GDG- RE: Civilians after the Battle

[Smith, David [USA]]

Dennis--
 
Claims conceivably could be paid for Gettysburg as well as Stuart's raid in 1862 and Early's troops (McCausland, et. al.) in 1864, or any other damage (like a raid) that happened in the war years.  
 
In the press at the time they were generally referred to as "Border Claims."
 
My understanding of the earliest claims is the opposite of what has been described.  (And I am speaking off of the top of my head, like the others, I don't have anything in front of me) - if you could prove that the damage was done by FEDERAL troops (fence rails burned, food seized, etc.) then you could be compensated.  Later it was expanded to all damage I believe -  the limitation looked mean-spirited and I think ultimately it was broadedened to all damages (particularly after the Confederates no longer existed).
 
I think Abraham Brien received more than $15 - some of his claim is discussed in the historic marker on the field at his house and barn.  But I think the vast majority of claims did not start being paid until 1870 and extended through the 1870s.
 
The claims took a long time because they got held up in border politics.  Pennsylvania was bitterly divided and the border areas especially so. There was some resentment of perceived Copperheadism in the south-central counties - particularly Franklin.  And with Pennsylvania being in political play, and Pennsylvania having a reputation as a "maker of Presidents," Republicans wanted to punish those who voted Democrats as well as show that they controlled the purse strings and rewards.  Republicans argued that they didn't want money coming out of the Treasury to reimburse people who weren't "loyal" - who were shirking the draft, or criticizing the war, or helping the enemy, etc.  This turned in to examining committees and forcing people to prove their loyalty.  Ultimately, it was smoothed out through some political compromise I no longer remember.
 
One civilian, an African American I believe (John Hopkins wife) put in a claim for her livestock as well as the value of the potatoes in the ground - and she got compensation.

Peter Vermilyea, who sometimes posts here, and others are real experts on the claims.
 
David G. Smith
 
----- Original Message -----
From: dwmadison at comcast.net
To: gettysburg at arthes.com
Sent: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 07:19:05 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: GDG- Civilians after the battle

Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:


Were the civilians of Gettysburg able to make claims to the government to pay for the damages done to their land as a result of the battle?  If they were rewaded for the damage how long did it take to receive it?

Dennis in Richmond