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Statement of Landon T. Lovett

I was born in Loudoun Co Va - Am 37 years of age - when the war broke out I was in the above county where I remained about two months, from there I went to Baltimore where I remained about four months and then returned to Loudoun county.  There I was ordered to join a militia company.  I refused to muster in, for this I was made a prisoner and sent to Richmond, from there I was sent to Saulsburg N.C.  I was kept in prison about twelve months when I made my escape from the last named place, after my escape I found my way to Maryland where I Joined the "3rd West Virginia cavalry," receiving a 1st Lieutenants commission from T.A. Pierpoint then Govr. of West Va.  I was mustered out by reason of consolidation in May 1863 after my muster out I remained with the Army acting as scout and giving all the information I could.

On or about the 10th day of September 1866 I was arrested in Washington County Maryland charged with Stealing a horse from Loudoun county.  I was tried in Leesburg.  The Court refused to hear my witnesses William Byers and John Linley these men were with me when I bought the horses which I am charged with stealing both are strangers to me and therefore disinterested witnesses.

The Jury were all rebels and much imbittered on account of the part taken by me in the war - The man from whom the horses were taken believes me to be innocent and has so informed my Brother in law.  I tried to get my trial removed to another county and made affidavit setting forth that I could not get a fair trial, in Loudoun   I did not get a fair trial and am here in Penitentiary because I was a union man and fought against the Rebels.  My Commission I believe is now at the Governors