CHARLESTON CO. SC
COURT RECORDS, Part 1
 

SC Secretary of State, Misc. Records (bonds, mortgages, bills of sale incl. slaves, manumissions, Powers of attorney, other misc. records)
   Index to v. PP-QQ, SS, UU, WW-XX 1771-1789 (FHL film 22,521)
      QQ-444: 3 Aug. 1784, Benjamin Moodie, admin. estate of George Duncan late of Charleston, decd, wine merchant, for 98 guineas, sell negro wench Phillis and her son Sancho to Hext. McCall. (FHL film 22,664)
      XX-250: 15 March 1788, Ebenezer Duncan, Susannah Port, gift for life of 3 slaves, remainder to her issue; in case of failure of issue, then to be divided equally between said Susannah Port and her brother and sister's children. (not found on pg.250 in Vol.WW, 1786-1789, on FHL film 22,666; Vol.XX not found on film; this from index) (MAD: See Georgetown)
      XX-536: 6 Sept. 1788, Patrick Duncan, James Spotswood, release of all claims, award of an umpire in arbitration between James Spotswood and James Duncan, that Patrick Duncan should pay a certain sum of money. (not found on pg.536 in Vol.WW, 1786-1789, on FHL film 22,666; Vol.XX not found on film; this from index)
      XX-585: James Duncan, 1788. (not found on pg.585 in Vol.WW, 1786-1789, on FHL film 22,666; Vol.XX not found on film; this from index)
   Index to v.A-Z 1777-1857 (FHL film 22,662; from index only unless film number given)
      B-537: 2 Jan. 1808, H.D. Duncan, treasurer's bond (MAD: see Barnwell Co. SC)
      C-52: 6 June 1813, Kirk Gillespie & Co. to Jno. Duncan, power of attorney
      C-53: 10 Feb. 1813, J. Gillespie to Jno. Duncan, power of attorney
      I-478: 25 Nov. 1836, Jos. G.W. Duncan, John T. O'Bannon, Jesse Rice and Joseph Nielson, bond for $2,000; Jos. G.W. Duncan appointed to the office of Escheator for the trustees for establishing the female academy of Barnwell; wit. Thos. S. Ransom. (FHL film 22,670)
      K-121: 17 Feb. 1838, Cornelius F. Tobin (1), Lucia C. Tobin formerly Lucia C. Duncan (2), and Joseph G.W. Duncan (3), all of Barnwell Dist. SC; Lucia is entitled to negro slaves as a gift from Willis J. Duncan her father, and other slaves as a part of her sister Mary C. Duncan's estate, and another negro a gift from Georgiana Bellinger wife of Joseph Bellinger now decd; all slaves to Joseph G.W. Duncan in trust; if Lucia dies with no living children, they go to Cornelius Tobin, otherwise he and the children share alike; if Cornelius Tobin dies leaving children, the children and Lucia share alike; if Joseph G.W. Duncan dies, a new trustee to be appointed. All signed. Wit. B.H. Brown, Joseph Nation. (FHL film 22,670)
      L-250: 22 Dec. 1840, Ithamer Duncan of Richland Dist. SC owe Joseph A. Black by bond $600; to secure payment, mortgage slaves Eliza, Flora, Bob, Tom, Jude and Peggy; wit. Wm. M. Purse. (FHL film 22,671)
      L-421: 5 Oct. 1841, Robert Duncan of Newberry Co. SC owe Martin Suber $985.75 by note due Jan. 1, 1844, with Leonard Suber and W.P. Suber my securities; in trust for securing payment, negro man Meanus about 24 or 25 years old; wit. Narcissa Adams, Elizabeth Adams. (FHL film 22,671)
      M-43: 6 Nov. 1840, Robert Duncan mortgage to Micajah Suber for two notes, $500 due 12 months and $471.66-2/3 due in two years, payable to Charles T. Connerly, Micajah Suber was his security; mortgage negro Jack between 10 and 11 years of age; wit. C.F. Connerly, Thomas Frean. (FHL film 22,671) (MAD: see Newberry Co. SC)
   Index to v. 3A-4Z 1791-1825 (FHL film 22,663 item 1; from index only unless film number given)
      3A-180: 7 July 1791, Patrick Duncan to Francis Bremar, bill of sale
      3E-60: 25 June 1793, Archibald Duncan, naturalized
      3F-348: 12 Nov. 1795, John Duncan bond to State Treas.
      3O-325: 26 Aug. 1800, John Duncan for $1000 payable in 3 payments in 60 days, 120 days and 6 months, notes drawn by John Duncan the younger in favor of Dennis McGowen who endorsed them to me, sell to John Duncan the younger, all goods, stock in trade, etc. in and to the store now kept by said Dennis McGowen on Champney's Wharf and all my right to same; if the notes aren't paid, I may enter the store and take merchandise. Wit. Jas. Nicholson, Charleston Jr. (sic) (FHL film 22,686)
      3Q/Z-372: 3 March 1801, Patrick Duncan, award of arbitration
      3Q/Z-469: 3 March 1801, Patrick Duncan to Christian Gradick, receipt
      3R-78: 30 Oct. 1808, John Duncan, cert. of naturalization
      3R-268: 1 March 1802, Joseph Duncan et al to State Treas., bond; Barnwell Dist. (FHL film 22,688, looked at, not copied)
      3R-568: 9 May 1803, John Duncan being duly sworn says his son John Duncan one of the partners of Duncan McEneny and Co. is not yet 21 years of age, he being born 10 July 1782; /s/ Daniel Huger Q.U., rec. 9 May 1803. (FHL film 22,688)
      3U-380: 24 Oct. 1805, Robert Duncan of Exuma, Bahama Islands, Esq., appoint Thomas Hunt, of City of Charleston, SC, Esq., attorney to settle my affairs in the United States of America; wit. Archelaus Barker, Abiel Crosby. (FHL film 22,689)
      3V-351: 5 Oct. 1805, John Duncan Jr. of City of Charleston appoint my father John Duncan of City of Charleston my attorney to collect money owing me by David Wyer master of the schooner "Eagle"; wit. James Duncan, Charleston. (FHL film 22,689)
      3Y-240: 31 July 1807, John Duncan of City of Charleston, for friendship and regard for Elizabeth Kenney and other considerations, give her negro wench Finah and future increase, free from control of any future husband but to descend to her heirs; wit. Samuel A. Ruddock, Charleston. (FHL film 22,690)
      4B-222: 29 June 1809, Patrick Duncan admin. of Alexander Ranton decd quit claim to Robert Brodie admin of Mary Petre decd, debts etc. (indexed as general release); wit. Wm. Logan, Jas. Nicholson, Charleston. (FHL film 22,691)
      4B-260: 26 Sept. 1794, Patrick Duncan, naturalized (FHL film 22,691; looked at, not copied)
      4C-593: 26 Aug. 1811, Alexander Duncan bond to John Marshall for $1,100 to pay $550 by 1 Jan. 1813; wit. Samuel D. Bettison, Charleston. (FHL film 22,692)
      4E-480: 9 June 1812, Patrick Duncan to Chan. Des Graves, assignment
      4E-603: (no date, book 1809-1814), John Duncan to James W. Gadsden et al, agreement
      4G-330: 19 April 1814, John Duncan to Fred Dalcho, bill of sale
      4O-143: 6 March 1817, John Duncan to Wm. Brown, time on note
      4O/Q-143: 16 Jan. 1817, Hansford D. Duncan et al bond to State Treas
      4R-42: 23 Feb. 1819, John Duncan to Broadfoot & McNeel, assignment
      4R-74: 16 April 1819, Patrick Duncan to John S. Richardson et al, conveyance
      4R-390: 10 Dec. 1819, John Duncan to Solomon Cohen, conveyance
      4U-310: 12 July 1821, Patrick Duncan to Wm. Drayton et al, power of attorney
      4W-486: 15 Nov. 1822, Benj. F. Dunkin, cert. of discharge
      4Y-210: 20 Nov. 1822, Samuel Duncan of City of Charleston to James Kean of same, $700, personal property incl. gilded framed prints, desk, furniture, checker boards, domnoes, book debts, painting of rooms, modification of the store, etc. (many pages of items, possibly a hotel); wit. James L.M. Mulland. (FHL film 22,698)
   Index to v. 5B-5Z 1825-184x (FHL film 22,663; pg.56 grantors, did not copy grantee index; from index only)
      5B-18: 8 May 1824, John Duncan to Sarah Egleston, Assignment
      5E-221: 1 Aug. 1827, Patrick Duncan to Patrick Noble, power of attorney
      5F/T?-219: 9 Feb. 1835, Benjn. F. Dunkin to Ann J. Howe, bond, satisfied
      5H-109: 2 Nov. 1827, Patrick Duncan to James Nicholson, power of attorney
      5H-218: 4 Nov. 1828, Patrick Duncan to C. Edmondston, power of attorney
      5H-247: 7 Feb. 1829, Patrick Duncan to William Johnston, receipt on acct
      5H-488: 26 Sept. 1829, Patrick Duncan to C. Edmindston & others, power of attorney
      5M-6: 16 May 1831, Benj. F. Dunkin to Anna R. Prentiss, assignment
      5M-155: 28 Feb. 1831, Patrick Duncan to A. Johnston & others, assignment of bond
      5Q-308: 13 June 1825, Patrick Duncan to Thos. Blackwood & others, power of atty
      5R-318: 2 Feb. 1829, Patrick Duncan In? Atty to J. Nicholson, bill of sale
      5U-114/5: 27 May 1837, Patrick Duncan to C. Edmindston, power of attorney
      5Y-190: 11 Jan. 1842, H.A. Duncan to William Laidler, Bill of sale
      5Y-372: 19 July 1842, Benj. F. Dunkin to C.K. Huger, deed of gift

SC Secretary of State, Misc. Records, ca 1817-1847 (bonds, mortgages, bills of sale incl. slaves, manumissions, Powers of attorney, other misc. records) (FHL film 22,704; from index on FHL film 22,663)
      No grantee index
      5U-114: 27 May 1837, Statement by Edward Willoby of Berwick Co., Borough and town of Berwick, attorney at law, that he was present on 27 May 1837 and saw Mary White late of Norham in Co. Palatine of Durham but now of -?- End? in said Co. Durham, widow and relict of James White late of Norham decd, and Jane Simpson late of Tweedmenth? in Parish of Tweedmenth? in Co. of Durham but now residing at Son? Ends, widow and relict of Stephen Simpson late of Baunamoor in Eglingham Parish, Co. Northumberland, decd, severally sign the power of attorney attached dated 27 May 1837, and that the names Mary White and Jane Simpson are in their handwriting, and that the names Wm. Willoby and Edward Willoby as witnesses are the handwriting of this deponent and of William Willoby of Berwick, attorney at law.
            5U-115/9: 27 May 1837, To all persons; that Patrick Duncan of John Street, Berkly Square, Co. Middlesex, Esq., Mary White late of Norham in Co. Palatine of Durham but now of Lone End in Co. of Durham, widow and relict of James White late of Norham decd, and Jane Simpson late of Tweedmouth in Parish of Tweedmouth in Co. Durham but now residing at Lone End, widow and relict of Stephen Simpson late of Barma Morr in Par. of Eglingham in Co. Northumberland decd; that James Nickolson of City of Charleston in State of SC in North America, Esq., brother of said Mary White and Jane Simpson, made his will: I, James Nicholson of City of Charleston, SC, will ... that my debts and funeral expenses be paid; that my real and personal estate be sold and my execs. give title to the purchasers; the interest and income on the money to my much esteemed and faithful friend Patrick Duncan for his life, and then the principal to my brother Robert and my sisters Elizabeth Mary and Jane and their respective heirs share and share alike, and if any of them die in my lifetime without lawful issue and without having disposed of his or their share of my estate, then their part goes to the survivors. Appoint my said brother and my friend Patrick Duncan and James Derbey and my cousin Thomas Robson of Columbia executors, 27 July 1829. That James Nickolson died 20 Sept. 1836 and the will on 28 Dec. 1836 was proved in the Ordinary Office, Charleston Dist., by James Jurey? one of the executors, and that Robert Nicholson and Elizabeth Nicholson the brother and sister of testator died in the lifetime of the testator; that under the will Patrick Duncan has become interested for his life in the rent, interest and annual produce in the real and personal estate of the testator; and Mary White and Jane Simpson are after the death of Patrick Duncan, entitled to the reversion. That Patrick Duncan, Mary White and Jane Simpson want to appoint Charles Edmondston of Charleston, merchant, as their attorney to make deeds, etc., and manage the estate. /s/ P. Duncan, Mary White, Jane Simpson; witnesses for Patrick Duncan were James McCauley, Joseph Marguete, clerks in the Consulate, U.State America, London. Witnesses for Mary White and Jane Simpson were Wm. Willoby, Atty at law, Berwick upon Gwcale?, Edwd. Willoby, Atty at Law, Berwick upon Twin?. Statement by Thomas Aspinwall, Consul of the USA at the Consulate in London, that he witnessed Patrick Duncan sign the document.
 

US Circuit Court, Dist. of SC, Minutes 1789-1849 & index to judgements, Circuit & Dist. Court, 1792-1874, Wash. DC, Natnl. Archives
      Index to judgements of Circuit & District Courts 1792-1874, by Defendant (FHL film 940,144)
            #11, US vs. John Duncan, 13 Nov. 1797, attorney T. Parker, Circuit Court Book A, Satisfied.
            #73, US vs. Archibald Duncan, 29 Aug. 1798, Atty. T. Parker, execution 29 Aug. 1798, District Court Book A, satisfied.
            #224, US vs. John Duncan, 7 July 1802, T. Parker atty, execution 17 July 1802, District Court Book A pg.138, satisfied.
            #253, US vs. John Duncan, 20 Sept. 1802, T. Parker atty, execution 21 Oct. 1802, District Court Book A, pg.168, satisfied.
            #115, US vs. John Duncan Junr, 5 July 1804, Thomas Parker atty, execution 21 July 1804, District Court Book A, pg.219, satisfied.
            (blank), David Taylor Junr. vs. Joseph Duncan, 14 Dec. 1810, Atty. L. Cheves, execution 22 Dec. 1810, District Court Book B, pg.8, satisfied.
            (blank), Bens?, Book & S. John? vs. Alexr. J.H. Duncan, 25 June 1827, attorney Bentham Dunkin, execution fi fa 25 June 1827, Circuit Court.
            (MAD: Could not find these cases in Minute Books for Circuit or District Courts)
      Circuit Court minute books (FHL film 940,143)
            Vol.1, 1790-1809 - no index
            Vol.2, 1821-1836 - no Duncan
      District Court minute books
            Vol.1, 1789-1806 - no index (FHL film 940,143)
            Vol.2, 1806-1814 - no Duncan (FHL film 940,144)
            Vol.3, 1833-1849 - faint; Dinkins on pg.18; no Duncan (FHL film 940,144)
 

Charleston Co. SC Court of Common Pleas Records
      Common pleas records, 1749-1769 - no index (FHL film 370,946)
      Common pleas records, 1767-1771 - no index (FHL film 370,947)

Charleston Co. SC Court of Equity, Bills of Complaints (1800-1863), indexes (1721-1868) Bills in order by year, then number.
   Bill index, v.1 by Complainant; 1800-1847 (FHL film 23,861)
      Dunkin, Benj. F., exparte Petition 1822 #25
      Duncan, exors of John vs. Ann Rose, Bills 1831 #33 (see below)
      Dunkin, Benjn. F. vs. E. Ravenal, Bills 1835 #35; Decrees 1835 #13
      Dunkin, Benjn. F. vs. H.W. Connor, Bills 1839 #33; Reports 1839 #73
      Dunkin, Benjn. F. vs. W.W. Wilbun, Bills 1840 #27; Reports 1840 #48
      Duncan, John, exparte Petition 1818 #31
      Dunkin, Benjamin F., exparte Petition 1840 #49; Reports 1840 #97
   Bill index, v.2 by Defendant; 1800-1847 (FHL film 23,861)
      Duncan, T.; Saml. Cook, Decrees 1825 #9
      Duncan, exors of John; S?. Hannahan, Bills 1830 #30; Reports 1830 #49, 1831 #54, 1833 #45; Decrees 1830 #13, 1829 #22
      Duncan, John; the heirs of Ann Hannahan, Decrees 1826 #35
      Dunkin, Benjm. F.; Thomas Herv?? & Saml. W. Gibbs, Bills 1835 #42
      Duncan, John; T. Hunt, Bills 1820 #28
      Duncan, Patrick; G. Keith, Bills 1822 #39; Reports 1822 #44, 1821 #51; Decrees 1821 #32
      Duncan, Patrick; T. McCormick, Bills 1819 #42
      Duncan, Patrick; A. Nesbitt, Bills 1836 #78
      Duncan, Patrick; E. Parker, Bills 1828 #54; Reports 1828 #92; Decrees 1828 #58
      Dunkin, B.F.; M.T. Rowland, Bills 1829 #70; Reports 1829 #123; Decrees 1829 #44
      Duncan, exor of John; Anne Rose, Bills 1833 #71
      Duncan, John; J.H. Sargent, Bills 1820 #60
      Duncan, Patrick; S. Theus, Bills 1819 #57; Decree 1819 #15
      Duncan, John; J. Williamson, Bills 1822 #77; Reports 1822 #85; Decrees 1822 #61
      Duncan, Patrick; C. Withers, Bills 1831 #86; Decrees 1831 #64, 1829 #64; Reports 1830 #116, 1829 #155
   Bill index v.3, Chancery Court Bills, Vol.2 - did not check
   Bill index v.4-5, 1721-1868 (FHL film 23,862) & after 1842 - did not check

Charleston Co. SC Court of Equity, Bills of Complaints (FHL film 23,738)
      1831, Bill #33. Henry C. Glover, exor of John Duncan, vs. Mrs. Ann Rose and her husband and Ann D. Rose a minor, Hon. J.J. Pringle their trustee.
      Complaint; that John Duncan's estate is insolvent but for some years immediately before he died he gave large sums to Mrs. Ann Rose; suit to recover money. He had been guardian of Samuel and Mary Hanahan, minors, and their estate is insolvent. James Bering then residing in PA was his confidential agent. The farms have been in possession of Mrs. Rose since 1824. Mrs. Rose's residence is at Doylestown, Bucks Co. PA. He conveyed a house, lot at Bull and Pitt Streets in Charleston to James Duncan and J.J. Pringle in trust for use of his said daughter and her child. Mr. Rose is in a state of mental derangement for some years past. John Duncan gave to Mrs. Rose to shelter his money and land fraudulently from his creditors. Mrs. Rose had silver plate in her house in a locked room, for which the key was found in John Duncan's possession. Filed 22 Feb. 1830.
      Answer, 29 Aug. 1831, of Ann Duncan Rose, infant under age 21, by her mother and guardian ad litem, Ann Rose; she is unacquainted with pecuniary transactions.
      Answer of Ann Rose, dated 25 July 1831; that her father about 1804 had an estate moderately estimated at $400,000 in real estate in Charleston, negro slaves, stock, bonds, notes, "choses in action" and he was entirely free of debt. About 6 May 1806 her father purchased a house, conveyed to John Julius Pringle and James Duncan in trust. Farm of about 250 acres in PA was purchased for her in 1824, and $5,000 paid by John Duncan. Legacy was left her (Ann Rose) by Mrs. Clancy. This defendant is his only child. She had some "plate" that John gave her at the time of her marriage in 1810 which she used in keeping house in New York soon after her marriage. After her separation from her husband ...
      (MAD: file does not give outcome of suit)
      MAD: Samuel Rose of NY mar. Miss Ann Duncan of Charleston on 5 Dec. 1810, from the City Gazette and Daily Advocate, pub. in Vol.35, pg.171, of "SC Historical Magazine"

Archives, Columbia, SC (from Juanita Breckenridge to Bobbie McDowell to MAD 7/1982)
      Citizenship U.S.A. (MAD: see Charleston Co. SC)
            Archabald Duncan, 25 June 1795, BK 3E, Pg 60
      Original Petition for Citizenship
            George Duncan, 1782-1784
      Citizenship
            Patrick Duncan, 26 Sept. 1794, BK 4B, Pg 260
 

"Cases decided in the Court of Claims of the United States at the December term 1867" by Charles C. Nott and Samuel H. Huntington; Vol.3, pgs.243 to 249 (call number KF125.C5 C55, California State Law Library 12/2003; MAD's extract)
      ARMSTRONG'S CASE. James Armstrong v. The United States; United States Court of Claims; 3 Ct. Cl. 243; December 1867, Term.
      [Syllabus] The claimant produces as evidence of loyalty a certificate signed by five United States prisoners whom he had harbored and aided to escape. It is countersigned by Rear-Admiral Dahlgren immediately after the evacuation. Twenty bales of his cotton were paid for two days before the evacuation, but purchased three weeks prior to that time. It was not in Charleston at the time of the capture. ... (MAD: more omitted here)
      Messrs. Cooley and Clarke, for claimant:
      The claimant is a citizen of Charleston, South Carolina, and his claim is similar to the other causes arising out of the capture of "the Charleston cotton;" except, that claimant's cotton was stored on his farm -- by water 12 miles, direct six miles from the city, and outside the fortifications. In March, 1865, in obedience to an official order which was published by the military authorities, "claimant went to the office of Captain Sturdivant and reported to him 54 bales of cotton at his place on Wandoo river; it was about 10 or 15 miles from the city." Captain Sturdivant instructed him to bring the cotton to the city. And such was his faith in the government, and that he, a Union man, would be protected and his cotton turned over to him at once on its arrival, that he procured a schooner at his own expense and brought the cotton to the wharf at Charleston, when Mitchell, a government official, took possession of it for the government.
      Ownership and amount of cotton taken. -- The claimant is a merchant and was dealing in the staple of the country, for himself and on commission, in the course of his business. In the two years before the evacuation he became the owner of the 54 bales of cotton which were taken by the United States authorities. (MAD: more omitted here)
      The record of the War Department shows as follows: "James Armstrong. March 25. No. 161. Fifty-four bales of cotton on Fordham farm, Wandoo river, six miles from the city. He has a recommendation from Union prisoners for having showed them kind attention in this city and Florence."
      The time of the purchase of the lot of 20 bales, although but about one month before the surrender of Charleston, is, we think, not even sufficient to raise a presumption against the bona fide character of the transaction. Charleston had been assaulted and bombarded for more than two years. It was not known to claimant, though he prayed for the event, that it would fall for months. He believed at any rate when it did fall that he would be protected. He had money, and in his own words "I wanted to invest it. That is why I bought the cotton. I did not buy it to screen rebel property; but I bought it bona fide -- in good faith." This makes clear from doubt or suspicion any question as to the entire good faith and ownership of this property for lawful and praiseworthy motives. (MAD: more omitted here)
      Hon. R. S. Hale, special counsel, for defendants:
      The claimant claims for 54 bales of cotton seized at Charleston in March, 1865. His loyalty and the seizure seem to be satisfactorily proven; and as to 34 bales of the cotton claimed, there seems to be no question as to his title. The remaining 20 bales claimed were bought by claimant of P. M. Doucin, 16th February, 1865. This was barely two days before the occupation of Charleston by the Union troops, when the city was already in effect in their hands, blockade running ended, and cotton in the hands of rebel owners valueless. (MAD: more omitted here)
      PECK, J., delivered the opinion of the court.
      James Armstrong, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, seeks to recover the net proceeds of 54 bales of cotton, which it is alleged and proved were taken from him by the agents of the United States, and converted into money which is now in the treasury of the United States.
      In regard to the attachment of this claimant to the federal Union, and his abstinence from favoring the rebellion we have the most satisfactory proof. He was for that vicinity pre-eminently loyal, and did not hesitate to avow, at all times and on all occasions, his desire for the success of the federal armies.
      The national flag was offered for sale at public auction, and he was the only person who had the courage to bid for it. He nourished and secreted Union prisoners; he aided in their escape; he was not only an out spoken Union man but he performed various deeds of kindness to Union men. Take him all in all, he was a model Union man in the city of Charleston, so pre-eminent in its treason.
      We abstract from his deposition the following passages:
      "I can state under oath that I was always loyal to the United States and opposed to the rebellion, and never did anything to aid the rebellion; I voluntarily went and furnished the Union prisoners at the jail, racetrack hospital, and the workhouse; I went to Captain Gayr for a pass for the purpose; he was the confederate provost marshal here; myself and my sons went; and I, in the night, often sent my servants with food, liquor, and other refreshments; I kept four Union prisoners in my house; Captain Boram of the ship Arcole, a man named Fitzgerald, another man, Webb, of Sherman's army, and another named Rich; there was also C. D. Duncan, who belonged to the steamer Diotching; I used to take them to my house; they were confined in the building on King street near Line; there were several parties up-stairs; I passed the guard and went up to see them; they remained here several days after the Union army came in; they voluntarily gave me a testimonial of my aid to them; it is signed by them; the paper marked exhibit E by the commissioner is that paper.
      "There was a vessel captured here and they were selling her effects. Among them were three flags, one an English flag, one a confederate flag, and one a United States flag; on starting the auction none would bid on the United States flag; he said they seemed to be unwilling to bid on that dirty rag; I was close by the door and said I would start the flag, and offered $10; there was another man behind who nudged him and he threw down the flag; I hollered to him that was not fair; he said he could not dwell on such a rag as that."
      The testimonial referred to as exhibit E is as follows: "Charleston, February 18, 1865. We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, recently paroled, take pleasure in hereby certifying to the unremitted kindness and attention shown us by Mr. James Armstrong, of Charleston, South Carolina, during our confinement in that city. He has shown himself to be a true Union man, and incurred not only the displeasure of rebel citizens but a great deal of danger, for his services tendered not only to United States prisoners in Charleston but in Florence, alleviating the sufferings of our men, and not without pecuniary sacrifice. We would request from the United States authorities that whatever property Mr. Armstrong may have may remain unmolested, and in gratitude would esteem it a favor if our authorities would remember his loyalty to our cause and his untiring services to us. We are, &c., Charles D. Duncan, Acting Ensign United States Navy. A. F. Rich, Acting Master's Mate United States Navy. W. H. Fitzgerald, Acting Master's Mate. Dwight Webb, First Lieut. Co. F, 32d Ohio Vol. Inf., 17th Army Corps. Theodore Boreham, Formerly Master Ship Arcole, of New York." [Indorsed.] "Charleston, June 14. Asks for a passage in the Massachusetts; which is approved, whenever the applicant is ready. J. T. Dahlgren, Rear-Admiral Commanding." (MAD: more not included here)
      Claimant is entitled to the net proceeds of 54 bales of cotton, which it is shown amount to the sum of $7,088 04, and we so order.
 

END

Return to the Charleston Co. SC Research File

Return to Index to Duncan Research Files in South Carolina

Return to The Genealogy Bug's Home Page