[This deposition was written by Justice of the Peace Robert M. Farnsworth on behalf of Sarah Ann Metcalf and endorsed by the Madison County Court Clerk S. O. Deaver on June 2, 1863.]

State of North Carolina
Madison County
May [?] 1863

Personally appeared before me a
justice of the Peace of the State
and County afore said on
the thirtieth day of May
Sarah Ann Metcalf who deposeth
and sayeth: that about the
middle of February 1863
Maj Garrett Commanding the 64th
Reg’t – then a detachment of N. C.
Troops on “Shelton Laurel,” took
a large fine red Steer worth
from 40 to 50 dollars from my
house. the Said steer was the
property of John Metcalf, a pri-
vate, in Capt Hardee’s company of
Col. Mc Dowell’s North Carolina
Reg’t of Confederate Troops – the
60th Reg’t. The Said Steer was
Killed by order of Garrett and
my son has never received any re-
numeration for it
[page 2]
my Son John Metcalf was
wounded at Murfresboro and
has never been able to do
any service for his country
or himself since
her
Sarah Ann x Metcalf [1]
mark
Sworn to and Subscribed befor me
R. M. Farnsworth JP

State of N.Carolina } I S.O. Deaver clerk of the Court
Madison County } of Pleas & quarter Sessions for
Sd County do hereby Certify that R. M. Farnsworth
whose signature appears to the above as Genuine
as an acting justice of the peace in and
for Sd County given under My hand and
Seal of office in Marshall the 2nd June 1863
S O Deaver clk

[In January 1863, the 64th NC Inf. was responsible for the massacre of thirteen men and boys at Shelton Laurel, an atrocity that infuriated Gov. Vance and led to the arrest of acting commander, Lt. Col. James Keith.]