Title: Petition of Egbert Thompson, 11 July 1862
Date: July 11, 1862
Source Text: A microfilm reproduction of the original document held at the National Archives and Records Administration, Microcopy 520, Reel 6. The original document is held in the Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury, 1775–1978, National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 217.6.5. Within the National Archives' Archival Description Catalog, see ARC Identifier 4644616 / MLR Number A1 347 (http://arcweb.archives.gov).
Civil War Washington ID: cww.00618
TEI/XML: cww.00618.xml
near Fort Pillow Tennessee
Mississippi river May 22d 1862.
Washington City D. C.
The Petition and Schedule you forwarded for me to swear and sign before some magistrate, Notary Public, Clerk of a Court reached me this morning.
It is impossible for me to obtain permission to leave the important duty assigned my command to proceed several hundred miles to where I will find the loyal officials you name to execute the papers
I am hourly expecting to be called into more active service—I have therefore had a copy taken and executed them before the United States Naval officer in command of the United States Naval Forces on the Western Waters—I trust this letter may be all that is necessary for my attorney, or wife Emily. B. Thompson to execute the necessary papers in regard to the Emancipation Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia, approved April 16, 1862.
of
Lieut. Egbert Thompson, under the Act of Congress of April 16, 1862—generally known as the Emancipation Act with Exhibits marked A, B and C.
Petition
To the Commissioners under the Act of Congress, Approved, April 16, 1862, entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia."
The Petitioner, Egbert Thompson, a citizen of Washington, (now in command of the United States Gunboat "Pittsburgh" on the Mississippi river,) hereby represents, that he is loyal to the United States, and that at the time of the passage of the Act of Congress, "for the release of certain persons held to service of labor in the District of Columbia," Approved April 16, 1862, he held a claim to the service or labor for life of Betsy Greenfield, and her children, Louisa Alice and George Greenfield, and jointly with another, (whose interest under said Act of Congress has since passed to him,) the service or labor for life of Rachel Greenfield; all of whom are of African descent, and were freed and discharged from service or labor by the Act of Congress aforesaid.
The petitioner further represents, that said 
Betsy Greenfield is about thirty-five, or thirty-six years of age; of a yellow, or copper color, about five feet, five or six inches in height, and of full habits. Louisa Greenfield is about fourteen years of age; of a dark brown color, and of ordinary height. Has a blink right eye, the sight of which is bad, and usually a slow, shuffling gait. Alice Greenfield is about ten years of age; of a yellow or copper color; is well-grown; and very quick and active. She is left-handed. George Greenfield is about eight years of age; of a very dark complexion, nearly black; is of good size, well built; and has a pleasant expression. Rachel Greenfield is about six years of age; of a bright copper color; is well-grown for her age; and quick and intelligent. Is very bow-legged
The petitioner further represents, that he had and held the service or labor for life of the four persons first aforementioned and described, and the service or labor for life of Rachel Greenfield (as one half owner) in right of his wife Emily B. Thompson, formerly Mudd, who took and acquired the four persons first-named as legatee under the last will and testament of her Mother, which was admitted to probate in the Orphans' Court for the District of Columbia, in the month of August, 1861. (A Copy of said will is herewith presented, and marked, "Exhibit A")
He farther represents, that his said wife in whose right he claims, took and acquired the service or labor of said Rachel Greenfield as property as heir at-law of her Mother, late of the District of Columbia aforesaid, deceased, jointly with her brother J. H. Clay Mudd, the only other heir at-law.
The petitioner further represents, that the said J. H. Clay Mudd, entitled as aforesaid to the one-half of the service or labor for life of said Rachel Greenfield, by an assignment, under date of May 10, 1862, (which is herewith presented and marked Exhibit B) for a valuable consideration, assigned, transferred, and set over to him all his right, title, interest, and demand in such sum as may be allowed under the claim for compensation, in virtue of the Act of Congress aforesaid, because of the freedom and discharge of the said Rachel Greenfield, from service or labor as aforesaid.
The petitioner submits and requests, therefore, that in fixing and valuing the claim, arising by reason of the freedom from service or labor of said Rachel Greenfield, by the Act of Congress aforesaid, the whole amount will be his, and should be so apportioned.
The petitioner further represents, that the claim to the service or labor of said Betsy Greenfield, at the time of her discharge therefrom, was of the value of eight hundred dollars. ($800.) She is a first rate cook, 
a good washer and ironer, and generally useful as a servant. So great is her trustiness, that she had entire control of all family stores for years; and as the petitioner is informed and believes, twelve hundred dollars ($1200.) was several times offered for her, for private use, during the life of her former owner, within four or five years past.
The said Betsy Greenfield is stout, and generally healthy. She is subject, however, and has been, as your petitioner understands and believes, from an early age to severe attacks of sick, or nervous headache, which sometimes cause temporary "flightiness."
The petitioner further represents, that the said Louisa Greenfield, at the time of her discharge therefrom, was, for service or labor, of the value of four hundred ($400.) She is a fair nurse for children, and familiar with ordinary house-work.
The petitioner further represents, that at the time of their discharge therefrom, the said Alice, George, and Rachel Greenfield,—the two first named of whom are very handy and useful,—were of the value, as to service or labor, separately, as follows;—the first-named, of the value of four hundred dollars; ($400.) the second-named, of the same value as the first: ($400,) and the third, of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars. ($250.)
The petitioner further represents, that all of the afore-mentioned and described persons are free, so far as he knows, and as he believes, from mental, moral, 
and bodily defects, and infirmities, other than such as the description herein before given of each of them, under either head, may, or does embrace. He knows of no defect, or infirmity in either; nor is he informed of any, which should, or did impair the usefulness, or value of either.
The petitioner further represents, in this connexion, that the persons aforesaid were assessed, for the purposes of taxation, by the Corporation of Washington for the year 1861. (by some oversight they were not assessed for the year 1862.) as the personal property of Mrs. Mary Mudd, since deceased, at twenty-two hundred dollars, ($2,200.)—which was deemed below their value,—and taxes were paid in accordance with that assessment. ("See Exhibit marked C.")
The petitioner further represents, that he is a Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, and holds an important command, as before stated; and that, inasmuch as he is actively engaged in the work of putting-down the present rebellion, he deems it unnecessary to say, that he has given neither aid nor comfort to it; nor borne arms against the United States, his faith and allegiance to which are attested by his fidelity to his Commission, and to the National Flag.
The petitioner further represents, that none of the persons named in this Petition were, or have been brought into the District of Columbia since the 
passage of the Act of Congress aforesaid, Approved April 16, 1862, whereby they were freed and discharged; and that each and everyone of them were then, and long before, held to, and owed service or labor in said District, as hereinbefore stated.
The petitioner further represents, that his claim of compensation under the "Act of Congress, entitled An Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia," as the same is herein fully and specifically stated, did not, and does not originate in, or by virtue of any transfer, assignment, or sale of any person, who has in any manner aided, or sustained the present rebellion against the Government of the United States; nor did, or does any part, or portion of said claim so originate.
Wherefore the petitioner prays the Commissioners aforesaid, that the value and validity of his claim, as herein presented, may be investigated an determined, and, if found valid, that the appraisement and apportionment of its value may be reported to the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance with the provision of the Act of Congress aforesaid, approved April 16, 1862.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Twenty second day of May, A. D. 1862, near Fort Pillow in the state & county aforesaid
State of Tennessee
County of Tipton ss.
I Egbert Thompson, Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, now in command of the Gunboat Pittsburgh, on the Mississippi river, being duly sworn, on my oath do depose and say that of the several matters and things, which are set forth and stated in the foregoing petition, on my own knowledge, are true in substance and fact, and that all which are stated and set forth on the information of others, I believe to be true in substance and fact.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty second day of May A. D. 1862, near Fort Pillow in the State and county aforesaid
I, Mary Mudd, of the City of Washington, widow of Ignatius Mudd deceased, being of sound mind and memory, and knowing the uncertainty of life, do hereby make and publish this, my last and only Will and Testament:
I give, devise, and bequeath to my daughter Emily B. Thompson, wife of Lieut. Egbert Thompson, of the U. S. Navy, all my estate and property of every kind and description,—including my house and lot on Maryland Avenue in said City of Washington; my servant woman Betsy and her three children, Louisa, Alice, and George, all slaves for life; my silverware and furniture and household effects, and all money due or owing to me,—to her and her heirs forever.
It is my wish, as my son J. H. Clay Mudd is a non-resident, and my son-in-law aforesaid is likely to be, as he now is, on official duty, that Stanislaus Murray Esq. of the city aforesaid, should act as executor, and I do hereby nominate and appoint him as such, of this my last Will and Testament. And, to give him as little trouble as possible it is my wish and request, that no security may be demanded of him, and that all inventories and appraisments and other forms not indispensable in the settlement of my estate may be dispensed with.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature, this third day of April, in the year one thousand, eight hundred and fifty-six, at the city aforesaid
Mary Mudd
Signed and acknowledged in the presence of
J. H. Clay Mudd
C. H. Keller
Henrietta C. Keller
Mary J. Jamison
I execute and publish this codicil to my last will and testament that Egbert Thompson, my son-in-law shall be my sole executor, without security.
Witness my hand and seal this thirteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty one
Mary Mudd seal
Witnessed by
Henrietta C. Keller
J. H. Everett
Alexis Mudd
Washington County to wit
Orphans Court August 26 1861
This day appeared J. H. Clay Mudd and Henrietta C. Keller two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will & testament of Mary Mudd, late of Washington County aforesaid deceased, & severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, that they did see the Testatrix therein named, sign this will, that she published pronounced & declared the same to be her last will & testament that at the time of so doing she was, to the best of their apprehensions of sound & disposing mind, memory & understanding; & that they together with C. H. Keller & Mary J. Jamison the other subscribing witnesses respectively subscribed their names as witnesses, to this will; in the presence & at the request of the Testatrix & in the presence of each other.
Washington County to wit Orphans Court August 31, 1861
This day appeared C. H. Keller one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will & testament of Mary Mudd, late of Washington County aforesaid deceased 
& made oath in the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that he did see the Testatrix therein named sign this will, that she published pronounced & declared the same to be her last will & testament, that at the time of so doing she was to the best of his apprehension of sound & disposing mind, memory & understanding; & that he together with J. H. Clay Mudd, Henrietta C. Keller & Mary J. Jamison, the other subscribing witnesses respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the presence & at the request of the Testatrix, & in the presence of each other
Washington County to wit;
I certify that the aforegoing is a true copy from the original filed and recorded in the office of the Register of Wills for Washington County aforesaid
Witness my hand and seal of office this 22nd day of April in the year 1862
Moses Kelly
Register of Wills
to
Egbert Thompson
Know all men by these presents, that I, J. H. Clay Mudd, of the City of Washington and District of Columbia, for and in consideration of one hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid by Egbert Thompson, Lieutenant in the United States Navy, of the city aforesaid, hereby assign, transfer, and set over to him, for his own proper use and benefit, whatever sum may be allowed by the Commissioners of the United States, under a claim for compensation arising under and by virtue of the Act of Congress of April Sixteen, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-two, entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia," whereby a certain person held by said Egbert Thompson and myself in joint ownership was freed and discharged from the service or labor which she owed to us as aforesaid, for life; and all my right, title, interest, and demand in, and to the claim aforesaid, and I hereby give and grant to said Egbert Thompson full power and authority irrevocable, in his own name, or as assignee hereunder, to petition for and receive the same, and upon receipt thereof to discharge my one-half interest in said claim as fully as his own, and acquit the United States of America thereof, in "full and complete compensation."
The girl aforesaid is named Rachel Greenfield; of African descent; of a 
bright copper color; well-grown for age, which is six years; quick and intelligent; and free from mental and moral defects, and from bodily, also, except that she is bow-legged. She has not been brought into the District of Columbia since the passage of the Act of Congress aforesaid, but was at the time held to service or labor therein for life as aforesaid, by said Egbert Thompson and myself. The said Egbert Thompson held his claim to the service or labor of said Rachel Greenfield in right of his wife Emily B. Thompson, formerly Mudd, and I held my claim as aforesaid as an heir at law of my Mother, Mary Mudd, late of the city aforesaid, to whom said Rachel Greenfield was held as aforesaid from her birth, (her mother being of African descent and a slave,); and my said Sister inherited said Rachel Greenfield jointly with me.
And, I, hereby covenant with said Egbert Thompson, that my one-half interest in the claim for compensation aforesaid has not been voided by reason of my having borne arms against the United States during the present rebellion, or by giving aid and comfort in any way thereto; and I hereby declare that I am now, and have been always, true and faithful in allegiance to the Government of the United States.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand seal, this tenth day of May, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-two.
J. H. Clay Mudd, S.S.
Henry A. Clark
Thos. T. Everett
Count of Washington ss.
Personally appeared, on this twelvth day of May, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty two, before me, a Notary Public in and for the District and County aforesaid, J. H. Clay Mudd, who is personally known to me as the person who executed the foregoing instrument, and being duly sworn, on his oath says, that he executed the same freely and voluntarily for the purposes therein mentioned.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year before written.
John S Hollingshead
Notary Public
To Washington Corporation, Dr.
| $ 26.06 |
| 5 21 |
| $ 20.85 |
| Square. | Lot. | Value of Lot. | Improvements. | Personal. | Deduct per cent |
| 299 | of 13 | 711 | 2000 | 300 | |
| 2200 | (s * ) | ||||
Wm Dixon Collector.
SOLD BY
Jas. B. Smith & Co.
No. 610 Chesnut Street,
Philadelphia.
Petition.
To the Commissioners under the Act of Congress, Approved April 16, 1862, entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia."
The Petitioner, Egbert Thompson, a citizen of Washington, (now in command of the United States Gunboat Pittsburg, on the Mississippi river,) hereby represents, that he is loyal to the United States, and that at the time of the passage of the Act of Congress, "for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia," Approved April 16, 1862, he held a claim to the service or labor for life of Betsy Greenfield, and her children, Louisa, Alice, and George Greenfield; and jointly with another (, whose interest under said Act of Congress has since passed to him,) the service or labor for life of Rachel Greenfield, all of whom are of African descent and were freed and discharged from service or labor by the Act of Congress aforesaid.
The petitioner further represents, 
that said Betsy Greenfield is about thirty-five or thirty-six years of age; of a yellow, or copper color; about five feet, five or six inches in height, and of full habit. Louisa Greenfield is about fourteen years of age; of a dark brown color, and of ordinary height. Has a blink right eye, the sight of which is bad, and, usually, a slow, shuffling gait. Alice Greenfield is about ten years of age; of a yellow, or copper color; is well-grown, and very quick and active. She is left handed. George Greenfield is about eight years of age; of a very dark complexion, nearly black; is of good size, well-built, and has a pleasant expression. Rachel Greenfield is about six years of age; of a bright copper color; is well-grown for her age, and quick and intelligent. Is very bow-legged.
The petitioner further represents, that he had and held the service or labor for life of the four persons first aforementioned and described; and the service or labor for life of Rachel Greenfield, (as one half-owner) in right of his wife, Emily B. Thompson, formerly Mudd, who took and acquired the four persons first named as legatee under the last will and testament of her Mother, which was admitted to probate in the Orphans' Court for the District of Columbia, in the month of August, 1861. (A Copy of said will is herewith presented, and marked, "Exhibit A.")
SOLD BY
Jas. B. Smith & Co.
No. 610 Chesnut Street,
Philadelphia.
He further represents, that his said wife in whose right he claims, took and acquired the service or labor of said Rachel Greenfield as property, as heir-at-law of her said Mother, late of the District of Columbia aforesaid, deceased, jointly with her brother J. H. Clay Mudd, the only other heir-at-law.
The petitioner further represents, that the said J. H. Clay Mudd, entitled as aforesaid to the one-half of the service or labor for life of said Rachel Greenfield, by our assignment, under date of May 10, 1862, (which is herewith presented and marked, "Exhibit B.") for a valuable consideration, assigned, transferred, and set over to him all his right, title, interest, and demand in such sum as may be allowed under the claim for compensation, in virtue of the Act of Congress aforesaid, because of the freedom and discharge of the said Rachel Greenfield from service or labor as aforesaid.
The petitioner submits and requests, therefore, that in fixing and valuing the claim, arising by reason of the freedom from service or labor of said Rachel Greenfield, by the Act of Congress aforesaid, the whole amount will be his, and should be so apportioned.
The petitioner further represents, that the claim to the service or labor of said Betsy Greenfield, at the time of 
her discharge therefrom, was of the value of eight hundred dollars. ($800.) She is a first rate cook; a good washer and ironer, and generally useful as a servant. So great is her trustiness, that she had entire control of all family stores for years; and, as the petitioner is informed and believes, twelve hundred dollars ($1,200.) was several times offered for her, for private use, during the life of her former owner, within four or five years past.
The said Betsy Greenfield is stout, and generally healthy. She is subject, however, and has been, as your petitioner has understood, and believes, from an early age, to severe attacks of sick, or nervous headache which sometimes cause temporary "flightiness."
The petitioner further represent, that the said Louisa Greenfield, at the time of her discharge therefrom, was, for service or labor, of the value of four hundred ($400.) She is a fair nurse for children, and familiar with ordinary housework.
The petitioner further represents, that at the time of their discharge therefrom, the said Alice, George, and Rachel Greenfield,—the two first named of whom are very handy and useful,—were of the value, as to service or labor, separately, as follows; the first named, of the value 
SOLD BY
Jas. B. Smith & Co.
No. 610 Chesnut Street,
Philadelphia.
of four hundred dollars; ($400.) the second-named, of the same value as the first; ($400.) and the third, of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars. ($250.)
The petitioner further represents, that all of the aforementioned and described persons are free, so far as he knows, and as he believes, from mental, moral, and bodily defects and infirmities, other than such as the description hereinbefore given of each of them, under either head, may, or does embrace. He knows of no defect, or infirmity in either, nor is he informed of any, which should, or did impair the usefulness, or value of either.
The petitioner further represents, in this connexion, that the persons aforesaid were assessed, for the purposes of taxation, by the Corporation of Washington for the year 1861, (, by some oversight they were not assessed for the year 1862,) as the personal property of Mrs. Mary Mudd, since deceased, at twenty-two hundred dollars, ($2,200.)—which was deemed below their value,—and taxes were paid in accordance with that assessment. (See, "Exhibit, marked C."
The petitioner further represents, that he is a Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, and holds an important command, as before stated; and that, inasmuch as he is actively engaged in the work of putting down the present 
rebellion, he deems it unnecessary to say that he has given neither aid, nor comfort to it; nor borne arms against the United States, his faith and allegiance to which are attested by his fidelity to his Commission, and to the National Flag.
The petitioner further represents, that none of the persons named in this Petition were, or have been brought into the District of Columbia since the passage of the Act of Congress aforesaid, Approved April 16, 1862, whereby they were freed and discharged; and that each and every one of them was then, and long before, held to, and owed service, or labor in said District, as hereinbefore stated.
The petitioner further represents, that his claim of compensation under the Act of Congress, entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service, or labor in the District of Columbia," as the same is herein fully and specifically stated, did not, and does not, originate in, or by virtue of any transfer, assignment, or sale of any person, who has in any manner aided, or sustained the present rebellion against the Government of the United States; nor did, or does any part, or portion of said claim so originate.
Wherefore the petitioner prays the Commissioners aforesaid, that the value and validity of his claim, as 
SOLD BY
Jas. B. Smith & Co.
No. 610 Chesnut Street,
Philadelphia.
herein presented, may be investigated and determined, and, if found valid, that the appraisement and apportionment of its value may be reported to the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance with the provision of the Act of Congress aforesaid, approved April 16, 1862.
County of Alexander ss.
I Egbert Thompson, Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, now in command of the Gunboat Pittsburg, on the Mississippi river, being duly sworn, on my oath do depose and say, that all of the several matters and things which are set forth and stated in the foregoing petition, on my own knowledge, are true in substance and fact; and that all which are stated and set forth on the information 
of others, I believe to be true in substance and fact.
Sworn to an subscribed before me this 5th day of July A. D. 1862, at the City Cairo in the state and county aforesaid. I further certify that I am authorized to administer oaths take acknowledgment of [illegible] and other instruments of writing
Witness my hand and seal of office this 5th day of July AD 1862
John Q Harman
Clerk County Court in and for the County of Alexander and State of Illinois
of
Lieut Egbert Thompson, under the Act of Congress of April 16, 1862, generally known as the Emancipation Act, with Exhibits marked, A, B, and C.
