For researchers of Columbia Missouri and the University of Missouri during the Civil War, there should be a treasure trove of detailed sworn statements lurking somewhere in dusty old files.
If anybody knows where these might be housed, then please let us know. I bet these provide not only extensive detailed information on how university buildings and assets were utilized by the Federal army, but also in-depth details on Federal soldiers' interactions and conflicts with members of the community.
This from the July 28, 1904 issue of the Mexico Missouri Message, p. 5, newspaper--
"Depositions of a number of old citizens of Missouri were taken this week at Columbia to substantiate a claim of $17,475 for damage done to the property of Missouri University by Federal troops during the Civil War. Merrill's Horse, a regiment of Federal cavalry, was quartered in the University buildings for nearly two years from December, 1861. A claim for damage done by it was presented by the University in 1866 and approved shortly after by a Military Commission appointed by General Hancock consisting of General Penrose, now of Denver, Colorado; Capt. J.H. Rollins, of the U.S. Navy and Lieut. Brownwell of the U.S. Army, both now dead. Four years later the General Auditor refused to allow the funding of the Commission on the ground that to do so would open other claims and bankrupt the government. Recently Federal policy concerning such allowances has changed and the University claim is revived."
If it hasn't already been done this might make a good history thesis for some up-and-coming scholar at the university.