© Copyright 2000 James David Pearce
Norfolk Va
April 10th, 1890Hon. Green B. Raum
Comr. of PensionsSir:
I have the honor to return the papers & to make this report in the claim for pension #111,918, Isaac Pierce, late private Co C 2nd NC Infty & Co F 1st NC Infty, present P.O. address Coleraine, Bertie County, NC.
Basis of claim: fracture left leg.
This case was referred for Special Examination to determine whether the claimant received a fracture of left leg while in the service & in line "of duty." No record.
The usual notices were served on the claimant & all of his privileges fully made known to him. He requests ten days notice be given him as he desires to be present at the taking of testimony at Beaufort NC.
The claimant has a good reputation as to truth amongst his neighbors. They call him "Hard Times," & he is known better by that name than as Isaac Pierce.
John Butler (Dep C Page 11 this report) stands about "fair" as to truth. He is drunk all the time & was somewhat under the influence of liquor when I took his deposition.
Marcus Culipher (Dep B Page 9 this report) 'tis impossible to attain his credibility. He has no neighbors, and lives in a swampy canebrake section. I could find no one who knew how he made his living. The colored people will not go near where he lives, & the whites say, "Follow that path for a mile in the brake & you may find him & you may not." I mark him fair.
As nearly all claimant's witnesses have either been interviewed by Special Examiners or have written letters to the office & in every instance all state their knowledge was from hearsay, I only saw witnesses who had not been seen by Special Examiners & who had not written letters to the office.
I respectfully recommend the testimony as to origin be taken of Samuel H. Taylor & M. A. Marshall, Beaufort, Carteret Co. NC, & if possible Samuel Lorder should be found. Tis said he is running a water mill in Granville County NC, but the location I was unable to get. Sgt. Frank Blythe & Lieut. Wm. Craft should also be seen if they can be found.
I believe this case of doubtful merit. See claimant's statement as to looking at the dancers, Dep A, Page 8.
Very respectfully,
Grafter Robertson (?)
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