Lafayette County FlArchives Military Records.....POLK, James Henderson 1888 Civilwar - Pension Georgia ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jimmy R. Polk Nascar3Fan@aol.com May 6, 2007, 10:27 am Pension Application A06036 FLORIDA CONFEDERATE PENSION APPLICATION FILES Surname: POLK Given names: John Henderson Service Unit: Georgia Reference: Wife’s name: Application County & Year: Lafayette Co 1888 Page 001 A6036 Page 002 SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM UNDER THE ACT OF 1909 (FORM A.) STATE OF FLORIDA County of LaFayette On this 28th day of July, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, John H. Polk, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 64 years of age, having been born on the 30th day of July, 1845, in the county of Lowndes, in the State of Georgia. That he is a bona fide citizen of the county of LaFayette, State of Florida. That he has resided in the State of Florida continuously since the …. day of December, 1862, or first part of Jan. 1863. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Sullivan’s Island, S.C. under the name of John H. Polk, on the .. day of February, 1864, in Company B, Regiment 18th Georgia Batallion (sic) in the service of the Confederate States. (Here state whether the service claimed was in the Confederate States Army or in the service of a State.) and who was parolled (sic) at Fort McHenry, Md. in the State of Maryland on the …. .day of June, 1865, on account of being wounded and captured in April before-on the 6th day-(Here state fully any other military service rendered by the applicant.) I drove beef for the Confederate Army from Sept. 1863 until January 1864. (Here give date and place of capture, imprisonment, exchange or parole.) Wounded April 6th, 1865, at Sailor’s Creek, Va. and Captured, Imprisoned at Ft. McHenry and paroled there. That I served faithfully until HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the service of the Confederate States in the year 1865, and did not desert the service of the Confederate States nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States until after the surrender of the Confederate Armies. (Here state whereabouts at close of Civil War.) That I was (sic) Fort McHenry, Md., at the close of the war. Page 003 That I do not own property, including real estate, personal property, stocks, bonds, mortgages or other collateral securities of any kind in this or any other State, nor does my wife own with me jointly or separately, property to exceed in value the sum of five thousand dollars. That the following is a true and correct statement of all the property owned by me or by my wife, jointly and separately in this or any other State: Real estate, located near Mayo, Fla. 358 acres…………………$1500.00 Cattle, horses and other live stock………………………………………………$350.00 Personal property………………………………………………………………………………………………$50.00 Stocks……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$…….. Bonds………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$……. Mortgages, notes and other securities…………………………………………$500.00 Total………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$2400.00 That I have heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under pension certificate No. 4169, at the rate of $120.00 per annum. (Here state any disabilities, physical or mental.) Comparative loss of use of right arm. (Here state any wounds received, or loss of limbs and eyesight.) Wounded in elbow of right arm, resulting in almost total loss of use. That my postoffice address is Mayo, County of LaFayette, State of Florida. John H. Polk (Claimant must sign name in full.) Attest: (1) Jno. F. Clark (2) C. H. Land Sworn and subscribed before me, this 28th day of July, A.D. 1909, and I hereby certify that the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. John M. Gornto Notary Pubic, State of Florida My Commission expires December 12, 1911 Notary Public seal affixed Page 004 (FORM B.) STATE OF FLORIDA County of LaFayette We, the undersigned citizens of LaFayette County, State of Florida, do hereby certify that we personally know John H. Polk, who is an applicant for a pension under the laws of Florida, and that from our own personal knowledge, and from the best information available, we believe that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed in value the sum of $5,000, and that the statements made by him relative to the value of his property are true and correct. (To be signed by two citizens.) Jno. F. Clark C. H. Land Sworn and subscribed before me, this 28th day of July, 1909. John M. Gornto, Notary Public, State of Florida My Commission expires December 12, 1911 (FORM C.) PHYSICIAN’S AFFIDAVIT STATE OF FLORIDA County of LaFayette Before me personally came ………………………………. , who being duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a physician; that he is a resident of the State and County aforesaid; that he personally knows John H. Polk the applicant named in the foregoing application for a pension. This deponent further says that he has carefully examined the said applicant’s physical condition and finds: (Here state nature, character and extent of wounds, disease or disability. Please avoid technical terms.) That he has scar on right elbow from some wound, apparently gunshot wound, which has resulted in the elbow joint becoming fixed (stiff) and two inches of the ulnar bone has been removed and the entire arm is emaciated, shrunken and useless. This deponent further says that the said John H. Polk is permanently disabled by reason of such wound from earning a livelihood for himself by manual labor. (Please note carefully resolution below before certifying to total disability.) R. L. Goodbred, Physician Sworn and subscribed before me, this 28th day of July, A. D. 1909. John M. Gornto, Notary Public, State of Florida My Commission expires December 12, 1911 At a meeting of the State Board of Pensions held July 10th, 1907, at which the Governor, Comptroller and Treasurer were present, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved: That persons entitled to Pensions under the Laws of Florida, who apply for the amount allowed in cases of total disability, must submit the affidavit of a reputable physician stating specifically the personal ailment and conditions that render the applicant entirely helpless and incapacitated, physically or mentally, for any work or business. Page 005 REPORT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Lafayette, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of John H. Polk for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed the value of $5,000, and that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this 2nd day of Aug., A. D. 1909. (1) T. R. Land, Chairman (2) E. J. Butler (3) J. D. Sistrunk (4) John W. Day (5) L. M. Webb, County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: L. E. Bryan, Clerk Circuit Court NOTE—All blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. Pension No. 6036 Act of 1913 Former Claim N. 4169 Application No. 13774 Pensioner No. 1324 CLAIM FOR PENSION By John H. Polk Of Mayo, Postoffice LaFayette County Late of B Company 18 Ga Bat Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT Aug 7 1909 APPROVED Aug 27 1909 With pay from Jul 1 1909 At the rate of $120 per annum ………………………….. Secretary of Board FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE ……………………. 19…… Page 006 APPLICATION FOR PENSION UNDER LAWS OF FLORIDA (FORM A) FOR USE OF APPLICANT FOR PENSION I, John H. Polk, do hereby make application to the State Board of Pensions, for a pension to be granted to me under the act of 1907, Chapter 5600 of the Laws of the State of Florida, upon the following grounds: I enlisted and served in the Military service of Confederate States, from this State, during the war between the States of the United States, and that I did not desert the Confederate or State service; that I was a bona fide citizen of this State for ten years prior to the date of this application and have been continuously since a citizen of the State of Florida, and that I (Here state fully the disability under which the applicant claims a pension, whether he lost in service a limb or limbs, eye or eyes, or whether he is permanently disabled by reason of wounds received in service, or disease, to gain a livelihood by manual labor, or whether he is over 60 years of age and is by reason of age incapable of providing a living for himself.) While in service, at the battle of Sailor’s Creek, on 6th day of April, 1865, was shot in the elbow joint of right arm, resulting in the loss of use of said arm; that I was born July 30th, 1845, and am, therefore, over the age of Sixty years; that on account of the loss of the use of my right arm, and on account of my old age, I am unable to gain or obtain a livelihood or support, by manual labor, for myself. I further represent to the State Board of Pensions, that I am not receiving a pension from any other State. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of June A.D. 1907. John H. Polk Witness: J. M. Gornto Page 007 (FORM B) STATE OF FLORIDA LaFayette County On this …….day of ……… A.D, 1907, before me Henry Lancaster, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the said County and State, personally came John H. Polk, who being by me first duly sworn deposes and says, that the statements made in the foregoing application for a pension in his own behalf are true: This deponent further says, that the answers written herein to the following questions, numbered from 1 to 12 inclusive are true: 1. What is your full name, and where do you reside? John Henderson Polk, reside near Mayo, Fla. 2. In what State and County were you born and when? Born in Lowndes Co., Ga. On July 30th, 1845. 3. How long have you been a citizen of the State of Florida? Ever since in Jan. 1863. 4. When and where in what organization did you enlist during the war between the States? At Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, in February 1864, Company B, 18th Georgia Batallion. 5. Give the name of your Captain at time of your enlistment. George W. Styles. 6. Give the name of your Captain at time of your discharge from service. George W. Styles. 7. Give the name of your Battalion, or Regimental Commander both at time of your enlistment and discharge from service. William S. Bassenger, at both. 8. If you enlisted in the navy give name of your Commanding officer, date of enlistment and place of service…………………………… 9. If discharged prior to the termination of the war, state place and cause of discharge. Was not discharged; was wonded (sic) and captured, Apr. 6, 1865, and held until parolled. 10. If you lost an eye or limb during your service in the war, state when and where and in what engagement you sustained such injury. Lost use of right arm by being shot through elbow Apr. 6th, 1865, at Sailor’s Creek, in State of Va. in the battle of Sailor’s Creek. 11. If you received a wound during your service in the war, which permanently disables you, state when and where you received the wound. April 6, 1865, at Battle of Sailor’s Creek, in Virginia. Page 008 12. Describe the wound and state how it affects you. Portion of elbow shot out, and the end of forearm bone shot off. Stiffening arm, and causing same to…………. John H. Polk, Applicant Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of June, A. D. 1907. Henry Lancaster, Clerk Circuit Court, LaFayette County. (FORM C) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY COMMISSIONED OFFICER. Note: This form was left blank in its entirety. Note: Written on the margin of this form is the following: For Proof of this, refer to proof submitted under which certificate of pension number 357, dated Mch. 14th, 1892, was issued. (FORM D) Note: This form was left blank in its entirety. Page 009 Note: This page was left blank in its entirety. Page 010 (FORM E) AFFIDAVIT FOR ADJUTANT OF A CAMP OF UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS State of Florida County of LaFayette Before me personally came W. C. Johnson, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is the Adjutant of Camp Paul Hatch Camp No. 1116 of the United Confederate Veterans of the County of LaFayette in the State of Florida. That he knows John H. Polk, the within named applicant for pension under the laws of Florida, that the said applicant was a soldier or sailor in the service of the Confederate States during the war between the States, and that he is a member in good standing of Camp Paul Hatch, aforesaid, of the United Confederate Veterans. The Adjutant will please state here any proof in his knowledge or possession favorable to the applicant. And has been a faithful and ardent member of said Camp ever since organized. W. C. Johnson, Adjutant Camp Paul Hatch, No. 1116 United Confederate Veterans. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29 day of July, A. D. 19….. John M. Gornto, Notary Public, My Commission Expires: December 11, 1907. Page 011 (FORM F) PHYSICIAN’S AFFIDAVIT State of Florida County of Lafayette Before me personally came G. E. Bothwell, M.D., who being duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a physician, that he is a resident of the State and County aforesaid, that he personally knows John H. Polk, the applicant named in the foregoing application for a pension. This deponent further says that he has carefully examined the said applicant’s physical condition and finds: (Here state nature, character and extent of wounds, disease or disability.) That Mr. John H. Polk has a perminent (sic) and complete ankylosis (sic) of right elbow joint, and also parts of the radius shot off during the battle of Sailors Creek April 6th 1865, which disables him from a livelihood & manual labor & old age. This deponent further says that the said John H. Polk is permanently & totally disabled by reason of such ankylosis from earning a livelihood for himself by manual labor. (Add “and totally,” if the facts are such as to warrant such statement.) (If the application for pension is based upon age, strike from the above last line the words “by manual labor.”) G. E. Bothwell, M.D., Physician Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of June, A.D. 1907. John M. Gornto, Notary Public, My Commission Expires: December 11, 1907. CERTIFICATE OF CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT I certify that the above affidavits are genuine; that all of the affiants are persons of trustworthy character and their statements are entitled to full faith and credit; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to administer oaths; that their signatures are genuine, and that the said applicant John H. Polk is a bona fide resident and citizen of the State of Florida. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court for LaFayette County, this 29th day of June, A.D. 1907. Henry Lancaster, Clerk Circuit Court. Page 012 REPORT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS We, the undersigned County Commissioners in and for Lafayette County, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this first day of July, 1907, the foregoing application of John H. Polk for pension under the laws of Florida, was by us investigated; that we are satisfied that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this first day of July, A.D. 1907. 1. J. D. Johnson 2. T. R. Land 3. C. A. Weatherbee 4. G. W. Felton 5. J. P. Hancock, County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: Henry Lancaster, Clerk Circuit Court. NOTE: 1. Before any questions are answered the officer will swear the applicant or witness in the following words or to the like effect: “You do solemnly swear that you will make your answers to the questions asked you, and the evidence you shall give shall be the whole truth, so help you God.” 2. Additional affidavits may be attached if blank spaces are insufficient. 3. The blanks must be filled. The information required must be accurately and fully given. 4. Forms “A” and “B” must be filled out my Applicant; “C” by Commissioner Officer; “D” by two soldiers or citizens of the County; “E” by Adjutant of Camp United Confederate Veterans; “F” by physician. 5. It is not necessary to fill out each form lettered “C”, “D” and “E”, of them must be filled out. Either one will suffice. Page 013 7913 4169 CLAIM FOR PENSION By 120 Jno. H. Polk Of Mayo Late of B Company 18th Ga. Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT July 2 1907 APPROVED Restored under Act of 1907 with Pay from July 2, 1907 With pay from…………………. 19…. At the rate of $120.00 per annum. Jefferson Bell, Secretary of Board FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE ……………………….. 19….. Page 014 APPLICATION FOR PENSION STATE OF FLORIDA County of Lafayette On this 30th day of January, 1892, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the said County and State of Florida, John H. Polk, aged Forty Six years, by occupation a Farmer, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical person, John H. Polk, who was, on or about the 17th day of February, 1864, enrolled in Captain George Stiles’s Infantry Company B of Sulivan’s (sic) Island County, State of South Carolina and that while serving as a Private Soldier in Captain George Stile’s Infantry Company B, 18th Georgia Battalion Regiment 18th Georgia Battallion (sic) Brigade, and in the line of his duty at Sailor’s Creek, in the State of Virginia, on or about the Sixth day of April, 1865, he received a gunshot wound in the right arm (Here state name and nature of disease or location of the wound or injury. If disabled by disease, state fully the causes; if by wound or injury, the precise manner in which received, and especially the extent of the disability resulting therefrom.) the ball entering the elbow, breaking the bone of the arm to pieces. This was done during a battle & I was in the act of cocking my gun, with my right hand the wound was received and since that time, my right arm has been perfectly, substantially & essentially useless, the same being crooked & stiff. It continually pains me. I am never clear of pain with it & it grows worse as I grow older, it renders me unable to perform manual labor as I have no use of my right arm. The pains extends through my right shoulder & my left hand if my dependence for doing work. I am totally unable to perform manual labor. And that by reason of said service and as a direct result of said injuries he is now unable to earn a livelihood; that he is a citizen of said county and State, and has been a bona fide citizen of the State of Florida continuously since January 1st, 1875; the neither he nor his wife own property to the value of one thousand dollars, and that he is not “otherwise enabled or in a position to earn a livelihood;” that he is not receiving a pension from the United States, or any other State, and makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed upon the invalid pension roll of the State of Florida, as provided by the act of the Legislature, approved June 8th, 1889. John H. Polk, Applicant Mayo, Florida Postoffice Lafayette County Sworn and subscribed before me this 30th day of January 1892. George W. Breare, Notary Public, For the State of Florida. Page 015 We do solemnly swear that the above applicant, ……………… served with us in the …………….. that he received the injury …. .at the time and place, and in the manner claimed, and that he is disabled as claimed, by reason of said injuries. ………………………. ………………………. Sworn and subscribed to before me this…….day of………. …………………………………………. We do solemnly swear that we have carefully examined John H. Polk, who is to us well known as the applicant for pension above described, and find that the right arm is rendered substantially and essentially useless, by a gunshot wound which fractured the upper end of the ulna at its junction with the humerus (sic) some two inches of ulna at the upper end having been removed thereby causing ankylosis at elbow joint. The arm and forearm being fixed at an obtuse angle, deltoid muscle filled with pain rheumatic in character, together with all the muscles of the shoulder. The above condition disables J. H. Polk to a very considerable extent from the performance of manual labor. At times said arm and shoulder are utterly useless, and he suffers intensely without being able to get even temporary relief. O. C. Odell, M. D. Residence Mayo, Florida Sworn and subscribed to before me this 30th day of January, A. D. 1892. George W. Breare Notary Public I certify that I believe the above affidavits are genuine; that all of the affiants “are persons of respectability and good reputation,,” and that their statements are worthy of belief; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to attest said affidavits, and that their signatures thereto are genuine. Be. H. Hall, Clerk of the Circuit Court PENSIONER NO. 357 Pay from Jan. 30th.1892,at rate of $90.per year. CLAIM FOR PENSION Of John H. Polk County Lafayette Late of Capt. Geo. W. Stile’s Company 18th Georgia Battalion Regiment FILED IN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Feby.8th.1892 And returned same day for certificate of the clerk of court. APPROVED for $90. Mar.14th,1892. F. P. Fleming Governor FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE …………………………..18.. Page 016 TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PENSIONS: Gentlemen: The undersigned respectfully represents, and solemnly swears, that he was enlisted at Sullivan’s Island, S.C., on the 17 day of February 1864, in Captain G. W. Stiles Company B Company, of Infantry 18th Battalion Regiment from the State of Georgia, and served in said Company; that while so serving and in the legitimate discharge of duty he was on the 6th day of April 1865, at Sailors Creek, Va. wounded by gun shot to right arm, and that as a direct result of said wound, he is now unable to perform manual labor; that he is not a pensioner of any other State, or of the United States; that he has resided continuously the last 24 years in The State of Florida, and respectfully makes this claim for the pension authorized by the Act approved February 16th, 1885, and amended June 7th, 1887. John H. Polk, Applicant P. O. Luraville, County Lafayette Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 day of December, 1887. M. N. McCall, Justice of the Peace We swear that ………………………., the above applicant is personally well known to us, that we served with him in said Captain ………………..Company, and were present with said Company on said …….day of………., 186…., and believe all the statements made in above affidavit are true and occurred as represented. ……………………… ……………………… Sworn to and subscribed before me this ………..day of…………….,186…. …………………………………………………… I certify that I have carefully examined the above applicant, John H. Polk, who is to me personally well known to be the man above represented and I find that he has received a gun shot wound which fractured the upper end of the ulna – about two inches of said bone having been removed causing anckylosis (sic) of elbow joint – arm and forearm fixed at right angle, suffers of rheumatism of shoulder joint and muscles around it scapula deltoid muscle wasted away resulting directly in the loss of the use of his right arm in the performance of manual labor. P. A. McIntosh, M.D. Date Dec 21st, 1887. Page 017 STATE OF FLORIDA County of LaFayette We, the Board of County Commissioners of said county, do certify that we have carefully investigated the statements made in the within affidavits, and are satisfied by evidence produced before us, that the within described applicant is the veritable John H. Polk, who enlisted and served in Captain G. W. Styles Company B, 18th Batallion (sic) Regiment, from the State of Georgia; that he is, by reason of wounds received in line of duty, while so serving, unable to perform manual labor; that he is a citizen of this county; has resided in the State for the past 24 years; and that he is not receiving a pension from any other State, or from the United States. Done at New Troy, Fla., the County Site, this Sixth day of Feby. 1888. G. W. Fletcher, President of the Board of County Commissioners Paul Hatch H. Starling G. W. Felton T. B. Brown Attest: G. B. Lord, Clerk By B. H. Hall, D.C. #194 See letter Feby 8/92 APPLICATION FOR PENSION Of John H. Polk Of LaFayette County Late of Capt. G. W. Stiles Company 18th Ga Battallion Regiment FILED IN ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE Feby. 11th, 1888 Approved by the Coms. Of Pensions, Mch. 19 1888 Pay from July 1st, 1887 D. Lang, Adj. Gen. Secty of Board FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE ………, 188….. Page 018 ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE STATE OF FLORIDA Tallahassee, March 14th, 1892. 189…. PENSION CERTIFICATE NO. 357 Mr. John H. Polk, Mayo, Fla. Dear Sir, Your claim for pension was to day allowed by the Governor for payment from the date of your application, Jan. 30th, 1892, from which date you will be paid quarterly at the rate of $90. per year, upon making our your account upon one of the inclosed (sic) blanks, swearing to it, getting the certificate of the clerk of the circuit cort (sic) as shown in the blank, and mailing it to the Comptroller. Your first account for the period from Jany. 30th. to March 31st. 1892, is inclosed (sic), execute and mail it as stated above, on the last day of the quarter. Yours truly, D. Lang Adjt. Gen. & Secty. Of Pensions Page 019 To The Honorable Board of Pensions Talehasse (sic) Florida Gentlemen There is one of my company living in this County as he was not with the Comand (sic) at time I was wonded (sic) did not get him as a voucher Maj. Bessinger is the only one of the Batallion that I can hear of that was in the Battle of Salors (sic) Creek, Va. Very Respectfully, John H. Polk Luraville P.O. Fla. Page 020 Mayo, Lafayette County, Florida February 15th, 1892 His Excellency F. P. Fleming Gov. of Florida Tallahassee Dear Sir, I am in receipt of a letter from Hon. D. Lang of Feb 8th requiring the Certificate of the Clerk of Ct. Ct. to my application for renewal of State pension, and also requiring the Phisicians (sic) affidavit to state that my arm is substantially & essentially useless, all of which you will please find enclosed. Mr. Lang also writes that the official Register of Licensed Phisicians (sic) shows the name of Dr. Chas. S. Brown, as a resident of Mayo, and that it is necessary to have his name appended to my claim, if he is still here, he is not here, he having moved to Citra sometime ago. Dr. O. C. Odell is the only Phisician (sic) here or in this county, as shown by the enclosed Certificate of a Notary Public, who is well acquainted with the County at Large, enclosed find papers with all the required additions, if there is anything more required, please let me know by return mail, as I am much in need, and oblige. Your obedient subject, John H. Polk Adress (sic) John H. Polk Mayo, Florida In care of Geo. W. Breare Page 021 Mayo, Lafayette Co. Florida January 30th 1892 His Excellency, Frances P. Fleming Governor of Florida Hon. Sir, Your kind favor of 22nd inst, with blanks for pension application received. I was a State Pensioner under the act passed by the Legislature of 1887, but when that law was changed, or repealed by the Legislature of 1889, my pension was discontinued but on examining & becoming acquainted with the present law, I find that I am, without a doubt, entitled to a continuance of my State Pension, in making my former application, I found considerable trouble & inconvenience in making proof of my service. Some of the main witnesses being dead, and at this time, it is more inconvenient & I fear imposible (sic). So I do trust that the proofs already made in my former pension case will be sufficient. I am justly entitled to it, but I am proof, & unable to go to much expense in obtaining it. I need it, & hope it will be allowed. I enclose herewith my application, with proof of my disability, & ask that you examine the proofs in my former pension case & accept the same on the enclose application. I required to be examined by & furnish affidavits of Two Phisicians (sic), of my County, this I cannot do because there is only one lawful practising (sic) Phisician (sic) in Lafayette County, that is the one whose signature appears to the affidavit on the back of application, if others are required Page 022 And Phisicians (sic) from other counties will do, I can furnish them in abundance. Please write me at once, in regard to this matter, & let me know if there is anything else needing, furnish me with all necessary blanks & greatly oblige. Yours obediently, John H. Polk Mayo Florida Direct in Care of Geo. W. Breare Please read Carefully. Page 023 State of Florida Lafayette County I, George W. Breare a Notary Public for the State of Florida at Large, do certify, that here is only one Lawful practicing Phisician (sic) in Lafayette County, and that one, is Dr. O. C. Odell, of Mayo. Witness my hand and seal this 30day of Jan. A. D. 1892 Geo. W. Breare, Notary Public Page 024 Georgia Chatham County William S. Basinger, formerly of Savannah in the county and State aforesaid, but now of Dahlonega in said State, and personally well- known to the undersigned, comes before the undersigned, and declares on oath as follows: That he commanded, during the greater part of the war of 1861-5, a volunteer corps of said City of Savannah, long existing there, called The Savannah Volunteer Guards, but which during its service in the Army of the Confederate States, was known as the 18th Georgia Battalion of infantry – that the said battalion during a large part of the years 1863 and 1864, while deponent was in command of it, was stationed in Sullivan’s Island, in the harbor of Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, and engaged in the defense of that city – that while there and engaged in that city, and on the 17th day of February, A.D. 1864, John H. Polk enlisted for the war in Company B of said Battalion, commanded by Captain George W. Stiles – that deponent does not found this statement on recollection Page 025 alone, but verifies it by reference to books and papers of the Corps now before deponent – that said John H. Polk served continuously and faithfully and creditably in the said Company and battalion until the 6th day of April, A.D. 1865, on which day, in the battle of Sailors Creek, in Virginia, in which the said battalion was engaged under the command of deponent, the said John H. Polk was severely wounded and taken prisoner – and deponent further says that the circumstances of that engagement was such as to call for extraordinary gallantry on the part of said Battalion, and that, to the personal knowledge of deponent, there was not a man in it who did not prove equal to the occasion. And deponent verily believes that John H. Polk, of Luraville, LaFayette County, Florida, who is making application in said State of Florida for a pension, is the identical John H. Polk hereinabove mentioned. Wm. S. Basinger formerly Major Cmdg. 18th Ga. Battalion Sworn to and subscribed before me at Savannah, Ga., this 4th day of January, A.D. 1888. J. F. Brook, Not. Pub CC Ga. Page 026 Note: Page 26 is a duplicate copy of page 25 shown above. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/lafayette/military/civilwar/pensions/polk20gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 32.9 Kb