United States, Civil War Investigations of Disloyal Activities - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What Is in the Collection?
The collection consists of case files of Army Judge Advocate Levi C. Turner, 1862-1866, and Provost Marshal and Special Agent Lafayette C. Baker, 1861-1865. The case files contain investigations of subversive (disloyal) activities during the Civil War. The files relate to arrest, parole, and release of both civilian and soldier suspects. The activities investigated included such things as giving aid to the Confederacy, resisting the draft, discouraging enlistments, blockade runners, and State prisoners held in Federal prisons. The records are from RG 94, Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780-1917, and is National Archive Microfilm Publication M797. The index is courtesy of Fold3 (formerly Footnote).

Collection Content
The Federal government was concerned about subversive activities and began investigating them as early as 1842. Concern increased after the outbreak of the Civil War. Many persons suspected of engaging in treasonable or disloyal activities were arrested and imprisoned. In February 1862, the authority to make such arrests was transferred to the War Department.The records in this set are investigations by Army Judge Advocate Levi C. Turner, 1862-66, and by Provost Marshal and Special Agent Lafayette C. Baker, 1861-65. These records relate to investigations of subversive activities during the Civil War. This series of records is also known as the "Turner-Baker papers."

What Can This Collection Tell Me?
The index contains the following information:


 * Case File Group, Number, and Range
 * Name
 * Date
 * Place
 * Occupation
 * Fold3 (Footnote) ID
 * NARA Publication Number and Title
 * NARA Roll Number

How Do I Search the Collection?
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * The name of the person who served in the military.
 * The nicknames or alias names used by the soldier.
 * The approximate date of military service.
 * The residence of the soldier.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the name, date, and place or residence, to find the ancestor or family in census records.
 * Use the place or residence to locate church and land records.
 * Remember to search for all known names, including nicknames and aliases.
 * Compile the entries for all people who have the same surname as your ancestor, as they may be relatives.
 * Occupations or businesses may be leads to additional records such as bank or other military records.

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Look for another index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.


 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information.