Some researchers on this list may not be aware that there is a good source to look up Civil War Claims. Many claims were filed after the war for damages and confiscated property. One source is the Southern Claims Commission. Dr. Gary B. Mills wrote an excellent index to filed claims. It is SOUTHERN LOYALISTS IN THE CIVIL WAR: THE SOUTHERN CLAIMS COMMISSION. The book gives instructions for ordering copies of files. Loyalty had to be proven and depositions were taken. It is available in most libraries, or you can go to the nara site and email a request. <A HREF="http://www.nara.gov/nara/legislative/house_guide/hgch06i.html">Committee on War Claims (1873-1946)</A> . Another source may be the Comission on Captured and Abandoned Property. More info is on the nara site further down the page. Look for the link to RG 56. I recently sent for a claim file on my ggg grandmother. In one of the depostions she gave, she mentioned a nephew by name and residence. Knowing her relation to the nephew told me who her parents were. This is the link I have been looking for since I started researching. This can sometimes be a long process to find a claim file, but it is definately worth the effort. Becky Rhea