An ancestor was running a mill on the Missouri near what is now Hermann. The mill had been reinforced and was called Best’s Mill for use by the militia in the War of 1812. The Sac and Fox Indians were paid by the British to wage war against the Americans. The Indians attacked the fort, stole all of his horses and his household goods.
He filed a claim. Since there was no Claims Court, the claim had to be dealt with first a Commissioner in Missouri, who denied the claim and finally by the Congress who also denied the claim in the 1830’s after Best had moved to the Austin Colony in Texas. The reason for denial: lack of a properly executed assessment of value for the horses. Depositions from neighbors confirmed the numbers and quality of the horses and testified on what the price should be out there on the frontier. Not good enough.
Claims Court
So as more complaints arose from the people as to liabilities and process and congress got tired of things, they decided to form a committee. Consequences are separated from decisions for congress and they can do more mischief?
Interesting that the vets of the Mexican American war brought it to a head?