Wylly Woodbi-idge is at home, 
 improperly out of the military service, the 
 Governor directs that you will order him 
 (Mr. Woodbridge) to the front immediately, 
 ■o report to the proper command for duty. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JAMES M. MOBLY, 
 ■Col. and Aid-dc- Vamp for Gov. Brown. 
 
 Executive Departmkkt. 
 Wyij.y WoonimiDCE, Savannah, Ga. ; 
 
 Sir: In reply to your letter, I am directed 
 to say that the Governor has been informed 
 that you were remaining at home improp- 
 erly, and hence issued the order which he 
 did ; but upon a full investigation of the 
 facts he is satislied that such is not the fact, 
 and has directed me to inclose to you his 
 order revoking hi.s former order, and ap- 
 proving the action of the inferior court of 
 your county in e.xempting you, and this 
 being shown to Colonel Wilbur, or any one 
 else, ■will exempt you. 
 
 After assuring you that everything is sa- 
 tisfactory. 
 
 I am, sir, vour obedient servant. 
 
 JAMES M. MOBLY, 
 
 Col. and Aidc-dc- Camp for Gov. Brown. 
 
 Executive Department, 
 MlLLEDOEVILLE, Aro/Kst 22, 1864. 
 
 Upon a hearing of all the fixcta I approve 
 the action of the inferior court of Chatham 
 county, and revoke my special order sending 
 }\lv. Woodbridge to Atlanta. 
 
 JOSEPH E. BROWN, 
 Governor of Georgia. 
 
 Savaxxaii. Aiajt'sf 26, 1861- 
 W. WooDiuiiBGE, Esq.: 
 
 Referring to the order received from His 
 Excellency Governor Brown to send you to 
 the front, I have to state that 1 have received 
 an order since revoking that order, and the 
 whole matter is left with the inferior court, 
 who will decide upon the case as to than 
 seems just and right. My order sent j'ouby 
 Lieutenant Williams i.5 also revoked, and 
 you are relieved from reporting to headquar- 
 ters until farther orders. 
 Respectfully yours. 
 
 AARON WILBUR, 
 (\)l. and Aide-de-Camp to Gov. Broivn. 
 
 Headquartek.«. kCi 
 I Savaxxah, November 17, 1864. 
 
 I Mr. Wvli.y Woodbridge: 
 ! Sir: You have failed to comply with my 
 request made a few days ago. _ I have just 
 learned that you have not yet joined Captain 
 Oliver's company, and I here warn you that 
 you are required to join tliat company for 
 city police, between this and Saturday, or 
 the law will be enforced against you as told 
 you before. My orders are peremptory and 
 must be executed. 
 
 W. II. HOLAND, 
 Lienf. Col and A. />. C. for Gov. Brovm. 
 
syUAD No. :. 
 Capt. .J. G. Mi U.S. Chairman. 
 OcTAvrs COUKX, 
 
 AXDREW Low, 
 W. WOODBRIDGK, 
 J. E. WlLDKR. 
 
 Oavt. J. G. MiL!,s, Chairman : 
 
 Will please notify the above named parties 
 that they must hold themselves in readiness 
 1o repair to the Committee Rooms, near the 
 Centrail railroad at any moment, night or 
 day, whenever summoned by you, to attend 
 to the sick and wounded soldiers. 
 
 n. BRIGHAM, 
 Sacattuah liclief Committee. 
 
 AVTKP^ GENERAL SHERMAN'S OC- 
 CUPATION OF THE CITY. 
 
 irEAnorAUTKRS City ok Savaxxaii, 
 
 .lanuari) ], 1865. 
 Brig. Gi;x. Eastox, 
 
 Chief Quartermadcr, M. I). W. 
 General : Mr. Woodbridge, who presents 
 this note, is the owner of the rice mill at the 
 eastern end of the city. His mill is included 
 vjithin the limits which have been assigned for 
 Government use. Mr. W> is the one chief 
 representative of the Union men in this city, 
 and has been such consistently through the 
 war. 
 
 I hope you will except his properly, if 
 possible, from being appropriated for Gov- 
 ernment use. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JOHN W. GEARY, 
 , t^i'i'J- Cen. CommanrV g City. 
 
 Dki'art.mkxt ok S'r.vTt;, 
 Wasiuxgtox, /«?»/«/•// 8, 180"). 
 Vv'vi.i.Y Woodbridge, Esq., 
 
 Savannah. 
 Dear Sir .- Your letter of the 27th ultimo 
 relative to your claim to the restoration of 
 certain cotton, v/hich you allege Avas un- 
 properly seized bythe United States authoii- 
 ties, has been received. I am, dear sir. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 W. HUNTER, 
 Acting Secretary. 
 
 Savaxxaii, Ga., Janitari/ 1'.}, 1805. 
 On the 21st day of December last, the 
 day of the occupation of this city, I became 
 acquainted with Mr. Wylly Woodbridge, a 
 native resident of this city. I am entirely 
 satisfied from rt:'])eated conversations with 
 Mr. Woodbridge, from remarks made in my 
 presence by secessionists- of the city, and by 
 
 the perusal of threatening letters and other 
 documents sent to Mr. Woodbridge since tho 
 outbreak of tlie rebellion, that he has at all 
 times been loyal to the United States Gov- 
 ernment, that he has given no voluntary aid 
 to the so-called Confederate Government, 
 and that he has supported the Union of the 
 States so far as allowed to do so by the mili- 
 tary despotism which has ruled in Georgia 
 for the last four years. His life and proi^er- 
 ty have both jjcen repeatedly threatened for 
 his devotion to the United States Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 W. R. WOODS, of tlic TOth Ohio. 
 T!f. Brig. General and late Frovo.it Mar- 
 ■•ihal Eastern District Savannah. 
 
 " W. AV'oodbridge. rice factor and com- 
 mission merchant, has done but little since 
 the war — still in the city — an ojion Uui.i'-'. 
 man from the beginning." 
 
 No. 11, Fifth Avkxik Hoiki.. 
 New York, Ja)i.)i.ar>/ ilO, 18115.. 
 W. Woodbridge, Esq., 
 
 J/y Deci)' Sir : Allow me to congratulate 
 you upon once more being within Union 
 lines. My heart was gladdened this morn- 
 ing Ijy seeing the above scrap in the news- 
 paper. I had often thought of 'you and felt 
 assured that nothing could alienate you from 
 the Union. ]\Iy wife is truly liapp}', lor sho 
 has many valued and cheri.shed friends in 
 dear old Savannah. 
 
 \'orv .sincerely, your friend, 
 
 '.lOHN GIJANGF.l!. 
 
 \Vas.uixgtox. March 11, 1805. 
 
 J/y Dear Sir : I duly received your letter 
 of January last, with the accompanying 
 papers, and presented the case to Secretary 
 Stanton at our first interview after his re- 
 turn from Savannah. He said to me that 
 Gen. Sherman had the whole subject in 
 charge, and would, he iiad no doubt, give 
 yonr ca,>e attention. 
 
 On receiving, a day or two since, your let- 
 ter to Judge Wayne, which he sent to me 
 with his endorsement, I again called on Sec- 
 retary Stanton in your behalf, and also ad- 
 dressed him a letter enclosing yours to Judge 
 Wayne, with the Judge's endorsement. 
 
 The Secretary says he well recollects my 
 presentation of the case, and he has no doubt 
 tho military autiiorities will do Avhat they 
 can for you, but that perhaps the best way 
 may be to turn tho property over to theru 
 and take receipts therefor, for the Govern- 
 ment will remunerate every loyal citizen- 
 
 [ told him I thought your case an extreme- 
 ly hard and very deserving one, and merited. 
 
9 
 
 I thought, special consideration. Indeed, I 
 had hoped that the a\itlioi'itie.s. on learning 
 your position, had of themselves aftbrded 
 you protection and securit)-, and J still trust 
 that such is the fact. 
 
 I am not familiar with the proceedings 
 which have taken place at Savannah, and 
 the property captured, or -whether discrim- 
 ination has Ijeen had between loyal and 
 disloyal citizens in taking possession : but 
 that ultimate payment will be made to those 
 who, like you, have been true. 1 cannot 
 doubt, and it will give me much pleasure if 
 1 can be of assistance to you. 
 Trnlv yniir iVicnd, 
 
 r.lDEON WI'LI/MS. 
 
 Ti:i:A.sri!v Dki'aiitmkxt, 
 
 l)eccmher'P,],'lS(i4. 
 A. (;. BuowxK, Esq., 
 
 Supercising Special Afjeul, 
 
 Treasurij Deparlmcni , olh Aijcarij -. 
 
 Sir: 1 have received your letter of the 
 2Gth instant, inclosing copy of a letter to you 
 from General Foster, advising you that Gen- 
 <;ral Sherman will turn over to you the cotton 
 recently captured by him at Savannah, and 
 reporting the action you propose to take in 
 the premises. \ 
 
 Simeon Draper, Esq., Collector of Cus- 
 toms at New York, has been appointed a 
 Special Agent of the Department, aiul will 
 proceed to Savannah as early as possible to 
 take charge of this cotton, under special in- 
 structions. On his arrival you will act in the 
 premises as directed in the letter which he 
 brings to you for me. 
 
 In the meantime, if tlie cotton has been 
 turned over to you, you will take all neces- 
 sary steps towards its care and safe-keeping, 
 as well as that of any other captured or 
 abandoned property received or collected by 
 you, but you will take no conclusive meas- 
 ures in relation to its shipment irom Sa- 
 vannah. 
 
 Your attention is particularly directed, in 
 this connection, to the fourth regulation con- 
 cerning personal property, series of July 29, 
 1864, and you will exercise the greatest cau- 
 tion to the end that the information procured 
 by you thereunder be conunuuicated to no 
 person but Mr. Draper, to whom you will 
 furnish copies of all information so obtained. 
 You will also decline to consider the claims 
 or applications of all persons for the restora- 
 tion or release to them of any of the prop- 
 erty received or collected by you as above. 
 ^'ery respectfully. 
 
 W. P. FESSENDEN, 
 Secretary of the Treasuri!. 
 
 Tn'ii Special Agency of Treas'y Dec't, 
 Savannah, Ga., March 12, 1.SG5. 
 Hon. IIUOH McCuLLocii, 
 
 Secretary of the Treasury : 
 
 Sir : My attention has been called to sev- 
 eral cases of peculiar hardship by citizens of 
 this place, whom I deem loyal and as true to 
 the Union as persons so situated usually are. 
 These persons had always hoped and be- 
 lieved that the Union cause would finally 
 triumph. Believing this, and having a de- 
 sire to pay their northern indebtedness, they 
 were looking to their cotton for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 All cotton, as you are aware, has been 
 seized, and has been or is to be sent forward. 
 By my former instructions I was to have 
 verified the claims of each individual, but 
 the order of Mr. Draper overruled this. 
 Much as I may regret the fact, as a faithful 
 officer of the Government, I am bound to 
 obey instructions ; but I am confident that 
 it would be better for us to recognize some 
 of these claims, wliich are as righteous and 
 just as I many we have allowed. Now, it 
 would appear the unfortunate loyal citizen, 
 the owner of cotton, is i^laced on a worse 
 footing than the owner of other proijerty. 
 who may be at heart disloyal, yet unscrupul- 
 ous cnoagli to take an oath of allegiance- 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 A. G. BROWNE, 
 Siijtrrris' ij Sj^crial Aft Trens'y Dep' I. 
 
 licgiatration of cotton for Culond FansoiJi. 
 in oxcordance wit/i. military orders. 
 
 I have in the store of the .Savannah Rice 
 Mill, at the foot of East Broad street, on 
 wharf lots numbers and 10, which build- 
 ing is under my own supervision, and occu- 
 pied by me, 4o bales Sea Island Cotton, 
 marked W. W.. of which 40 are round bales 
 and o squarcbales; also 74 bales cotton, Up- 
 lands, all of which is square cotton, and 
 marked W. W., 1 a 74. The aggregate 
 weight of the 4o bales Sea Island Cotton is 
 14,823 pounds. The weight of the Uplands 
 together is :]•'), 7-j2 pounds. 
 
 WYLLY AVOODrWUDGE. 
 
 Savvxnau, March 1'^, 1805. 
 
 Cerlificate of the Clerk of Colonel Eansom. 
 wlto demanded my key to remove the cotton. 
 Savaxkah, Marcli 17, 18G5. 
 This is to certify that on Monday and Tues- 
 day last, loth and 14th days of the present 
 month, there was removed, under my super- 
 vision, from the stores of the Savannah 
 
10 
 
 Steam Kice Mill, on the river, at the foot of 
 East Broad street, where Mr. AVylly Wood- 
 bridge lias his office. 
 
 43 bales Sea Island cotlon. 
 
 71 bales Upland cotton. 
 
 All in good order and condition, bearing, 
 besides other brands, the mark of W. "W. on 
 the sides of the bales. 
 
 And I do further certify that my authority 
 for removino; said cotton was received from 
 Colonel II. C. Hansom, Lieutenant Colonel 
 and Quartermaster U. S. Army, in charge of 
 •■■otton in the city of Savannah. 
 
 Signed in duplicate. 
 
 A. H. WA^'ER. 
 
 Subscribed and sworn to before me tliis 
 ITih of March. 1805. 
 
 EBEN PARSONS, Jr., 
 
 l.sf. Lleii.L -mh Mass. Ile<jt., Froi: Judge. 
 
 TioxEER, "Williams County. 
 March 1, 1805. 
 ^V. WoounKiDUE, Esq., Savannah, Ga. ; 
 
 Your veiy welcome letter, bearing date 
 February lo, came to hand last night. I 
 was very glad to hear from j-ou, indeed, and 
 to know you were well and still under the 
 protection of the old flag, and that all was 
 moving on quietly and peaceably. I am 
 sorry to hear that you were not allowed to 
 handle your own cotton, for I know you had 
 a better right to do so than Simeon Draper, 
 or any other man, and had the Government 
 at Washington had the facts in your case 
 properly presented, 1 am satisfied you 
 could have done so. If I had thought 
 as much about it while I was in Savannah 
 as I have since, I would have spoken to Gen. 
 Woods, and we would have gotten np some 
 papers and had them signed by such men as 
 was then in Savannah, who would have done 
 it willingly, that I could have brought on to 
 Washington, that would have secured to you 
 your rights. I fear you have been too deli- 
 cate about urging your claims, or asking the 
 protection vou arc justly entitled to. 
 
 L. W. kiCHARDSON, 
 Lieid. loth Ohio Rcqi. 
 
 llKAUti'uS, DiSTlMCT OF SaVANNAU, 
 
 Savannah, Ga., March 'll, ISGo. 
 Mr. W. Woodbridge leaves Savannah this 
 day for a short visit North. Mr. Woodbridge 
 is, and always has been, a prominent and gen- 
 uine friend to the Union cause, more so 1 be- 
 lieve than any other citizen of Savannah. I 
 would therefore recommend that he receive 
 every consideration due a loyal citizen, and 
 be allowed to return to Savannah whenever 
 he may wish. C. GROVER, 
 
 Brevet Maj. General. 
 
 War Depaktmknt, May 27, 1835. 
 WvLLY WooDBRiDGK, Esq., of Gcorjia : 
 
 Sir : 1 have the honor to Inform you that 
 you have been appointed a member of the 
 Board of Visitors to attend the annual ex 
 amination of the Military Academy at West 
 Point. The examination will commence on 
 the first day of June ne.\t. 
 Respectfullv, 
 
 EDWJN 3r. STANTON, 
 
 Sec. of IFar. 
 
 [Copy.] 
 
 We, the subscribers, citizens and mer 
 chants of the city of Savannah, beg leave to 
 recommend Mr. Wylly Woodbridge as a gen 
 tleman who has been a consistent Union 
 man during the war, and well qualified to fill 
 the office of Collector for the port of Savan- 
 nah. H. BRIGHAM, 
 Pres't South. Ins7ir. Co., and others. 
 
 I have made full inquiries and examination 
 of this case, and think the appointment 
 Avould commit to our cause a class of influ 
 ential people, as also recognize the fidelity of 
 a good Union man against much pressure- 
 W. T. SHERMAN, 
 Maj. Gcn'l Command'g. 
 
 ]lEAl)Q"L"AUTEr.S CiTY OF SaVAXXAH; 
 
 January 7, 1865. 
 
 J I affords me tlie gi-eatest pleasure to add 
 my approval to the within recommendation 
 for the appointment of Wylly Woodbridge, to 
 the position of Collector of this port. Mr. 
 Woodbridge is a distinguished merchant of 
 this city, and I have received the most un 
 questionable assurance that he has remained 
 an unflinching and open advocate of the 
 Union cause since the commencement of the 
 war. J NO. W. GEARY, 
 
 Bri^j Gen'l Command'rj. 
 
 Tkkasiky Dkpaktment. 
 Fehniary 17, 1868. 
 
 'J"lie foregoing is a true copy of the origi 
 nal of file in this Department. 
 
 C. E. CREECY, 
 Appointment Clerk. 
 
 i, ^^'ylly Woodbridge, having been appoint- 
 ed to the office of Collector of the Customs 
 for the District of Savannah, in the State of 
 Georgia, do solemnly, sincerely, and truly 
 swear, that I will diligently and faithfully 
 execute the duties of the said office of Col 
 lector of the Customs, and will use the best 
 of my endeavors, to prevent and detect 
 
11 
 
 frauds in relation to the duties imposed by 
 the laws of the United States. 1 further 
 swear that I will support the Constitution of 
 the fTnited States. 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIDGE, 
 ColUdvr. 
 
 Sworn and subscribed ihis seventh day of 
 July, IJStJo. Witness mv hand and seal. 
 EBEN PARSONS, Jr.. 
 Provost Judge, District of Sacannali. 
 
 ,1. IT . W. Birge, Brevet Major General U. 
 S. Volunteers, do hereby certify that Eben 
 Parsons, Jr., who administered the above 
 oath, was at tlie time of doing so, duly an- \ 
 thorized to administer the same ; and that 
 full faith and credit are due to his otlicial at- 
 testations. 
 
 In testimony whereof 1 have hereto set my 
 hand, this seventh dav of Julv, 1865. 
 
 H. W. BIRGE. 
 Brevet Maj. Gen I Com'(j. 
 
 1 , Wylly Woodbridge, do solemnly swear that 
 I have never voluntarily borne arms against 
 the United States since I have been a citizen 
 thereof; that I have voluntarily given no aid, 
 countenance, counsel, or encouragement to 
 persons engaged in armed hostility thereto : 
 that I have neither sought, nor accepted, nor 
 attempted to exercise the functions of any 
 office whatever, under any authority, or pre- 
 tended authority, in hostility to the United 
 States ; that I have not yielded a voluntary 
 support to any pretended government, au- 
 thority, power, or constitution, within the 
 United States, hostile or inimical thereto. 
 And I do further swear that, to the best of 
 my knowledge and ability, I will support and 
 defend the Constitution of the United States 
 against all enemies, foreign and domestic : 
 that I will bear true fiiith and allegiance to 
 the same : that I take this obligation freely, 
 without any mental reservation or purpose of 
 evasion : and that I will well and faithfully 
 discharge the duties of the oftice on which I 
 am about to enter : So heln me God. 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIIXi K. 
 Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 
 22d day of June. A. D. 1805. 
 
 GEO. T. BETTS. 
 CleH- r. .s'. />/.-•. Covrt Sv. Pis. X. )'. 
 
 T r. E.VS UK V D Kl'AKTM EN I' . 
 
 October 27, 1865. 
 Dear -Sir : 1 have seen your letter of tiie 
 fjth instant, transmitting your resignation, 
 &c., &c., and referring for explanations to 
 your letter of the 21st ultimo, to the Com- 
 missioaers of Customs, .and liis reply thereto. 
 
 dated the 29th ultimo. T have also seen your 
 private letter, dated the 20th instant, ad- 
 dressed to the Commissioner. 
 
 I am unwilling to have you resign, but par- 
 ticularly am I anxious that you should not 
 do so at this time. It would be a great satis- 
 faction to have you communicate freely and 
 unofficially to mo the real causes which ren- 
 der your present position objectionable. 
 
 I assume that the objections, whatever 
 they may be, would be as ofiensive to any 
 other person as to you, and if it is in my 
 power to remove them I will take great pleas- 
 ure in doing so. 
 
 I am. very respt'ctfully, 
 
 n. McCULLOCIL 
 W'vi.r.v WooDiJKiDOK, Esq. 
 
 Savaxxah. Deeernbcr '2'u 1865. 
 
 llo.x. II. McCrLi.oCH : 
 
 Dear Sir : I have your regarded favor of 
 16th instant, received to-day. My communi- 
 cation to you was private, and so personal, 
 intended alone to explain niy silence so long 
 in not answering your letter, and to excuse 
 my resignation, that I am reallj' sorry you 
 have used it for any other purpose or shown 
 it to any one. 
 
 My resignation was seni you after mature 
 consideration of all my. surroundings ; it was 
 pressed by two or three letters asking for its 
 acceptance, and it is a matter of deep regret 
 that I did not obtain a release at that time. 
 The perplexities and responsibilities of my 
 position are too great, to my mind, to permit 
 me to be persuaded, even by patriotism and 
 pride, to continue. Xou write : " It is quite 
 important, however, that you should not re- 
 sign the collectorship until It shall be ascer- 
 tained that the oatli is not likely to be modi- 
 fied by Congress.'" This matter was in my 
 thoughts when I determined to resign — and 1 
 had no hope of its modification — and I was 
 anxious to be independent of Congress. It 
 will not always do to trust to princes or to 
 men, as my own experience will show, and a 
 '•willing horse may be ridden to death.'' 
 After four years of hard suffering, and the 
 utmost confidence In the magnanimity of my 
 Government, among a people determined 
 upon its overthrow, I relied strongly on that 
 G overnment to protect mo in my property and 
 ackowledge my just claims; but it would not 
 restore to me what its agents had wrongfully 
 taken from my peaceable and quiet posses- 
 sion — "one hundred and seventeen bales 
 cotton, without any proof left with me of its 
 removal, leaving aie with the shadow of a 
 claim to be settled In the future" — while 
 every day, as a public officer enjoying the 
 confidence of the Administration, I am 
 obliiTPd to witness thousands of bales of cot- 
 
12 
 
 ton passing freely as the propertj- of those 
 ■whose hearts were bitterly opposed to the 
 Government. Thus, while there is no_ re- 
 ward for the Union man, treason receives 
 no punishment as a crime, and the ardent 
 participators in it enjoy the smiles of those 
 they once spit upon, and before the people 
 appear as patriots devoted to the "State's 
 service.'" I ask you what encouragement 
 is there for me to go on doing good V Sup- 
 pose there should be a chaage in Washing- 
 ton, and yourself and other gentlemen of the 
 Cabinet, avIio I believe are friends of mine 
 and mean to do me justice, think it best to 
 withdraw from office, what then would be- 
 come of me and my just claims ? It is of the 
 utmost importance to me and family that my 
 projierty should not be liable, nor my bonds- 
 men, for moneys paid clerks that I was 
 obliged to hire to conduct a public office held 
 against my judgment and will. You say 
 nothing about my desire that you send an 
 experienced customs officer for my relief; 
 nor do you give me any encouragement about 
 the settlement of my accounts. I am anxious 
 to settle this matter while I can control it, 
 and remain, 
 
 Yei-y truly, 
 
 >'onr obedient servant. 
 
 WYLLY WOODr.RlDdK. 
 
 '!'|;i;AKIKV ])ErART,MEXT, 
 
 3farch 2, 1866. 
 
 JJcar Sir : ^'our favor of the 24th instant 
 IS received. 1 have been expecting, from 
 day to day, that Congiiess vrould so modify 
 the oath of office as to relieve you of a j^art 
 of your pcr])lcxities by enabling the account- 
 ing officers of the Department to audit the 
 accounts of your subordinates. 
 
 AVill you do me the favor, in the event no 
 change is made in the oath, to advise me 
 whether or not competent men can be found 
 in Savannah to fill the different offices in the 
 custom-house who can qualify under the law 
 as it now stands. 
 
 I sincerely regret to be under the necessity 
 of saying that I have no power whatever to 
 pay to claimants, no matter how loyal they 
 may have been, the proceeds of the cotton 
 captured at Savannah. The law, as inter- 
 preted by the Attorney Ceneral, is impera- 
 tive. My duty is to receive from the mili- 
 tary forces of the United States, and to col- 
 lect captured and almndoned property,, and 
 to dispose of it according to the statute. 
 
 No man can regret more tban I do my 
 inability to draw a line of distinction be- 
 tween loyal and disloyal claimants ; and 
 especially my inability to serve so true and 
 loyal a man as yourself. I am, however, as i 
 
 you know, only an executive officer, who 
 must execute the law as he finds it. 
 I am, very trulv. vours. 
 
 II. Mcculloch, seereton,. 
 
 AVvl.l.V WOODBRIDGE, 
 
 ( oUertor of Customs. 
 
 IIkadq'iis Mil. Div. oftiir Mississun-i. 
 St. Louis, Mo., October 2o, 1865. 
 Wylly Woodbridge, Esq., of Savannah, 
 held certain cotton on the ca])turc of Savan- 
 nah. My hrst orders were that all cotton 
 should be sent to New York by the quarter- 
 master, each lot being mnrked .and invoiced 
 according, that claimants afterward might 
 claim their own. But the Secretary of War, 
 Mr. Stanton, on arrival, oi'dered all cotton to 
 go into the possession of Mr.Simeon Draper, 
 a special agent of the Treasury Department. 
 I know nothing personally or officially of 
 that cotton since. I believe Mr. Woodbridge 
 to have been an honorable, u])right, good 
 man, and have so stated on many occasions, 
 and if restitution of cotton, or the proceeds 
 of sale thereof, has been madeto.any one in 
 Savannah, a like course should be observed 
 to him. This is as far as I am willing to act 
 in ,anv case of the kind. 
 
 W. T. SHERMxVN, 
 Major General Vnm.r,iandhiq. 
 
 AIJANDONEI) AND CAPTUREI) TKOP- 
 
 ERTY. 
 Regulations prescribed by the Secretary of 
 the Treasury for the several special agents 
 appointed in pursuance of the act of March 
 12, I860, entitled, 'An act to provide for 
 the collection of abandoned propertj', and 
 for the prevention of frauds in insurrec- 
 tionary districts M-ithin the United States.' 
 Sectiox 4. Abandoned property is of two 
 discriptions ; first that which has been or 
 may be deserted by owners : and second, that 
 which has been or may be voluntarily aban- 
 doned by the owners to the civil or military 
 authorities of the United States. Captured 
 property is that which has been or may be 
 seized or taken awaj' from hostile possession 
 by the military or naval forces of the United 
 States. 
 
 Sec. 5. Special agents Avill collect and re- 
 ceive property, and make and keep a true 
 record and account of expenses. 
 
 Supervising and assistant .special agents 
 will exercise due diligence in receiving and 
 collecting, within the agency to which they 
 have been respectively assigned, all aban- 
 doned and captured i^rojierty, and upon tak- 
 ing possession of any such property will im- 
 mediately make and keep a full and correct 
 record of all the facts oi- information in rp- 
 
gard to eacli case or lot known or accessible 
 to them, including as nearly as possible the 
 following : the character and quantity of the 
 property received or collected, when cap- 
 tured, or found or received as abandoned, 
 under what circumstances, by whom owned 
 or alleged to be owned, noting, when practi- 
 cable, the name and address of one or more 
 truthful residents of the neighborhood ac- 
 quainted with the property and the owner 
 or claimant thereof, and any statements they 
 may make in connection therewith, b}' 
 whom such property was captured or aban- 
 doned, by whom received or collected, from 
 whom received, all names, marks, signs, 
 or devices (whether distinct, indistinct, 
 or partially erased) upon such property, to- 
 gether wrth all other information which may 
 ill any way serve to identity or make knawn 
 the history of any particular lot, to trace the 
 same or the proceeds thereof from the earliest 
 possible to its final disposition. 
 
 Sec. (3. Supervising and assistant special 
 agents will receive within their respective 
 agencies any property from persons who 
 offer voluntarily'to abandon the same, and 
 shall give a receipt therefor to the person so 
 abandoning it, or to his or her agent, iu the 
 following form : 
 
 A record of all property so received, and 
 all the expenses incurred in connection there- 
 with shall be made and copies transmitted, 
 and the property shall be disposed of in the 
 manner prescribed in Regulation 5. 
 
 Sec. If). — Each supervising special agent 
 or other person, shall make a full record of 
 such lot or parcel coming to his possession, 
 in the manner j^rescribed in llegulation 5, 
 and report the same and all sales or other 
 disposition thereof made by him, rendering 
 a monthly account current of all his transac- 
 tions to the Secretary, accompanying the 
 same with receipts or other vouchers for all 
 moneys paid out by him : all balances re- 
 maining in his hands shall be deposited in 
 the Treasury from time to time, as directed 
 by the Secretary. 
 
 SAVANNAH COTTON. 
 
 Collector Simeon Draper has made an 
 elaborate otllcial report of all the facts con- 
 cerning the cotton taken at Savannah by 
 General Sherman. The total number of 
 bales is 38,')00, of which G.OOO bales are Sea 
 Island. It had been gathered in from the va- 
 rious Confederate States, partly to prevent its 
 falling into the possession of the Union raid- 
 ing forces, but principally that it might easily 
 be shipped by blockade-runners. The great 
 portion of it belonged to the so-called Con- 
 federate government. It was found stored 
 in different sections of the citv. Soon after 
 
 General Sherman took possession of the cot- 
 ton many persons went into the warehouses 
 on their own account, in Savannah, and 
 marked a large number of bales. Many of 
 these marks represented j^ersons who were 
 dead. The persons who thus marked the 
 bales and professed to be genuine claimants 
 of the cotton were not the legitimate living 
 representatives of the former owners. These 
 facts being known, an order was immediately 
 issued to prevent persons entering the ware- 
 houses where the cotton was stored. The 
 statements that private marks had been ob- 
 literated since the cotton came into the hands 
 of the Government are pronounced untrue. 
 The rebel government brand was removed 
 from a large number of bales by the rebels 
 at the time of the evacuation, with the inten- 
 tion of claiming the cotton themselves. Many 
 sucli persons are undoubtedly among the loyal 
 claimants. In removing those lirands a great 
 part of the bagging was destroyed. New 
 bagging was necessary, which was furnished 
 under the superintendence of (reneral Meigs. 
 The [Jnited States agents or oUicers did not 
 obliterate any private mark on a single bale 
 of the Savannah cotton. 
 
 The order forbidding persons from going 
 into the warehouses, besides the reasons above 
 stated, was to prevent the rebel government 
 agents from purting fire to it, which was sev- 
 eral times attempted by them. 
 
 M): Draper, in a pubUc notice, announced 
 that any statement that any party desired to 
 make concerning the cotton tuonld be received, 
 by an agent designated for t/iaf jmrpose- 
 Many statements have been made and have 
 been carefully viewed by Mr. Draper, and at 
 the proper time will receive due consideration 
 from the Secretary of the Treasury. Within 
 the next ten days a part of tliis cntton will be 
 advertised for sale in New York. 
 
 ^YAsmxf;TOX, February V.), 1867. 
 Hon. H. Stanbkuy, Attorney General, U. S.i 
 
 Sir: I am a native resident of Savannah, 
 Georgia, and am and always have been true 
 and loyal to the United States- This was 
 well understood by its enemies during the 
 war, and by its friends since their entrance 
 into Savannah. 
 
 When the United States army entered that 
 city, tlie Confederate forces having pre- 
 viously retired, I had (117) one hundred and 
 seventeen bales cotton and some other pro- 
 perty stored away upon ray own premises. 
 General Sherman, commanding the army, 
 and General Geary, commanding the city, 
 were informed as to my conduct throughout 
 the war and made my property an exception 
 to the general rule of treatment. Under 
 general orders from the Secretary of War, 
 
14 
 
 however, the Treasury agent, Simoon Draper, 
 Esq took possession of my cotton, 1 en- 
 deavored to have it released by orders trom 
 Washington, but failed, (see letters from 
 Secretary Welles hereto annexed.). My cot- 
 ton was therefore shipped to New 1 ork, and 
 wrongfully disposed of as captured. 
 
 No property of mine was treated by the 
 military as captured so long as they had con- 
 trol of it. General Sherman made a dis- 
 tinction between the property of loyal men 
 and rebels, so did all the other officers of his 
 command. If the disposition of my pro- 
 perty had been controlled by theai I leel 
 confident that no property of mine_ would 
 have been treated as captured, and, in sup- 
 port of this opipiou, I annex hereto the copy 
 of a letter from General Sherman to Mr. 
 Draper, touching this, ray cotton. 1 also 
 iinnex a copy of a letter from General Geary, 
 v^hile he was commanding the city, and one 
 from General Bcckwith of the same purport. 
 
 Now, sir, I respectfullj'_ submit that the 
 commanding officers of a victorious army are 
 competent to decide what property recovered 
 to their possession shall be treated as a cap- 
 ture, and wh.at shall not^je so treated ; and 
 further, that they did except my property 
 from that which they regarded as captured. 
 General Sherman and the other officers re- 
 garded my unfaltering fidelity to my country 
 and its institutions, throughout four years of 
 insult, and threats, and persecutions and 
 robberies practiced upon me by_ enemies, as 
 • ntitling me to be treated as a friend. They 
 treated me accordingly and had no intention 
 of taking the remnant of my property from ' 
 me and treating it as captured. 
 
 I claim that this cotton has been im- 
 properly treated as captured by Treasury 
 Agent Draper, and tliat he had no right to 
 take possession of it and dispose of it under 
 the act of March 10, 18G3, and that the value 
 thereof should be restored to me by the Sec- 
 retary of the Treasury without further delay, 
 
 1 desire to present my application to the 
 Secretary of the Treasury for the proceeds of 
 this cotton, and I desire to present with it 
 the opinion as to whether upon proofs of the 
 facts herein stated and the letters herewith 
 submitted, my cotton can be fairly treated 
 as captured or abandoned property. 
 
 I know that the Secretary is disposed to do 
 justice, and I believe that if you state your 
 opinion to be that the status of the cotton 
 was not such as to authorize Mr. Draper to 
 take possession of it under the act of March, 
 1863, the Secretary will promptly pay the 
 proceeds to me. I, tlierefore, earnestly beg 
 your consideration and reply at an early date, 
 and remain, 
 
 Very respectfully, your ob't servant, 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRTDGE. 
 
 Attoknky Gexkrai7s Offick, 
 W.vsHisGTON, March 2, 18GT. 
 WvLi.v WocDBKiDGE, Esq., 
 
 Sir : I am directed by the Attorney Gen- 
 eral to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
 of the 25th ult., and to say in reply that it is 
 forbidden by the invariable rule of this office, 
 and by statute, for him to give official opin- 
 ions upon questions of law, excei)t when 
 propounded by the President or the head of 
 a Department. The papers are therefore 
 herewith returned. 
 
 ] am. sir. very respectfully, 
 
 lour obedient servant, 
 M. F. PLEASANTS, 
 
 Chief Clerk. 
 
 The following special order will be read 
 with interest, especially by those immedi- 
 ately interested, which latter can obtain 
 their lands by calling or sending a person 
 duly authorized to receipt for the same to 
 Lieut. J. Murray Hoag, Sul). Assistant Com- 
 missioner of B. R. , F. and A. L., Savan- 
 nah, Ga. : 
 
 BURF.AU EEFCGtES, FRKEDMEN AND ABANDONED LAXDS, 
 
 Oh'ioe Assistant CoMMitsioNEn. Stat:j of Georgia, 
 Savannah, Ga., Joimary 19, lSti7. — Special Orders. No. 
 0. — Tlie provisions oT sections 9 and 11, of the acts of 
 Congress, entitled ''An Act to continue in force and to 
 amend an act to establish a Bureau for the relief of 
 Freedmen and Refugeei-, and for other purposes," hav- 
 ing been complied with, the following property is here- 
 by restored to tlie former owners, subject to the .ippro- 
 val of Major Gen. Howard, Commissioner : 
 
 Estate of Dr. Adams, Slddaway Island. 
 
 Estate of W. R. .Symons, Skidaway Isl.and. 
 
 Estate of \\m. Zeigler, Skidaway Island. 
 
 Etitate of John Srreven, Brewton Hill. 
 
 Estate of Lawton, Ogeechee river. 
 
 Estate of W. C. Williams, Ogeechee river. 
 
 Estate of Vim. Patterson, Ogeechee river. 
 
 Geo. Screven, Mifflin, Chatham co. 
 
 AVm. Habersbam, Grove Hill, Chatliam co. 
 
 .Tohn R. Cheves, Grove Point, Chathiini co. 
 
 Miss H. H. Elliott, Nev^ Hope, Chat-ham co. 
 
 Henry Uubignon. Jekyl's Island, Chatham co. 
 
 McAlpin, Burnsidc Island, Chatham co. 
 
 M. C. King, Iland Island, Chatham co. 
 
 .lacob Walburg, St. Catherine's Island, Liberty cr>. 
 
 Kollock,Ossabaw Island, Bryan co. 
 
 Thomas Spaulding, Sapelo Island, Mcintosh co. 
 
 A. M. Kenan, Sapelo Island, Mcintosh co. 
 
 Morel, Ossabaw Island, Bryon co. 
 
 A. M. McDonald, Ossubaw Island, Bryan co. 
 
 .1. H. Coupor, St. Simon's Island, Glynn co. 
 
 H.B.Gorld, St. Simon's Island, Glynn co. 
 
 T. B. King. St. Simon's Island, Glynn co. 
 
 Jas. J'ostell, St. Simon's Island, Glvnn co. 
 
 DAVIS TILLSON, 
 Breve' .Vnjor Gen. end Ass' t Cominissiotter. 
 
 Approved, O.O.HOWARD, 
 
 Major General C-omm^r. 
 
 W.Ui I)i:i'AKTMENT,BuREAU OK ReFUGEKS, 
 
 Fkl:edmen AND Abandoxed Lands, 
 Washington, Aprils, 1867. 
 
 To his E.Kcellency, Andrew Joh.vson, Presi- 
 dent of the United States : 
 
15 
 
 Sir : I recomciend that the case of Mr. 
 Wylly Woodbridge, a truly loviil man of 
 Savannah, Ga. , be taken under special con- 
 sideration. His cotton was his property, 
 and should have been secured to him, if it 
 could lawfully be secured to any owners un- 
 der like circumstances in the United States. 
 
 I believe, on careful investigation, his 
 claims will constitute an exceptional case. 
 
 Very resp' fully, vour obedient servant, 
 0. 0. HOWARD, 
 Major General. 
 
 Mr. Woodbridge's loj'alty I have never 
 beard questioned. If there is any claimant 
 for the cotton captured at Savannah, Ga., 
 entitled to investigation and return of pro- 
 ceeds in case the claim is properly proven, 
 bis is one. I concur with Gen. lloAvard in 
 recommending an early investigation. 
 
 IT. 8. GRANT, 
 
 April lo, 1867. General. 
 
 I cordially unite in recommending the 
 case of Mr. Woodbridge to the special con- 
 sideration of the President, and of the Treas- 
 ury Department, believing that he is entitled 
 to the fullest exercise of all the legal power 
 which exists to relieve him and his property. 
 W. 1'. FKSSENDEN. 
 
 I concur with Mr. Fesscnden In commend- 
 ing the case of Mr. Woodbridge to consid- 
 eration. 
 
 ROSCOE CONKLING. 
 
 Z. CHANDLER. 
 
 JAMES W. NYE. 
 
 ExKCLTivF, Mansion, 
 April 22, 18G7. 
 Respectfully referred to the honorable, 
 the Secretary of the Treasury, for a full and 
 impartial investigation, with the hope that 
 relief can be extended to the petitioner upon 
 principles of equitj' and justice. 
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON. 
 
 TurASrilY DWARTME.VT, i 
 
 April 3(», 1867. j 
 
 Sir : I ?i."vc the honor to acknowledge the ; 
 receipt, on the 27th instant, at the hands of 
 Mr. Wylly Woodbridge, of Savannah, a let- 
 ter from that gentleman to the Attorney Gen- 
 eral relative to certain cotton claimed as his 
 private property, captured at Savannah ; a 
 reply thereto ; a letter from General How- 
 ard on the same subject, addressed to your- 
 self, with endorsements thereon by General 
 Grant, Hon. W. P. Fessenden, Hon. Roscoe 
 Conkhng, Hon. Z. Chandler, and Hon. Jas. 
 
 W. Nye, all covered by your reference of the 
 case to this Department, under date of 22d 
 instant, for a full and impartial investigation, 
 with the hope that relief can be extended to 
 [ the petition npon principles of equity and 
 I justice. 
 
 I The claim of Mr. Woodbridge has repeat- 
 I edly been called to my attention, and I have 
 j as often and in the fullest and plainest man- 
 1 ner possible explained to him and his friends 
 my Inabilit}', under existing leglslatioi), to 
 take any action in regard to it. 
 
 The facts in relation to the case appear to 
 be briefly and simply these : that the cotton 
 claimed by Mr. Woodbridge was taken, with 
 other cotton in Savannah, after the capture 
 of that city, by the military authorities and 
 by them transferred to an agent of the Treas- 
 ury Department, by whom it was in turn 
 shipped to New York, where it was .sold, 
 and the proceeds arising therefrom have been 
 paid into the Treasury in compliance with 
 law._ According to the acts of Congress con- 
 cerning captured and abandoned property, by 
 the opinion of the Attorney General on the 
 subject, dated July u, 1865, the Secretary of 
 the Treasury is precluded from paying oyer 
 to claimants the proceeds of any property so 
 taken and disposed of, or from aflording any 
 relief whatever in the premises. Nor°is it 
 competent for him— the facts above stated 
 being established— to inquire whether or not 
 the property of which claim is made lias been 
 rightfully captured, &c., A'c. His duty and 
 power in regard to such property are limited 
 to "Seeing that it is sold and Its proceeds paid 
 into the Treasury, where they must await the 
 action of the Court of Cla'ims when duly 
 invoked. 
 
 Under these circumstances I cannot take 
 jiiiisdiction of the case under notice, and I 
 see no remedy for Mr. Woodbridge except in 
 the Court of Claims or before Congress. 
 
 I have the honor, therefore, to return tlie 
 papers alluded to for such action by you in 
 regard to the case as you may consider law- 
 ful and expedient, and to reniain, 
 
 R(!>pect fully, your obedient servant, 
 H. McCUELOCH. 
 Secretary of the Trrnsnrj/. 
 To rni; PiiKsmiiNT. 
 
 Wasiiinctox CiTv. Mil// s. 1867. 
 To T!u: Pkkside.vt : 
 
 Sir: This petition Is respectfully to show 
 that in answer to your endorsement on mv 
 papers relative to the seizure of my 117 bales 
 cotton at Savannah, and dated ""E.xecutiv^• 
 ^ransion, April 22, 18G7, respectfully refer- 
 red to the honorable Secretary ol the Treas- 
 ury for a full and impartial invcstig.ation. 
 
16 
 
 with tlie hope that relief can be extended to 
 the petitioner upon principles of" equity and 
 justice,"' the honorable Secretarj^'s reply is 
 as follows: "Under these circumstances I 
 cannot take jurisdiction of the case under no- 
 tice, and I see no remedy for Mr. Woodbridge 
 except in the Court of Claims or before Con- 
 gress. I have the honor to return the papers 
 alluded to for such action by yon in regard 
 to the case as you may consider lawful and 
 expedient, and to remain, &c.'" 
 
 Thus no point has been gained as to the 
 peculiar merits of my individual claim ; the 
 expectations of mv friends remaining un- 
 realized, and the honorable Secretaiy indis- 
 posed to take jurisdiction of the matter, and 
 uncertain whether my remedy lies in Con- 
 gress or the Court of claims. 
 
 Your petitioner therefore relies most 
 humbly upon you, as Commander-in-Chief, 
 for relief and protection in his just rights : 
 and in furtherance thereof he prays that you 
 will submit his case to tlie honorable At- 
 torney General ol the United States for his 
 decision of the question at issue, by your ap- 
 proval and endorsement of the inclosed let- 
 ter, written by your petitioner, dated '25th 
 February last, and addressed to that officer. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Mr. President, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIDGE. 
 
 At the request of Mr. Woodbridge, this 
 case is referred for consideration to the hon- 
 orable the Attorney General. 
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON.. 
 
 Treasury Department, 
 April 13, 1867. 
 
 >Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the 
 )-t;ceipt of a resolution adopted in the Senate 
 vn the 12th instant. In the following words : 
 
 '■'■ Resolved, That the Secretary of the 
 Treasury be directed to inform the Senate 
 whether he, or any one by him authorized, 
 lias employed an attorney or solicitor to rep- 
 resent that Department before the Court of 
 Claims in certain cases pending in said court; 
 if yea, what counsel or solicitor has been 
 thus employed, and in what cases, what fee 
 or fees has been or will be paid him for said 
 services, and out of what fund, and under 
 what law or authority, he has been thus 
 employed." 
 
 In response thereto I have the honor to 
 state that, after carefully considering the 
 subject in all its aspects, it has seemed to me 
 that in the trial of a large and important class 
 of cases soon to be disposed of in the Court 
 of Claims, the public interests imperatively 
 demand that some assistance should be ren- 
 dered to the solicitors representing the Gov- 
 ernment therein ; and I have thought it my 
 
 duty, as the head of an executive department 
 directly affected by the result of such suits, 
 to afford saeh aid in the premises as I prop- 
 erly could. 
 
 The eases to which I refer are those relat- 
 ingto property captured by Union forces 
 during the late rebellion, the proceeds of 
 wliich — millions of dollars in amount — are 
 now sought to be obtained through the Court 
 of Claims. Many of the claims of this char- 
 acter are -for large sums of money, and are 
 being prosecuted with extraordinary vigor by 
 an array of counsel combining talent, indus- 
 try, and resources not often seen together, 
 and who are generally incited to extra exer- 
 tion by fees unusually large in amount, in- 
 volving often a share of the amownts that in 
 the event of success will be recovered by their 
 clients. Considering the very large number 
 of cases of this class, and the little time con- 
 sequently allowed to the three solicitors of 
 the court for the preparation of proper de- 
 fences, it is unreasonable to expect them — 
 able, vigilant, and faithful as they are ac- 
 knowledged to be — to meet satisfactorily and 
 successfully in all instances the influences 
 and talent arrayed against them. 
 
 In view of these facts, and considering the 
 large sums of money involved, as well as the 
 important and far-reaching principles likely 
 to be established in tlie disposition of some 
 of the cases first to be decided, I have entei'- 
 tained the idea of employing associate coun- 
 sel to aid the solicitors in preparing and ar- 
 guing some of the cases which will ]>robably 
 be determined at an early day. The general 
 or implied authority for this jiroceeding is 
 believed to exist in the first section of the act 
 of Congress, approved February 2f), 1853. II" 
 it is not therein contained, it is my opinion 
 that the provisions of the acts in relation to 
 captured and abandoned property, approved 
 respectively March 12, 18G3, and July 2. 
 1864, justify' the employment by this Depart- 
 ment of counsel to protect the public inter- 
 ests relative to such property, the expense 
 thereof to be defrayed from the proceeds of 
 the property received and collected under 
 said acts. 
 
 Acting under this belief, I have informally 
 asked the co-operation in this respect of 
 Hon. Edgar Cowan, a gentleman of admitted 
 ability, learning, and resources as an advo- 
 cate and jurist, and requested him to consult 
 with the solicitors of the Court of Claims as 
 to the propriety and extent of the assistance 
 so proposed to be rendered, and, generally, 
 as to the best course to be pursued in the 
 premises for the protection of the public in- 
 terests, with the view of finally adopting 
 such plan of proceeding as might be recom- 
 mended or thought most expedient after 
 such consultation ; but as yet no definite 
 
17 
 
 arrangement has been made with him, no 
 money has been yuiid to him, nor to any 
 Dther person on this account, none has been 
 ncrreed or promi?od to be paid, and no rate 
 ot' compensation tor ?uchKerviceas lie might 
 render has been fixed npon or spoken of. 
 
 In this contemplated proceedinp,' I have 
 been actua.ied solely by a sense of duty, an<l 
 by what I conceive to be sonnd public pol- 
 icy ; and T conclnded to employ Mr. Cowan 
 hecanse T knew ot" no man so able who isnn- 
 connected with any proceedings aj^ainstthe 
 Government, and who would be likely to bo 
 so reasonable in liis char;2;es for professional 
 service. 
 
 If, in the course I had thus proposed to 
 pursue In the premises, f have, in the opin- 
 ion of the Senate, acted without authority 
 of law, or injudiciously in any rp^pect, I 
 .-hall be .clad to be so advised. 
 
 With ireat respect, 
 
 Voiir obedient servant. 
 
 HUGH McCUJ.LuClI, 
 
 Sen'efnr)/ nftJifi Treci.'iitrj/. 
 
 lion. B. F. ■\Vadi::. 
 
 I'rfisitlpul nf lln: Senoii-. 
 
 ItESOLUTlON ADOPTED IN THE SEN- 
 ATE OF THE UNITED STATES 0th 
 DECEMBER, 1807. 
 
 Jiesfolved, That the Secretary of the Treas- 
 ury be directed to i'urnish the Senate the 
 names and residences of all individuals to 
 whom any property or Ics jiroceeds in the 
 cusiody of the Department, or any of its 
 ;i,i;ents, as capture<i and abandoned property 
 was released or given up. To state also in his 
 answer the nature, kind, quality, and value 
 ol' the property released or given up to such 
 p.arties respectively, and the amount of 
 money returned to each of such individuals. 
 :ind whether, as preliminary thereto, such in- 
 dividuals have been rerpiired to pay any lee 
 or compensation of any kind to any attorney, 
 fir other person, .and also to i"e[)ort to i.iie 
 Senate the evidence upon which said prop- 
 erty was released or proceeds paid over to 
 such persons respectively, and under what 
 law or authority such property was released 
 or paid over. And also to state whether any 
 of such property or its proceeds were re- 
 leased or paid over to persons who had been 
 engaged in rebellion against the U^nited 
 States, or who had given ai<l and comfort to 
 such rebellion, and whether before releasing 
 such property or returning its proceeds the 
 Department required the claimants to estab- 
 lish their loyally by competent proof: and 
 also a copy of any correspondence which 
 
 has taken place between the Department and 
 the Court of Claims, or any of its oflicers. 
 in regard to judgments by said court, or the 
 payment thereof in what are known as cotton 
 ca-o^'. 
 
 TREASURY JlEPORT RELATIVE TO 
 CAPTURED AND ABANDONED 
 PROPERTY IN THE SOUTH. 
 
 The Secretary of the Treasury on the 20ih 
 sent a communication to the Senate, in reply 
 to a resolution of that body, in relation to 
 the action of the Department with reference 
 to captured and nhnndoned property. The 
 Secretary says : 
 
 T5al<a.sps of tiiisciillaneous property otljt-r than coltoii 
 have b«en small iu anioiuii. lloiisfliold I'urDitiirc, lain- 
 j ily relics, books, &c., fieueral!,v takeu hy military orili-rn 
 for temporary use, and subsequently transl'erred lu 
 i Treasury aK«nrs, were orderoil to be restored to the orit; 
 I iual owners by tho Secretary's circular letter of S. p 
 ' tember 6. lS6o, wbenevei- the oouilitions named ihertiii 
 were comiiliertwitU. In ono case, (th.itof Lewie Wasli- 
 ins'oD.) the liouseliobl furniture liaving been told ui 
 aULtioa bv mistake of the Treasury agent, the pnieeo.l- 
 of sale amounting to Sl,102, were rentored in lieu ol 
 file furniture. In compliance with the request of Muh- 
 ! luuimitiee of the joint committee on retrenchment, 
 j aated April 4, tSfi'.'no release of property held as cap- 
 ttired or abandoned have since been made, i.or claims 
 iu connection therewith paid, except fov expenses in 
 collecting the property. In the interval of a month b-- 
 I tween the report of tlie Senate and the requeijt of ili' 
 i Committee on lletreiichment, claims to the amount ol 
 ' 1^7,11:0 were allowed. One <ompromi.se, however, )ifi. 
 been in.'.de in the caseofasuit pending against the Uni- 
 ted States in tlie United States Circuit Court of Ne,r 
 York, known as the Denuistoun cotton case. The agent 
 of the L'liiteil .States was under a replevin bond iu tlii- 
 case of S-tliO,00(i, which amount of money the ("ioveiii- 
 ment deposited in the Farmers' Loan and Tntst Com- 
 pany of New York. As this cotton was not ostensibly 
 the property of the late rebel Kovoraiiient,norcaplureit 
 nor abandoned, but was alleged to have been purchased 
 leiially after the close of th;- rebellion, from a foreisru 
 llrm, by Uennistoun, Wood <t Co.. of New Aork, ii was 
 thou'^lit advisable by eminent counsel to pay the smu 
 of $:.o,0i)0 for a final settlemoiit, and release the money 
 on deposit. It was the opiniou of his predecessor in 
 office that it was not otily the riglit, but thb duty, of Out 
 Treasury Uepartment to examine the facts in relation 
 to all property coming into the hands of its agents, and 
 if if appeareiilhat thesame had been taken in violalion 
 of law to restore it or its proceeds 10 its owners'. The 
 rule as adopted by them was sufflriently broad to author- 
 ize them to adjudicate the title of property taken h\ 
 the army and navy and turned over to agents of the 
 Treasury Department. But alter the capture of Savan- 
 nah and of the large amounts of cotton therein, the M 
 tornev Oeueral gave the Department his opinion that 
 all questions arising with reference to the properly 
 taken by the military authorities could be adiudicat.:<l 
 only in tlie Court of Claims, which oinnion has bince 
 governed the action^of this iJepartmeut as to the cases 
 considered fairly withiu the provisions of the saute. 1 n 
 relation, however, to cotton or other property taken 
 possession of by Treasury agents without military ^s 
 sist^nce or intervention, the Secretary has followed the 
 practice of his predecessors, and has investigated the 
 circumstances of the seizures, and if it hag appeared in 
 aijv case that the properly was not. rightfully subject to 
 seizure he )i<is restored tlie ^nme or its proce.'d9 t» its 
 lawful owners. 
 
IS 
 
 RBCAPITULATION. 
 
 A' /■..;,( rfjwtof ihi Stcrctary of Treafur;/, .liinvn,;/ 'Jo, 
 1>)6S, .S'fnaf'! Document So. £•_'. 
 
 Number of Imles of voluntarily aliainioiicil cotlou re- 
 leased 2.-'l»7 
 
 Numlicr of biilos of erroucously seined cottoa re- 
 leased C,306 
 
 NuiiibcT of bales of cotton released on basis of 
 imrchasiDg regulations ' 1,003 
 
 Tolnl niiiiil" )■ of biilf's ri'lpflrcd 0,?'60 
 
 \niounl allowf^d on claims IV. r cotton voluntarily aban- 
 doned ail6,84:J 41 
 
 Amount allowed oil claims for cotton crro- 
 
 iipously seized, 4c l.iilS,4:.0 K\ 
 
 .\monnt allowed on claims adjusted on lia- 
 !-i-i of purchasing regulations oi;o.-l44 T7 
 
 Ainonnt allowed on claims forRalvajiC '204,72^ '.<Z 
 
 'fnral nmoiint fillnwed on i.ll .MfMniH... •_M:il),4"e (16 
 
 with j'Oiir letter, and have the honor lo bo. 
 with high respect, 
 
 EDWARD JORDAN, 
 SolicUor oi ihe Treosnry. 
 Hon. S. P. CuASi:, 
 
 Secrelart/ of the Trcasun/. 
 
 I'rea.^ uiiY Depautm k\t. 
 ,Solk;itoii".s Office, J/ay 2G, 18G-1. 
 
 •Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the 
 receipt of your letter of the loth instant, 
 asking my opinion upon the question, 
 ''Whether, in cases where jiropertyis turned 
 over 10 agents of this Department by military 
 officers, under the act of (Jongress approved 
 March 12, 1863, the Secretary of the Treas- 
 ury has the power to inquire into the facts at- 
 tending the action of the military authori- 
 ties, and to so construe the act as to decide 
 whether the property so turned over was ac- 
 nially captured or abandoned [property,] 
 ;ind if satisfied it was not, to release it to 
 claimants : or whether he must regard and 
 Tre.at, as therein prescribed, all property so 
 received from military authorities, leaving to 
 ihe Court of Claims the question of capture," 
 and to say '" tliat in my judgment '" the fact 
 ihat such property ntay liave )jeen turnerl 
 o\ er to the agent of this Department by mi!- 
 iiary authorities does not in anj' manner af- 
 fect the power or duty of the Department or 
 its .agent to inquire wliether or trot the prop- 
 erty is in truth such as is described liy tlie act, 
 .ind that both the power and duty to make 
 ^uch inquiry, first in the agent, and next in 
 the head of the Treasury Department, of 
 which such agent is a subordinate otticer, 
 seems to me to arise necessarily out of the 
 nature of the dtities to be performed. The 
 agent is not to take all property indiscrim- 
 inately, but such only as is specified by law. 
 
 Who is to determine whether any given 
 parcel of property is such as he is req«ired 
 10 take or not? 1 cannot doubt that it is first 
 himself and afterward his superior, the Sec- 
 retary of the Treasury. 
 
 I return herewitli thr- papers trnn=mitird 
 
 Tn EASURY Defautjiext, 
 iicptemher C, i860. 
 
 Sir ,- Believing that property of that cliar- 
 acter does not fairly come within the mean- 
 ing of the acts of Congress relating to cap- 
 tured and abandoned property, my desire is 
 that, if there are any articles of household 
 furniture, books, or personal or family relics 
 in your jjossession, or under your control, 
 they be restored to all loyal owners, or those 
 who have availed themselves of the benefits 
 of ihe President's proclamation of amne.sly. 
 ! and who are not excepted from, or who have 
 I obtained irom him, a special pardon, on the 
 i ]i.ayment by them of all expenses incurred 
 j ill their collection and care, and the cxecAt- 
 \ lion of a proper bond of indcmniti/. 
 
 CJntil otherwise directed, no sales of this 
 class of property will be made ; and if any 
 sucit should be in your hands, when you closf 
 up the affairs of your oflice, you will turn it 
 over, to'await further instructions from me. 
 to a collector of customs at the most suit- 
 able place or places in your ;igency. laklntr 
 his official receipt therefor, 
 b'ppppffully, 
 
 '11. Mcculloch. 
 
 Secretary of the l^ensivri/. 
 0. IL Bi;rbridoe, Esq., 
 
 Sxip'fj Special Agl. North' n Diris.. 
 
 4th Agevcy^ Texas. 
 
 .'Wtorxey Cexera]>'.s Offici;, 
 April 24, 1866. 
 
 Sir: 1 have the honor 10 acknowledge 
 the receipt of a bundle of papers, containing 
 the claim of Colonel .lohn S, VVilliams for 
 three hundred and thirty-four bales of cotton, 
 seized by the 'J'reasury .ngents, withan|lii- 
 dorsemeiit thiit they are for tny considera- 
 tion. 
 
 As no legal question has been asked, I 
 suppose it is intended that J. should express 
 an opinion as to the legality and propriety of 
 holdiitg the cotton seized by the Treasury 
 agents. The facts, as disclosed in this bundle 
 of papers, arc stib.stantially as follows : 
 
 The three hundred and thirty-four liale." 
 of cotton were the property of Josepii P. Bill- 
 tips. When Billups was from home, having 
 left authority with no one to sell and dis 
 pose of this cotton, his father assumed au- 
 thority to make .a contract with the so-called 
 Cnnfederate Government for it. Under tlie 
 
19 
 
 contract so made b}- llie Iktlier, the cotton 
 was entered upon the books ol' tlie Confed- 
 erate Covcrunient as the property of tliat 
 GovernmeuL .losepli P. r>illup,<, as soon as 
 informed of this pretended contract by hi.s 
 lather, repudiated and denied ii. No agent 
 of Uie Confederate Covernnient ever had 
 possession of the cotton. It continued to 
 remain in tlie possession and nnder the con- 
 ;rol of Joseph P. ]>ilhips, or liis agents. 
 
 Alter tlie fall of the so-euHcd (."onfederate 
 tlovernnient, and the .suvr(;ndcr of its armies, 
 and after Joseph P. Billups had been par- 
 tioned by the.President, the Treasury agents 
 .-eized the cotton as the property of the Con- 
 federate Government, because they found it 
 entered upon the books of tliat goverinnent. 
 Prior to this seizui'c by the Treasury, Billups 
 had sold the cotton to Colonel .John S. Wil- 
 iiams. 
 
 This cotton uas not eaptured by the uiiii- 
 uiry forces of the United States and turned 
 over by them to tlie Treasury agents, nor was 
 it. seized by the Treasury agents as, abandoned 
 jiroperty; but the Treasury agents took it, 
 lielieving it to be the property of the Con- 
 federate Government. 
 
 If it was in truth the properly oi'the Confed- 
 erate Government, the Treasuiy .agents were 
 right in seizing it; and prima fade, it was 
 their property. Butif it was not the property 
 of the Confederate Government, if it was not 
 abandoned property, and if it hjid not been 
 eaptured by the armies of the United States, 
 the agents of the Treasury Dapartmeut 
 would not do right in iiolding the cotton. 
 The agents, though right in making the seiz- 
 ure, cannot bo justified in holding on to the 
 property, after it is made manifest by the 
 proofs, as in this case, that the cotton did 
 uot fall within any of the predicaments be- 
 fore mentioned. 
 
 As the cotton was not the property of the 
 so-called Confederate Government, had, in 
 fact, never become a part of the common 
 fund upon which the rebellion rested, and 
 was neither abandoned nor captured. 1 think 
 if should be restored- 
 
 With highest respect. I'cc. 
 
 I have the honor to lemaiii. 
 
 .(.VMES SPEED. 
 AUoriiei/ <!(aeraL 
 
 The PRKSIDKS r. 
 
 f 11 i;.v.si;iiY Dbpartmkm . 
 Febrnan/ 20, 180G. 
 Gkn I'LB.MtN : It appears, after a careful 
 consideration of all the papers submitted 
 iM'X all the questions involved in the matter 
 of your application for the release of and 
 permission to ship ^certain "two thousand 
 iind seventy-eight (2,078) bales of cotton 
 
 bought by you, on foreign account, during 
 the existence of the late rebellion," thar 
 there is uot adduced sutiicient evidence tu 
 i warrant the (jovernmentin holding the sainr 
 1 as captured property, on account of its hav- 
 ing been jnirehased for the purpose of tran,-- 
 porting it through the blockade lately estab- 
 lished by the authorities of the United States, 
 and thereby violating the laws thereof and 
 aiding and abetting the rebellion. I bavt>. 
 therefore, decided to release the said cotton, 
 to wit : 
 
 (Jlii bales at Augusta. Georgia. 
 
 •">82 bales at Macon, Georgia. 
 
 ■J'.)7 bales at Butler, Georgia, 
 7"J bales at Americus. Georgia. 
 ;!I. bales at Albany, Georgia, 
 lo bales at JNfontezuma, Georgi;i, 
 
 t;j7 bales at Spartanburg, South Carolina, 
 J 2 bales at Columbia, South Carolina, 
 or wherever the same may be found. Ami 
 I do hereby release the said cotton and n; 
 store the custody thereof to you. with pei- 
 mission to ship and dispose of the same a,- 
 you may desire without hindrance or mole-s- 
 tation on the part of this Government, or 
 any of its agents oi' representatives, '"ex- 
 cept that it is understood, and you willpleaso 
 to take notice, that in releasing and surren- 
 dering the custody of said cotton, no right 
 or claim to iter the proceeds thereof which 
 the Government may have, or at any tiim' 
 chose to assert, under the provisions of the 
 act of Congress, appi'oved August G, ISlJl. 
 is in any wise waived or prejudiced." 
 
 "Subject to this understanding, all agent- 
 or officers of this department having any of 
 the cotton named abo^■e in their possession 
 or custody, or luider'tiieir control, arc hei"e- 
 by authorized and directed to deliver tln^ 
 same to you or 30ur duly empowered attor- 
 ney:" Provided, you first pay, or cause to 
 be paid, all costs, charges, or expenses paid 
 or incurred ])y them in any way on account 
 of said cotton, and execute and deliver, also, 
 to any agent from whom any of it is received, 
 a certilicate of probable cause of seizure, 
 which will protect and hold harmless thi' 
 Government and its otllcersand agents against 
 any claim for loss or damage sustained on ac- 
 countofits seizure, detention, or removal."' 
 
 Any agent or officer taking any action under 
 this letter will retain a certiiied copy as his 
 authority therefor, and promptly report to 
 the Department, in detail, all things clone by 
 him in the premises. 
 
 Please acknowledge in writing, the receipt 
 hereof, signifying your acceptance or non- 
 acceptance of the terms hennn stated. 
 Respectfullv, 
 
 " II. MgCULLOCII, 
 Secretary of the Trea.'^nri/. 
 Messrs. GiHBES &, Co., Charleston, aS'. C. 
 
20 
 
 p. S. — The foregoing will upplyulso to — 
 KJ bales at Augusta. Georgia, and 
 tj'j bales at Union district, South Carolina, 
 for wherever the same maybe found,) claim- 
 ed as the private property of Messrs. (iibbes 
 
 kCo. 
 
 il. McCULLOCll. 
 SimreUmj of the. TreaMiri/. 
 
 ''orrc'ipondat'X in relafi.on (>> i-otlon '•*/.>.■<■.< iu 
 the Court of Claims. 
 Tkeasury Det-artmext, Jail/ !. I hut. 
 Si)- : J have learned informally thai a 
 judgment has been rendered in favor of the 
 idaintiff in a number of the causes famil- 
 iarly designated as the " cotton cases ""in the 
 Court of Claims, and I have seen in the 
 newspapers the opinion i-endered therein by 
 •the Chief Justice of the Court on the 2.3th 
 ultimo, but I am without any knowledge as 
 to the character of the evidence adduced on 
 either side during the trial. 
 
 I have to request, therefore, Lbaf you will 
 furnish me with a copy of all the papers in 
 each of the cases referred to; and, with_ a 
 view to the full protection of the public in- 
 terests in the premises, I have to request, 
 also, that I may hereafter be furnished, be- 
 t'ore judgment is rendered, with a copy of ail 
 the papers in any case the subject-matter of 
 which originated in this Department, 
 '^'erv respectfully, 
 
 H.'McCULLOCIJ. 
 Secretary of the Treab-nrj/. 
 Samuej. II. HuNTiNGTOx, Esq. 
 
 Chief Clerk Court of Claims. 
 Washington. I>. >'. 
 
 GutliNSHOUOUGH, P.\.. Jul II H, lSt57. 
 
 Dear Sir : I see by the newspapers that 
 the Court of Claims have ruled some cases 
 in favor of the claimants of captured cotton. 
 1 do not know what particular cases are thus 
 lavored, or on what grounds the court ])uts 
 the decision, but 1 am more and more con- 
 vinced that ''no one who submitted to the 
 Confederate States, obeyed, their laws, and 
 contributed to support their government, 
 ought to recover under the statute," because 
 it is impossible for such a one to show that 
 he did not give aid and comfort to the rebel- 
 lion. The question of "aid ynd comfort"' 
 '■an only arise in the case of those who did 
 not reside within the circumscribed limits of 
 the enemy's country, for all within it, and 
 submitting as citizens do generally, are them- 
 selves enemies, and we make their property 
 (whether right or wrong) the subject of cap- 
 ture, no matter what might have been their 
 'lisposition tow.nrd us. Some of those whose 
 
 property was condemned in the prize cases 
 were as loyal as any of the cotton claimants, 
 and yet it was of no avail. 
 
 We might as well in equity restore to u 
 foreign enemy property captured in war. on 
 his showing that he was of opinion that our 
 cause was a just one and that his own govern - 
 raent Avas in the wrong, as to restore thi.-r' 
 cotton, inasmuch as we put the Confederate 
 on the same footing as public enemies all 
 through the contest, and to discriminate in 
 iavor of the present claimants is not only 
 ab.surd but unjust, if the statute will fairly 
 bear any other construction. 1 was as mucli 
 opposed to the policy of making private prop- 
 erty on land subject of prize and capture in 
 the war as any ,onc, but it was done, and 
 there are thousands of those who suflered 
 from it, who have a far higher equity de- 
 manding indemnity than the plaintiffs in the 
 cotton cases, not one of whom, so far as J 
 know, ever did anything more than wish us 
 well, while in all other respects they behaved 
 just as the great mass of the souther)i peo- 
 ])le did. Their lo.yally to us could not be 
 im])uted to them as a crime by the rebels, a.-^ 
 they were careful not to manifest it by overt 
 acts. Nor can we, for the same reason, look 
 upon it as being very meritorious. 
 
 Of course you will direct appeals to be 
 taken to the Supreme Court. 
 Vours trulv. 
 
 h^DGAi;, CUW A.\. . 
 
 iiun. High MoCullocii, 
 
 Secrefai'i/ of the Treasury. 
 
 llcAU'/r.s CiiiEi' E.v'uiXEEi: of Di;Ft:.\c us. 
 Washixgtox, Apiil 2i. 186-5. 
 Hon. \-\. M. Stanton, 
 
 Secretary vj' War .- 
 
 Sir: 1 write this in behalf of an old 
 friend. Mr. Wylly Woodbridge, of Savannah, 
 Georgia. 
 
 .Mr. Woodbridge is one of the few south- 
 ern men of property, social position, and 
 political influence who has remained true- 
 to the Union, through good and through 
 evil report. 
 
 lie has a Son who has been in the Conlc<l- 
 crate army, who was wounded, and is now a 
 jirisoner at Point, Lookout, and he desires 
 j)ermission to visit him. 
 
 If not inconsistent with the regulations of 
 the Department, you will confer a favor on a 
 gentleman whose loyalty has been above sus- 
 picion, by granting him permission to %Tsit 
 his son. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 H. S. ALEXANDER, 
 Lieutenant Colonel A. D. C. 
 
21 
 
 [i'rom 
 
 • Hospital Life in the Army of the Poiomatf.'' by j [^^ their kindly attentions in a northern city, 
 ATilliamUowcll Reed, pagoior..] j wlieu tlie rawpork and hard-tack were re- 
 
 WOOODRIDGE, THE CIEORGIA SOI.- I ^'^''^^'^ ^-^ ^^'^ ""^-'^ delicious onuxurles." 
 DJEE. 
 
 ■■Among these ^;ick and wuiiuded uieu was j 
 one who had attracted my attention from his j 
 superior intelligence, his culture and refine- 
 ment, which were in niarked coutra.-5t to the 
 rcpulsivcness ol'his outer garl). His clothing 
 was torn and thread-bare — his pantaloons in 
 ribbons about his I'eet, his hat without a brim, 
 bis hair bleached and tangled, and from a 
 i'ccent fall on the march he was encased in 
 mud. Holding out his hand, which was 
 rovered with a stained and ragged handker- 
 '■hief, he addressed me and asked if I would 
 amputate his fingers, nhicli were badly man- 
 gled by a fragnifnt of a shell. 'i"he wound i 
 liad not been dressed since his musket had 
 buen shot from his hands nine days before, 
 nor had tlic stoel splinters been extrat-ted. 
 1 removed the clotted covering, aud found 
 his hand in a most offensive condition, so 
 utterly neglected had it been. The bones 
 were uninjured, and with proper care the 
 band might yet be saved. The woimd was 
 cleansed and dressed ^vith fresh lint and 
 bandages, and as 1 was about to pass to an- 
 other case he said: ' [ am faint for want of 
 food : can you get me some hard-tack V 
 One of the guard at his camp cheerfully 1 
 took from his haversack his ration of un- | 
 cooked pork and cut a liberal slice, which ho ! 
 gave me with some hard bread. J look it to 
 my rebel soldier, who ate ii. with an eager 
 appetite and a ihankfid smile, saying tliat if i 
 I knew what he had lived ujion since he | 
 started on the campaign, i would realize how 
 near starvation he was. Said he, ' 1 had a 
 pint of corn, and for nine days that was my 
 only food.' But looking back to a luxuri- 
 ous home, said he sadly. ' 1 have not been 
 ;ii ways thus reduced. My home is in Savan- 
 nah. I joined a ])attalion of young men in 
 1861, because T believed in tlie soiithern 
 i-ausc. For three years I fought and suffered, 
 a private soldier, until at last iny eyes were 
 opened to the rapacity nf the leaders in 
 llichmond. and i have been longing for the' 
 old flag again. There are but few of us left 
 now,' said he, • of those boj's who went out in 
 'tjl, and when they get the news of our last 
 battle there v.dll be mourning In Savannah, for 
 they were her choicest sons. But I thank 
 God the war is over." His father, a devoted 
 and consistant Union man, now the Collector 
 at Savannah, was at this tinie in ^\'ashing- 
 ton. I wrote IhaC Hoiry was a prisoner, 
 slightly v-'ounded. A few weeks after this 
 time they were united after this separation 
 of years, and I had afterward the satisfaction 
 oftaking them both bv the hand and recelv- 
 
 Savannah. Februuii/ T2. 1^08. 
 
 /fvar Fai/ier: 1 &m to-day in receipt of 
 your letter dateci 18th inst. We all are happ> 
 to know that you are well. To-day I have 
 made copies of three of your letters, written 
 lo my brothers after the war, which will aid 
 you in furthering your objects. I have also 
 written to Virginia for the letters 1 left in 
 chargt; of Miss Sehtbn. asking her to forward 
 them by exjiress. '.fhesc letters, if they arc 
 preserved, will be your strongest cards, a> 
 they contain your feelings and actions during 
 the war. 
 
 We have not drawn up the >-tatcn\ents you 
 requesteil, i'or we are afraid that they might 
 do us all. as young men. injury, and perhaps 
 might not do any good in Washington. Every 
 one here knows your avowed Unionism dur- 
 ing the war. All your letters tons in the 
 array show that you were not wnly uuwillinL: 
 to assist us, but that you did alljou could to 
 prejudice us against the leaders and the cause, 
 and in truth even went so far as to write me that 
 1 would be acting honorably if 1 deserted and 
 went on the side of the United States Govei'u - 
 ment. 1 must say that J Avas hurt and mortihtd 
 atsuch a request. Indeed, so nmcli was f afraid 
 if your letters were seen, thatl would bear- 
 rested on suspicion, that I dared not carry 
 them on my person, and hid them away. 
 They can now, 1 think, be brought to light, 
 and L will ju-oduce them, merely because ju — 
 lice has not been done you by those who I 
 know you have in your ]iower, if you desin/ 
 to use such power, i only wish that they had 
 let you alone, as it would have been pleas- 
 anter for iheni ii.s well as your sons. Do 
 you think that I can ridicule others, when I 
 was guilty of the same folly myself? Thi.-; 
 would not be just, and my feelings will not 
 allow me to do so. At the same time, I fe<-.l 
 that, there is no nnui living who would have 
 undergone the trials ami mortihcations th^ii 
 von had to submit to for the lovf^ of a Govern- 
 ment which has, as you now see, no respeci 
 for patriotism. There is a saying that '" vir- 
 tue has its rewards," but 1 mmst say that it 
 has signally failed in your case, and by your 
 determination to put so much confidence in 
 the Government, you have lost your friends,, 
 and your Government will not support you. 
 Do give up the hope of getting justice and 
 come home and be happy with us. You will 
 receive .no thanks for your endeavors, and 
 will bring nothing but unhappiness to j'our- 
 self. 
 
 Hoping that you will see that your son* 
 
22 
 
 will protect you, irrespective oi political 
 feelings, and that tliey all love yon, 
 I reman verv aflectionatcl.y, vour .^on. 
 
 HENRY H. WOODBRIDOE. 
 
 \VvM,Y Woni)|!I!lur;i:. !•'.>(■).. \V;i-llin'_'tnii. 
 
 .\i;\v \oi;iv, J'tbitiarj/ ]'■>. i.sO.s. 
 
 Wvi.I.V WooniiRTDf.'K, Esf.1., 
 
 At Willard's Bold, Washinr/tvu. IJ. C. 
 Pear Sir — I .scud you the originals of your 
 Icctersof the 24t]i and '^yili oi' November, 
 1st, 7th and L'Jth of December, IStiU, Uh and 
 ^jlbt January. 'Jth and I'Jth tf Februaiy, iJSth. 
 llHli and DUth April, and tlie 7th and'HJth of 
 May, J 801, all liaving bonw, bearing on llie 
 subject, and I hope ni:iy prtn'e serviceabh; 
 in accomplishing your object. I liave Ijeen 
 at. a loss to know what offici;il to go before 
 lo verify them, but have concluded that a 
 notary would be as propei' as any other: if 
 not. and you will return them lo mc, I will 
 execute the certificate before any other you 
 ntay suggest. 1 know that throughout all 
 tlie rebellion you were in sentiment and ac- 
 lion a true and loyal citizen. Thanking you 
 lor your good wishes, 
 
 I fim. verv truly, vuur,-:. 
 
 \V:\l. WiMTI.OCK. .Ik. 
 
 tioH, and I am noAv the victim of circum- 
 stances. 
 
 General Sherman, by sj)ecial ieLler, pro- 
 posed to save my pioperty, and to give me 
 the management of it. I had a right to be 
 ln;ppy, if .[ could be, amid the general de- 
 struction. By the neglect or greed of Treas - 
 ury agents my cotton was appropriated to the 
 Government. That (joverument had not a> 
 much right to it as any other Governmeiit 
 or person, because being my own Govern- 
 ment it had left mo without protection and 
 aid. For three yoius J Inive been engaged 
 in the most humiliating and useless struggle 
 to obtain that which was surreptitiously taken 
 from me, and to prove this, I submit the 
 papers to show you how easy it has been 
 for_ othei-s to obtain right-s denied to a 
 En ion man. 
 
 liy this action my enemies have been en 
 couraged to pei-secute nic, and, as my last 
 hope, J am forced to appeal to Congress. In 
 that body lam a stranger, with no particu- 
 lar support in my favor to induce thn mem 
 bers to take up a private claim. I beg thai 
 if you can do anything for me oflicially, yon 
 will not sufter me to fail in my attempts tu 
 maintain my position and standing among 
 all respectable and true men. 1 am, 
 
 V'eiy resp" tly and truly yours, 
 
 VyLLY WOOD?, RIDGE. 
 
 Wii.LAitn'.s Hoji:i,, 
 WAsniNGToN", March 2, i80b. 
 
 M^ JJeur iSir : You asked me some time 
 ago to remind you of my desire to have an 
 iinswer to my official letter, made so by Ihe 
 President's kind endorsement. Fear of in- 
 tiusion has prevented my doing so until now, 
 when necessity compels me to call your at- 
 tention to the same.' 
 
 During tlie rebelliuji, at \\:\-\ mucli per 
 sonal sacriiice in Savannah au'l Georgia.! 
 remained the open ojjponent of the tyranny 
 around mc, and a bright and shining light 
 of the United States Government. I did so 
 from a sense of duty. 
 
 After the occupancy of Savannah, and the 
 restoration of the United States authority, I 
 was universally praised by the masses, and- 
 acknowledged to be worthy of the sup- 
 port of the Government in the protection of 
 my person and property. _ No one attached 
 blame to mc. iMy enemies had lied, and 
 were absent from the city. Could I have 
 then foreseen events! would have continued 
 :i, quiet citizen, without claims to being a 
 Union man. 1 had nothing to regret politi- 
 cally in the past, and might liave done a pros- 
 })erou3 business. Oilice was forced upon 
 me contrary to my wishes, and I deemed it 
 my duty to accept, but soon re.signed for 
 my personal comfort; that gave dissati.sfac- 
 
 fluN. li. 
 
 April 
 
 I Sb«. 
 
 SAv.v.vs.\n, 
 WvLl.V WijUiiBIUDGK. Esq. : 
 
 Mr/ Dear Sir: In reply to ymir .sun'- in- 
 terrogatory concerning the resolutions. I beg 
 leave to note that! distinctly recollect the cir- 
 cumstances connected with their publication. 
 Tlie series of additional resolutions which 1 
 published in the " Itepublican," of Decern 
 ber 20th. and M-hicli were aftei-wards repub- 
 ished with the full account of tlie first meci- 
 ing lield at the Exchange, were handed to mc 
 by you, with a special request for their publi- 
 cation. You informed me at that time that 
 you had intended to offer them at the meet - 
 ing, but before you could introduce them 
 others were presented and unanimously 
 adopted. For this reason, as I understand 
 you, you did not press the reading of your 
 resolutions, but contentedyourself by liaving 
 them inserted with the report of the whole 
 proceedings. 
 
 Hoping you are in the full enjoyment ot 
 health, and that we shall soon have the pleas- 
 ure of greeting you in your native city, 
 1 remain, yours truly, 
 
 JOHN E. HAYES, 
 
 Edilor and Proprietor '■ nejmhUcan." 
 
RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 Wc have been fuvnishcd by a citizen with 
 iho following: liutriotic resolutions, which 
 u't've intended to be introduced at the late 
 citizens' mectinjr, bnt were not otTered be- 
 cause he was satisfied with those reported by 
 ilie committee and adopted by the meeting. 
 We see in these resolutions and those passed 
 i)y the recent meeting a briglit ray of hope tor 
 the speedy return of those rational and lil)- 
 eral ideas whicli ]H'rvaded the South ten years 
 ago. 
 
 The dawn of a new era, u gro,nd and glo- 
 rious one, is fast approaching, and we may 
 well begin to realize 1 he truth of Longfel- 
 low's lines, 
 
 •■ P.i;!iiml rvf ry il:irk olomt iliL-re ii n eilvtr liuiLig." 
 
 Our national horizon is ablaze with th(! 
 bright lights of victmry, and the faint-hearted 
 have reason to be elated by the brilliant se- 
 rit^s of successes that have ended the old 
 year and will usher in th'^ new year, permit- 
 ting the loyal of our land to enjoy a genuine 
 •• merry Christmas." 
 
 [n public meetinc, Savannah, December 
 '27, 18G1 : 
 
 Resolved, Ttiat rbe oitizf-ns of .Savannah consider this 
 the proper occasion to readirut ih« followiiij; piioti- 
 
 Tlie Government of the I'niteJ States was e>-'- 
 labUslie<l by tlio people as a natioir Tlie Constitution 
 denliires : "iVethe jjeoplsot" the United States, in orjler 
 (■) I'orin a more ])erVcct ruion, establi-ii justioo, ensure 
 rtomeslio tranquility, provide tor a coininon defence, pro- 
 moio the neueral welfare and secure the Meanings of 
 libmty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain an<i 
 establish this Constitution for tlie Uuit(:-d States of Amer- 
 ica." "Pliis Constitution and iho laws of the United 
 Stales which shall bo made in piirsusance thereof, and 
 all treaties made, or wliich shall be made under the au- 
 thority of the United States, bball be the s^uprenie Iihk 
 11/ the land, and the .judges in every State shall be bound 
 thereby, auythins in the Constitution or laws of any 
 Slate to the contrary notwith.-tanding. 
 
 ••The Senators and Repre-eutarivea before mentioned, 
 and the members of thi- s'-viTal State Legrislatures, anil 
 :iil executive and jtidicial ollicers. both of the United 
 Slates and of the several States, shall be bound by nath 
 01- ailirmatioH to support this Constitution, but no re- 
 ligious tost shall ever be required as a qualilicatiou to ^ 
 any office or public trust under the f'ldted Stales.' l 
 
 The American Government may be com- i 
 pared to the grand solar system of nature. 
 The sun is the center, giving light, life and 
 covernment to the revolving planets, keep- 
 ing each one in its proper orbit : Avhen one 
 jilanet goes out of its place it beconies in- 
 volved in ruin. So the States must, in ol»e- 
 dience to the common law, revohc ench in 
 Ik accusiomcd orl)it, or ruin and tlesolation 
 follow. 
 
 The election of Abraliam Lincoln to the 
 Presldencyof the United Statesin 18t;0' was 
 legal, and ought to have been submitted to 
 by all of the people of the Lniied'States. 
 
 Hesolced. That the sccn.ssion of Georgia, in conse- 
 (iuonce of the result of that election, ■was a hasty and 
 
 unwise act, brought about by ap;itatins politicians, and 
 longed upon many by a tin-cat of revolution. It wa9 ac- 
 cepted by eminent statesmen as a necessity to keep 
 ))Kaco in tho State. It was, we licjieve, an outrage and 
 a cheat upon a majority of the people of the State. ,1 1 
 deprived us of our national birthright as American 
 citizens; it has involved u-< in despotism ami general 
 ruin; it was national suici-i, and the canse of nil oi r 
 present evils and njisfortun>^.-. 
 
 In pursuance of the above declaration of 
 principles it follows that in our judgment 
 the secession or withdrawal of the State 
 from the Union is null and void; and liie 
 present organization of the State govern- 
 ment of (.leorgia is an usurpation ; that it is 
 the duty of the State to reneiv its allegiance 
 to the Government of the Ignited States, and 
 claim the i>rotection guaranteed by the Con- 
 stitution to maintain in each of the States 
 •• a repuljlican form of government." 
 
 That in order to facilitate the restoration 
 of Georgia to the Union, and the blessings of 
 the old tlag, we regard it as eminently proper 
 and right that tin! people of this State should 
 embrace the principles of the President's 
 Proclamation of Amnesiy and his plan for the 
 restoration of the Union ; and that for the 
 purpose of fulfilling the obligations of tin- 
 Constitution which guarantees to Georgia a 
 republican form of government, the Presi- 
 dent of the L-nited States should appoint some 
 officer to supplant the present usurping Gov- 
 ernor of Georgia, with authority to call a 
 convention of the people of the State for the 
 purpose of renewing their allegiance to the 
 United States, and restoring to the State all 
 its privileges in the Lnioii which have been 
 lost or held in abeyance by the usurping 
 power of the Confederate Government ami 
 the present State Government of Georgia. 
 
 Resolvrd, That we cannot refrain from expressinfr grati- 
 tude to General Sherman aiid the oflicers and soldierj 
 of his arit\y, fortlieir generous and magnanimous treat - 
 nient of the citizens of savannah since their entry into 
 the city; for the good order and general deportnieni 
 of the troops, which, we believe, can )i'^ justly said !■■ 
 compare favor.tbly with ihat of any ami v .d'such lar;:e 
 numbers. 
 
 API'KO 
 
 •U lATION BY THE TR KA ? 
 DEPARTMENT. 
 
 uin- 
 
 l-'.i'Tii .Si>ix;i.\K Ai:i;.N"t V of rni: 
 
 TuKAStrKT Due.VKTMUNT. 
 
 .■>.u ANX.vii, April 4. ]><>")■''. 
 
 Hon. Ulou McCuluoch, 
 
 Secretary/ of the Trcamirj/. 
 
 Sir — I have forwarded this d.iy all tho 
 cotton accounts for the month of -March, 
 and that of the last lot shipped this day. 
 completing the entire amount of cotton found 
 in .Savannah, being thirty-eight thousand 
 four hundred and four (08, 404) bales, to- 
 gether with all the old bagging and rope 
 
24 
 
 i-uttings, two Imiidred and eiglity-one{281) j 
 hales, and fourteen (14) bales of wool. 
 
 V'erv respectfully, your ob'rscrv't, 
 
 ALBERT G. BROWNE. 
 ■^iipcrvisiiig Speciol Agnif nf Tiv/tsu.-ir I>e- 
 
 prirf-nirnt. 
 
 (^t'AKTEK.M ASTUR G CNUIiAb' .S OfFICK, 
 
 Wasuingtox, D. C, J)cravhn- I'J, ]Sr,t;. 
 Hon. EnwtN M. Stanton, 
 
 Secretary of Wttr. 
 
 Sir — 1 have the honor to acknowledge the 
 receipt of your order of the 4th inst., to 
 lepon upon the letter ol' Wyliy Wood- 
 bridge, of .SavannoJi, Georgia, asking for 
 proof that there was taken from hi.s premi- 
 ses certain specified amounts of cotton, soon 
 after the capture of Savannah by the b'nited 
 States forces. On examination of the pa- 
 pers of Col. H. 0. liansoni, Quartermaster, 
 in the matter of cotton captured at Savan- 
 nah, it is found that on the l?-th of March, 
 iSG-j, Wylly W'oodbridge, Savannah, re- 
 ported that he had in Ihe stores of the Sa- 
 vannah Steam. Rice W\\\, at the foot of East 
 Broad street, on wharf lots Nos. '.) and 10, 
 lorty-three (43) bales of Sea island cotton, 
 marked W. W., of which numbers la4:5 were 
 square bales ; also, 74 bales of cotton, XJp- 
 hind, all of whicli were square cotton, mark- 
 o(l \V. W., Nop. ]a74. ' • 
 
 Col. Ransom, in his registration ol' ('laini- 
 (iuts of cotton captured at .Savannah, reports 
 :i.- follows: March 1:1,1805, Wylly Wood- 
 bridge marks W. W., No., quality, Sea Isl- 
 ands : M. 14, S. I., ^-I. Bales 4:V. Marks 
 W. W.,No. 74. quality Uplands, M. Inland 
 N ; Uplands 74. Bales 74. 
 
 In Col. Ransom's statement ol' cotton 
 .shipped from Savannah he reports as follows: 
 \V. Woodbrldge, March U), ISG-j, schooner 
 Marcus Hunter, AB 74 bales Upland. Noth- 
 ing is found as to the disposition of the 4'^> 
 bnlos Suii Island cotton. 
 
 Mr. Woodbridge having called in [)erson 
 states that the Sea Island cotton claimed by 
 iiim was shipped on the ship Bazaar, i have 
 caused further search to be made, and tally 
 books of her cargo to be examined and com- 
 pared with the receipts of the 'rrensuiy 
 Mgent, A. G. Browne, Esq. 
 
 I find that .52 bales (see list herewiili on 
 tnliy book No. 1*2) are noted nsnmrked W. AV. 
 Six numbers following en .svUe on the tally 
 books to bales AV- W., are not registered as 
 marked at all ; and it cannot be determined 
 Irom the record whether they are marked 
 W. "\V. or no. These B bales are doubtful, but 
 ibis hpok does" not specify whether the bales 
 
 marked W. W. contain Sea Island cotton m- 
 no. The receipt for the cargo of the shii. 
 Bazaar, signed by Albert G. Browne, Super- 
 vising Agent of the Treasury, embracos on 
 the second page, which records 788 Ijule.^ 
 Sea Island couon, the numbers noted on 
 the listhcrewilji as Sea Island cotton, Ina 
 records no initial marks. 
 
 It Avill be observed that Mr. Woodbridire' > 
 letter a^iid claim as registered, calls 1^)1^ 7-t 
 bales Upland and 4;5 bales Sea Island. Tlir 
 tally book of the Bazaar gives 52 bales mark 
 ed Vv'. W. hut do not .specify qu'alitv. Tlie 
 receipt of Agent, Browne for"the cargo of the 
 Bazaar gives credit to Col. Ransom for the 
 number noted, .and as Sea Island cotton, bin 
 does not record the letters with which the\ 
 were marked. 
 
 The weights of the hales correspond with 
 those of the same number on the tally books, 
 aiid I have no doubt that the bales 'marked 
 W- W. on the tally book were shipped on the 
 Bazaar, and were Sea Island cotton. 
 
 It remains to be proven, howevei', thai 
 these bales of cotton were the prL^perty of 
 ^Iv. Woodbridge. The number of bales 
 registered by the tally book of Sea Island, 
 and marked W. \V., is nine (9) bales greater 
 than he registered or claimed, and while Col- 
 Ransom's statement of cotton shipped from 
 Savannah, with names of claimants, gives 
 Mr- Woodbridge credit for 74 balesABUj,- 
 laiid shipped by the Marcus Hunter, in thi- 
 book I find no credit for Sea Island cotton 
 to Mr. Woodbridge. 
 
 Under the head of ••no claimants'' sixly- 
 three bales of Sea Island cotton are entered 
 in this book as shipped by the Bazaar. Tbf- 
 above is all the information 1 have been able 
 to obtain on the subjcctof Mr. Woodbridge'.- 
 letter, by a careful; examination of the pa- 
 pers and books in this othce relating 1,0 ihe 
 cotton captured at Savannah and turned 
 over to the Treasury agent by Col. Hansom. 
 A. Q. M. I am, very respectfully. 
 Vonr obedient servant. 
 
 M. C. MEIGS, 
 Qiiinicrniaxl/r Crrncml lirf. ^fajor Oi-nn-nl 
 r. S. A. 
 
 iroin the Sew York Evening I'ubi. 
 
 THE COTTON SAL 
 Fill/ J J iff nf Pricci: 
 
 The following 
 
 full list of prices ob- 
 
 tained ai the auction sale of .Savannah and 
 Sea Island cotton made this afternoon i)y 
 Simeon Draper, (briefly reported in our sec- 
 ond edition.) A part, of the cotton was 
 damaged. The sales weie made on the foun- 
 dation of gold at 14 G : 
 
9 
 
 O 
 
 Savannah Cotton. 
 
 -Middling fair, 71 bales at 44 ^.c. 
 
 Strict Middling, :]S0 bales at' 40c. 
 
 Strict low Middling, 574 bales at '<V,)l. 
 
 Good Ordinary, 100 bales at :l2ilc : 'JjO 
 bales at Z'Ac ; 399 bales at o'){c ; 100 bales 
 at35ic. 
 
 Ordinarj', 181 bales at oG^c. 
 
 Pickings, 06 bales at l"2Jc. 
 
 Pickings, 208 bales at ooc. 
 
 Sample cotton, 180 bales at 36^c. 
 Damaged Savannah Cotton. 
 
 Middling fair, 17 bales at 40:5c. 
 
 Strict Middling, 50 bales at 34c : 190 hales 
 at 331 e. 
 
 Strict low Middling, 391 bales at 30c. 
 
 Strict good Ordinarv, lOl bales at 28;;c : 
 o21 bales at 27ic. 
 
 Ordinar}', 98 bales at 23.] c. 
 
 Badly damaged, 2G1 bales at 20c. 
 
 Rags and Pickings, 1.000 small bu'^s at 
 23c. 
 
 Sea Islands Picking. 300 sniall bags at 
 22c. 
 
 Sound Sea Maud Cotton. 
 
 First quality, 142 bales at $1 l(i^ 
 
 Second quality, 100 bales at 94c ; 119 liales 
 at 92c. 
 
 Third quality, 100 bales at G7« ; 8-J biiies 
 at 35c. 
 
 Saw ginned, 39 bales at 5c. 
 Strained and seedy. 98 bales at 21c. 
 
 Rebaded Sea Island cotton, 110 ])iilr.. at 
 45J. 
 
 Mixed packed, 50 bales at 27.U'. 
 
 Damaged Sea Idan(l.'<. 
 
 V'lVht quality, 430 bales at 72c. 
 
 Second quality, 100 bales at 50.',e; 15i) bales 
 at 55^c ; 108 bales at54^c : 147 bales at 54.1c. 
 
 Third quality, 50 bales at 33.', c: 50 bales 
 at 30]c ;_ 59 bales at Ulc; 400 bales at 32c. 
 
 Saw ginned, 51 bales at 35c. 
 
 Strained and secd_y, C2 bales at 31. ]c. 
 
 Actual yaluc of cotton realized by the 
 United States Goyenunent from actual sales, 
 published in New York by Mr. Draj-ier. at 
 auction for gold. 
 74 bales Upland cotton, 35,752 
 
 lbs., at 44.1c. - - - ' . sl5,909 04 
 43 bales Sea Islands. 14.82:'. lb;., 
 
 at SI 1 (;.'.. - - - - 17,208 80 
 
 33,178 47 
 Gold at 14(3, as <tateil in .<alcs, 15,2ol 97 
 
 Proceeds. 
 
 - $48,440 (51 
 
 Had the cotton ijcen delivered to the owner 
 for his own management at private sale — as 
 ••Browne,'' supervising agent of the 'treasury. 
 
 advised the Department it ought to be, (see 
 his letter,) and Mr. Draper promised it v/ould 
 be, under General Shernnin"s letter, written 
 for his protection, 1 would have realized 10 
 or 25 per cent, more than the above proceeds. 
 As the aflair now stands, I have wail ed three 
 j'ears in trying to establish justice, and lost 
 three years interest, which the riovernment 
 has saved thereon. 
 Three years' interest at 7.30c. 
 
 per annum . . . . .slu.tjoS 48 
 
 The anidunl J ask for is .• 
 
 59,049 09 
 48.294 30 
 
 PJvriTIOX. 
 To the Honorable the Senate and the House 
 
 of Representatives of the United States of 
 
 America : 
 
 Your petitioner vesjiecli'ully represenis that 
 he is a native of the city of Savannah, Ga., 
 and always a resident thereof; that he is a 
 loyal citizen of the United States, and has 
 never given aid or comfort to their enemies ; 
 that l)eforo the Avar began he opj^osed seces- 
 sion ; that after the war commenced, and 
 during its continuance, he maintained his 
 loj-alty to the Government of the United 
 States, never having adhered to the rebel 
 government of Georgia or of the so-called 
 Confederate States, or by word or deed as- 
 sisting them. 
 
 In confirnuition of his statement touching 
 his loyalty ho respectfully refers to the testi- 
 mony herein hied with the papers of the 
 claim, and especially to the statements made 
 by Lieutenant General W. T. Sherman, and 
 Major General 0. U. Howard ; he also citcs^ 
 the letter of the honorable Secretary of the 
 Treasurj-, the request of the President of the 
 United States, theapprovabof the honorable 
 Senators Fessenden, Nye, Conkling, and 
 also of General Grant. 
 
 Y'our petitioner further represents that 
 when the city of Savannah was ca])tured by 
 the National army, under the coinmarid ol' 
 Major (iencral Sherman, ho v/as the owner 
 of forty-three (43) bales of Sea island cot- 
 ton, weighing 14,823 pounds, and marked 
 "W. W.," forty bales lieing round bales and 
 three scpiare bales. Said cotton was of su- 
 perior (puilify. and at the time of the appro- 
 priation by the military authorities of the 
 United States was stored in a warehouse oc- 
 cupied )jy the claimant: also at the .same 
 time and place, and by the same authority, 
 seventy- four (74) bales of Upland cotton, ol' 
 snjierior quality, weighing 35,752 ])ounds, 
 and belonging to the chiimant. marked •' W. 
 W.," and ail of the said cotton being in cfood 
 order and ("luiditiou. 
 
26 
 
 Tlie seizure, as aforesaid, was made on or 
 about tlie loth March, 18G5, and the appro- 
 priation of his cotton was not on account of 
 the army and navy, as he believes, but for 
 the Treasury Department, {vkh Albert G. 
 Browne's statement, page — ; also, Secre- 
 tary Fessenden" s letter of the 7th January, 
 180"), addressed to Albert G. Browne.) 
 
 Your petitioner declares that the said cot- 
 ton was purchased by him, not for the pur- 
 pose of sellino- on foreign account, nor for 
 running the blockade, nor for sale to the so- 
 called Confederate authorities. Init as invest- 
 ment to await the downfall of the rebellion 
 and the restoration of the lawful authority 
 of the United States. 
 
 Your petitioner respectfully calls the at- 
 tention of the honorable, the legislative 
 power of the Government to the fact that he 
 never abandoned his said cotton : that never 
 having violated any ol' the laws of Congress 
 he is entitled to the full protection of law in 
 respect of his rights of person and of prop- 
 erty ; that under the act of Congress, dated 
 
 March 12, ISCo, he is entitled to receive the 
 net pi-oceeds of the sale of his cotton. 
 
 The total net proceeds of which sale paid 
 into the United States Treasury are. accord.- 
 ing to his knowledge and belief. $48,294 30, 
 forty-eight thousand two hundred and ninety- 
 four 80-100 dollars. — I'ide stateiiient here- 
 with submitted. 
 
 The Honorable Secretary of the Treasury 
 declines to settle the claim of your petitioner, 
 on the ground of want of jurisdiction under 
 the above cited act of Congress, as construed 
 by the Attorney General in his opinion of 
 July Gth. I860. — 'Mde papers herewith, and 
 letter of the Secretary 'of the Treasury, dated 
 April 30, 18G7, to the President ; also same to 
 W. Woodl.)ridge, dated March 2, 18G6. 
 
 In conclusion, your petitioner respectfully 
 asks that, in consideration of the premises, 
 your honorable body will, according to the 
 "facts in the case, and upon principles of jus- 
 tice and equity, grant him relief, and he will 
 ever pray. 
 
 WYLLY WOODBRIDGE. 
 
f 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 013 701 543 2