Question. Are you positive that order was addressed to General Wood by me directly?

I am not; I did not notice the direction.

Question. What information did you gain while you were at Altamont or in that vicinity in regard to the movements of the army?

I was informed generally by the citizens, who were mainly rebel, and by a Mr. Tipton, recognized as a loyal citizen, that it was their expectation that we would soon he attacked at McMinnville, and Vervilla particularly. I also got from the person of a prisoner I arrested a letter in pencil, dated August 19, on the north side of the Tennessee River, informing his cousin, the prisoner, that he was not at liberty to state the force they had there, but their officers were very confident they would soon clear the Yankees out of Tennessee, and containing also this expression: "I shall in a few days come through or near Altamont, at which time I shall be able to see you." The letter purported to have been written by the son of the county clerk of Grundy County, in the infantry service of the enemy. I reported also as to the nature of the road, that it was very difficult and rough, but possible for the transportation of light guns; that there was water for the camp at Altamont; that there were about 200 cattle in the various coves in the neighborhood of Altamont; that there was hay, but no corn, and no provisions except potatoes. I think I referred to a Michigan man who had potatoes, but no provisions to any amount. There was not much water or facilities for a large camp. I understood it meant only the establishing of an outpost at Altamont or a temporary camp. With that view I reported water there, where there was but little.

Question. Was the information, such as you received, positive that the enemy were advancing by Altamont?

It was, and was deemed of so much importance that I was directed by General Wood to hurry a report of the results of the expedition, which I did in his office, addressed to him, in which I gave it as my very decided opinion that the enemy was approaching by the Sequatchie Valley and Altamont and would attack this line, and that speedily. Appended to the report above referred to was the date, viz, 24th of August.

Question. Do you know whether your report was forwarded by General Wood to higher authority?

I do not, sir. I only know that General Wood urged as a reason for my hurrying up the report that he desired to forward it immediately.

Question. May you not be mistaken in regard to the date of your report?

I may be mistaken one day in the date of that report. I am confident that it was about the 24th, but it may have been the 23rd or the 25th. I am also confident that the letter above referred to was dated the 19th, and I think it could not have been over four days old when I got it. I reported the next day.

Question. Were you with the troops that subsequently moved toward Altamont for the purpose of concentration?

I was.

Question. Was it your understanding that you were advanced to meet the enemy on that occasion for the purpose of battle?

It was.

Question. Do you know anything about the destruction of public property at McMinnville when that advance was made?

Only from information; and I do not know that I can state from whom I got that information.

Question. Was it reported among the troops that public property had been destroyed at McMinnville when they left that point for the purpose of advancing to Altamont?

It was very generally reported.