Part 51 (1/2)

JNO. H. MUNROE, _Captain and A. A. Gen'l_.

A true copy.

C. B. SMITH, _Lieutenant and A. D. C._

_Statement of Ann Jane Rufin._

I am the wife of Thomas Rufin, a member of the 13th Tennessee cavalry; was at Fort Pillow on Tuesday, the 12th day of April, A. D. 1864, and was removed to an island during the progress of the battle. Returned to Fort Pillow on Wednesday morning, the 13th of April, and saw the remains of a man lying upon the back, its arms outstretched, with some planks under it. The man had to all appearances been nailed to the side of the house, and then the building set on fire. I am satisfied that the body was that of Lieutenant John C. Akerstrom, second lieutenant company A, 13th Tennessee cavalry, who was on duty as quartermaster of the post of Fort Pillow. I was well acquainted with Lieutenant Akerstrom when living. After examining the body I walked around to a ditch where a large number of dead and wounded had been thrown and partially covered.

I saw several places where the wounded had dug holes and attempted to get out, but had been unable to do so.

her ANN JANE x RUFIN.

mark.

CAIRO, _April 18, 1864_.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of April, 1864.

ISAAC M. TALMADGE, _Captain and District Provost Marshal_.

A true copy.

C. B. SMITH, _Lieutenant and A. D. C._

_Statement of Mrs. Rebecca Williams._

I am the wife of William F. Williams, a private in the 13th Tennessee cavalry, company D.

I was at Fort Pillow on the Wednesday morning after the fight of Tuesday, the 12th of April, 1864, and saw the body of a man, which had the appearance of having been burned to death. It was pointed out to me as the body of Lieutenant John C. Akerstrom, of the 13th Tennessee cavalry. I know it was the corpse of a white man.

her REBECCA x WILLIAMS.

mark.

CAIRO, _April 18, 1864_.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of April, 1864.

ISAAC M. TALMADGE, _Captain and District Provost Marshal_.

I, the undersigned, do certify that I also witnessed the same spectacle described by Mrs. Williams.

her NANCY M. x HOPPER.

mark.