Doctor John J. McLean's Deposition

Testimony of J. J. McLean
October 28, 1873

In relation to the property witnesses says I did not see the property taken. I was familiar with the property owned by the claimant. I saw it almost daily. I reside about one mile from her place and resided all thro the war at about the same distance. When General Grierson came to Union Church with his command in the spring of the year of 1883, he stopped with his command for one night - and the next morning pushed on to Brookhaven 25 miles southeast - as the command were passing on toward Brookhaven and after passing claimant’s place I saw in the possession of soldiers of the command - one fine sorrel mare - one sorrel horse - one iron grey mule - two brown or bay mules - that I knew was the property of Mrs. Buie or rather Mrs. McLean - I was standing at the road side and had a plain view of every soldier and man that passed - I was near my own residence - these animals were in the possession of and rode by the soldiers with one exception - a Lieut. Col. Blackman - had his accoutreuments put on that morning upon the sorrel mare - I remarked at the time that I knew the animal and her owner - the previous night I was detained by general Grierson - and was set at liberty early the next morning before the command left, and preceded at once to my own home which is situated east of claimant’s residence, and I presumed that the stock was taken the night before...I am satisfied that I saw them perfectly - they were at this time the property of Mrs. McLean mother of claimant - Mrs. McLean has since died and all of her estate real and personal rights - credits has descended to the claimant Mrs. Mariah C. Buie as her only child and heir at law. I do not think Mrs. McLean left any will...