Question. At what time did you propose a concentration of the Army of the Ohio at Sparta and in what manner?

As well as I can remember the dates, it was somewhere about the 28th of August, and I proposed to have the troops in readiness near McMinnville to either sustain the troops that were under my command there if attacked, or if the enemy turned in the direction of Sparta decidedly to take position there.

Question. How was this recommendation made?

I do not remember it was sent by a messenger or by telegraph in cipher.

Question. Have you a copy of the recommendation?

I have with my papers, but not here.

General BUELL. I request that it may be presented to the Commission.

Question. Have you ever heard that I proposed to abandon Nashville in marching the Army of the Ohio into Kentucky and what do you know of my determination upon that matter?

General Buell, in conversation with me after the army was concentrated in Nashville, frequently sid that it would be perfectly disastrous to abandon Nashville; that we would lose more than we could gain in twelve moths, or perhaps more than we could gain at all in Tennessee or in this part of the country. That was the substance of his remarks. I never had an idea that he thought of abandoning Nashville. When he left me to take command of Nashville in his absence he wished me to designate the number of troops I wanted to defend the place, and said that if he could possibly spare them I should have them. And I remember about the last conversation I had with him the subject was again spoken of in the same terms, and I replied that if I had to abandon Nashville I would leave it a heap of ashes.

Question. Have you any reason to suppose that my determination upon that question was influenced by or was the result of any consultation with Governor Johnson?

I have no reason to suppose so.

Question. Did you see while at Prewitt's Knob a man by the name of Pratt, who came into camp and represented himself as having information form the rebel army?

I do remember him, sir. He came to my tent the evening before the army marched, and I sent him to General Buell.

Question. What statement did he make to you?

I was very busy at the time; just returned from the picket line, and did not have a great deal of conversation with him, and cannot say positively what information he did give me. I thought it of more importance that he should see General Buell, and therefore sent him to him immediately.

Question. Did you deem his information very important, if you remember it?

That was the reason why I sent him to General Buell. He told me in general terms that he was just from the rebel army and could give important information, and knowing he had gone out for the purpose of procuring it and his story being a very connected one I sent him at once to General Buell, thinking it was of very great importance that he should know what information this young man could give.

Question. Did he then or at any other time represent that he had counted the rebel forces, and that they did not exceed 22,000, infantry and artillery?

It apparats to me that he stated he had counted the rebel forces, but I do not remember what statement he made as to the number.

Question. Whatever his statement may have been, have you at any time entertained a doubt as to his honesty?

I thought it a little singular that he should have appeared so suddenly at that time.