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2 3 Fort Johnston Smithville N.C. December 15 1873 Watson G.L. Esq. Wilmington N.C. Sir I have the honor to inform you that some papers with reference to a claim made by George Smith against the United States have been referred to me for investigation and report by the Hon Sec. of War. The claim is the same as forwarded by you to E.B. Trantor who filed the same in Washington in July last. I would request you to inform George Smith that it is necessary for me to see him, and that he should bring with him such evidence affidavits or witnesses as will establish the fact that he is the identical George Smith that he claims to be - I would also require such information from yourself as you may be able to give of this man and his claim - from your own personal knowledge of him - Desiring that you will give this matter your earliest attention. I am very respectfully Your obedient servant W.S. Starring 1st Lieut 2nd U.S. Arty Disbursing Officer 4. Fort Johnston Smithville N.C. January 3, 1874. Adjutant General U.S.A. Washington D.C. Sir I have the honor to inform you that James R. Bowen (Cold) makes application for such bounty or other money as may be due him on account of services rendered as a Soldier in Company "A" 37th U.S.C.T. He states that he enlisted at Washington N.C. January 14th 1864. That the Captain's name was Constantine Nitzsche and the 1st Sergeants, Hillery Herring - that he was mustered out Raleigh N.C. he thinks in February 1867. that he served in Garrison at Fort Johnston N.C. with his Company before 3 it was mustered out - that he gave his discharge to a Major Harris at the time of his muster out, who was to collect this claim for him. That he does not know the where abouts of Major Harris and has never heard anything of his claim or discharge Enclosed you will please find the affidavits of two citizens of Smithville N.C. as to his identity Other witnesses can be obtained to this fact if necessary I am Very Respectfully Your obedient Servant W.S. Starring 1st Lieut 2nd U.S. Arty Disbursing Officer 5. Case of George Smith, late Pvt Co "G" 37th U.S.C.T. 7 Enclosures Communication from 2nd Auditors Office Treasury Dept. dated Oct 15 1873, with reference to the case of George Smith late Pvt Co "G" 37th U.S.C.T. enclosing an Abstract of the same, requesting it be investigated by the Disbursing Officer near Wilmington N.C. Referred to Lieut James Curry 5th Arty Fort Monroe Va and returned by him with original papers (2) and the statements of Lucy Smith, William Bromley and letter of Sands Smith, former owner of George Smith, in support of the claim made by Lucy Smith, who claims to be the widow of the George Smith referred to. Returned by the Adjt Gen. to the 2nd Auditor of the Treasury Dept Dec 2nd 1873 and returned by him to the Adjt Gen Dec 6, 1873 with request that the papers be referred to Lieut W.S. Starring 2nd Arty Disb'g Officer Fort Johnston N.C to whom the claimant residing near Wilmington N.C. had been directed to report for identification and referred by the Secretary of War to Lieut Starring Dec 11, 1873, for such investigation as might be had without incurring expenses of trans. Returned to the Adjt Gen with the following endorsement Fort Johnston N.C. January 3, 1874 Respectfully returned with the enclosures (5) and the affidavits of Sampson Anderson, Aug H. Morris and the certificate of Wm. A. Green who was the Chaplain of the 37th U.S.C.T. as to the identity of this claimant - George Smith - who states that he was born in Louisa County Va. was
