On March 13, 1863, Major General William Rosecrans issued Special Field Order 69, which created a Board of Claims to assess financial claims brought against the United States Army for resources seized during the war. When filing claims in Nashville, Tennessee, citizens swore their loyalty to the Union and presented evidence that the army had appropriated, and offered no compensation for, "Forage Stock and other property." Though the Board dissolved after completing its initial hearings, General Thomas soon reinstated the committee, with extended jurisdiction throughout middle Tennessee.
-
The Board originally consisted of the following members:
- Honorable Russel Houston, Chairman
- Captain Silas F. Allen, 29th Indiana Infantry Regiment
- Captain Argus D. Van Osdal (or Vanosdal), 3rd Indiana Cavalry Regiment
- Horace H. Harrison, Esq., Clerk of the United States Court
- William Driver, Recorder Clerk
- William I. Cochran, Engrossing Clerk
- Duncan R. Dorrac, Stenographic Clerk
Van Osdal resigned soon after the Board convened, and was replaced by Captain Ezra C. Hatton of the 22nd Michigan Infantry Regimen. Captain Israel Huckins of the 10th Michigan Infantry Regiment replaced Houston, who resigned in August 1863 to return to his legal practice. Cochran, the Board's former clerk, replaced Allen after the latter resigned his army commission in February 1864.
From the guide to the Report of the Board of Claims Stationed at Nashville, 1864, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
