Voices of Emancipation: Letter of John L. Paine, Special Examiner
Winter 2005, Vol. 37, No. 4
Document 4
Letter of John L. Paine, Special Examiner, St. Louis, Mo., to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Nov. 19, 1897
Letter of John L. Paine, Special Examiner, St. Louis, Mo., to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C., Nov. 19, 1897
Source: Civil War Pension File of Henry Taylor, Co. K, 102nd U.S. Colored Infantry, Record Group 15, Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Source: Civil War Pension File of Henry Taylor, Co. K, 102nd U.S. Colored Infantry, Record Group 15, Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Ctf. 783880
Henry Taylor
K 102 U.S. Col. Vol. Inf.
St. Louis Mo. Nov. 19" 1897
Hon Comm'
Sir:
I have the honor to return papers in above cited case with report.
An original claim under the general law on account of injury to right knee. Supplemental allegations cover injury to heel of right as of same date.
The soldier was pensioned in 1892 under Act of June 27, 1890 on acct of injury of right knee & left side; dropped from the rolls in 1895 under the "Revision"
He again filed, June Act, May 1896. This claim appears to have been rejected in June of this year 1897.
The Atty informs me that he is about to renew the claim under Act of June by the filing of another Application
In my humble opinion the pensioner should not have been dropped from the roll in the first instance.
It may not become me to proffer up my own opinion in opposition to the findings of those Boards whose reports left no course for the Bureau but rejection. But, I do not understand the motives of these Boards, nor can I comprehend their Certificates.
The soldier has very marked enfeeblement of Senility. He is 66 years of age. He has been a familiar figure to me for six months; have seen him time and again hobbling with his cane and rag hook, and bag, doing the alleys and gutters for rags. He does not earn two dollars a week.
He came to the door, when I called, & he did not know my business, on a crutch.
His mouth is as crooked as letter Q or I—facial paralysis, and I do not believe that the cause of same has limited its symptoms & effects to face, or mouth, alone. The man is a cripple. That is certain. He suffers neuralgia pains from broken ribs—am certain of that.
I do not believe he could lift a 50 pound weight off of the ground. His habits and character are good—much above the average of his class.
In event of his renewing application under June Act. I earnestly suggest that sp. Instructions be issues to same Boards to make a report truly reflecting soldier's condition and disabilities of every character.
Concerning pending claim for injury of right knee, etc, I am of the belief that same is honest and meritorious, but likely to fail for want of proof.
of his original witnesses;
John H. Kearny. 11 B.J.-Continuous-since '66. He is a Carpenter; working somewhere abroad, his family could not tell me where, of good repute-White
Dr. Thomas G. Hawley. He is of one of the two St. Louis Boards; standing A No One; called at his house; was absent in the Country. He never treated knee, or heel; said disabilities are of permanent character: if origin shall be established, continuance of little consequence; concluded not to hold case to see Dr. Hawley. His previous affidavit should be accepted at par.
Alex Riley 14 B.J. Name not in City Directory: claimant does not know his whereabouts; did not take especial pains to find him (Continuous since 1875)
Same comments apply to Charles Neemer 12 B.J.
Christopher C. White—Comrade—origin—8 B.J. His name is not in City Directory; not known at the City Post Office; whereabouts not known to Claimant or any of the witnesses; his name is not on the Roster of any GAR Post in the city; not found.
John Willis. Comrade; origin; 8 B.J.
He is dead.
No comrade's name is borne on Roster of any G.A.R. Post of St. Louis.
I respectfully recommend further examination per list, "origin" alone being required. Let list be corrected and amended per latest records.
Claimant says "Andrew Vineyard" a tentmate. Have we his address? Also that Abner Bird was an Orderly Sergt. Have we his Address? Please read the bunch of Miscellaneous papers filed herewith.
Return to Voices of Emancipation