Military Pension Files for Private John Saunders a.k.a. William Gibson, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. D. Special Examination by A.J. Green. Summary p. 9

NOTE: Much of A.J. Green's summary is colored by anti-Black racism, so please be very skeptical as Green draws conclusions about Gibson. They show a deep "less-than" bias.

Transcription 2 of 2:

Claimant has a surly, bulldogish look and with it self importance. His character may have been very well summed up by Alfred Buckner in that he was called "Billy Buster because he was such a big little boy." However, in the time I was with claimant his actions were good mannered and made a good impression with one except he has no regard whatever for the truth.

I am the opinion that so much of the claim under Act June 27, 1890 as relates to epilepsy - vertigo - is due to vicious habits and as a result of the blow received while in service in which he enlisted subsequent to war of rebellion and from which he was dishonorably discharged

--(cont'd on p. 10)--

--(cont'd from p. 8)--

Transcription 1 of X:

as he says, before allegation of Hezekiah Stewart that that was the place he incurred his wounds. However, for apparent disregard of truth somewhere, see both said Stewart's affidavit & letter B.J.13 and 14, respectively. Special Examiner for Paulding Co., Ohio would do well bear these points in mind.

I believe that if the Post office address of the Surgeon and officers of the 10th US Cav[alry], especially Co. C, were obtained and said officers interviewed it would be shown that claimant received all of his alleged wounds in a brawl & perhaps the wound of right said of head was received by use, over his head, of some officer's sword.

See also Special Examination Index

Public domain military record

National Archives Catalog #300020. "Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Veterans of the Army and Navy Who Served Mainly in the Civil War and the War With Spain, compiled 1861 - 1934."

National Archives retrieval courtesy of American Origins, LLC

Fee provided by J.M.

Photo editing and transcription by K Raymoure