On January 1st, 1898, Harriet appeared before an Auburn notary public, Mr. Orin McCarty, and made out an affidavit concerning the truth of the Charles P. Wood document.
She said, "I am about 75 years of age. I was born and reared in Dorchester County, Maryland. My maiden name was Araminta Ross. Sometimes prior to the late War of the Rebellion I married John Tubman who died in the State of Maryland on the 30th day of September 1867. I married Nelson Davis, a soldier of the late war, on the 18th day of March, 1869 at Auburn, N. Y.
"I furnished the original papers in my claim to one Charles P. Wood, then of Auburn, N. Y. who died several years ago. Said Wood made copies of said original papers which are herewith annexed. I was informed by said Wood that he sent said original papers to one James Barrett, an attorney of 4-1/2 Street, Washington, D. C. and I was told by the wife of said Barrett that she handed the original papers to the Hon. C. D. MacDougall, then a member of the House of Representatives."
"My claim against the U. S. is for three years' service as nurse and cook in hospitals, and as commander of several men (eight or nine) as scouts during the late War of the Rebellion, under directions and orders of Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, and of several Generals."
"I claim for my services above named the sum of eighteen hundred dollars. The Annexed copies have been read to me and are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief."
"The Negro History Bulletin, January 1950 - The Charles P. Wood Manuscripts of Harriet Tubman by Earl Conrad.