reached Louisville, occupying that position, knowing him to be a man of talent in his profession, and believing him to have skill and ability, I readily acquiesced in his occupying the position. He continued in command until General Nelson arrived. There was but one officer, I believe, who was the rank of brigadier-general objecting; he was not left there.

Question. What rank was given to General Gilbert?

I do not know. The forces that were there when he arrived and the column with which he retreated at that time amounted to fully the command of a division. There must have been more than 20,000 there and on the road; they were thrown in rapidly from the States.

Question. Did he not assume the little and wear the uniform of a major-general?

I never saw him with the uniform. I never knew him to claim the little, though I had the impression that his report was signed as major-general; but that I am not at all certain.

Question. Were these circumstances explained to General Buell when he assumed command at Louisville?

Not that I know of. I did not communicate them to him, though I gave him such information as I had with regard to matters and affairs there. I speak now of the position and relation of General Gilbert to the troops. I told him about the battle and the retreat of the column. General Buell made diligent inquiry in regard to all the matters connected with the battle of Richmond and the retreat and condition of the forces-as to their arms and equipments od every kind. I never made any allusion to the position General Gilbert held at all that I remember.

Question. What was probably General Gilbert's rank in the army about that time?

I think he was a captain in the Regular Army.

Question. Do you know anything about Captain Gay having been given command as a general in that expedition?

I think General Wright or General Gilbert placed him in command of a brigade of cavalry. I think he continued in that position on the march. Whether he held the command as a general commanding the brigade or whether he was issuing and delivering orders as a staff officer I do not know; I was not with the expedition.

Question. And where are the books connected with General Nelson's command at that time?

I do not know where they are; I do not know if they were preserved. If he had any books there I did not know it. His orders to me of every kind were informal. I made and kept a record of them myself.

By General SCHOEPF:

Question. Who was that general you referred to that refused to be commanded by General Gilbert?

General Green Clay Smith.

Question. Was that the reason of his being sent away or was any other reason assigned?

General Wright did not state to me that that was the reason; I suppose it was, and though he ought to have been sent away, for he was not fit to have taken the command of that retreating column in the condition it was. General Gilbert, in my opinion, and General Wright was of a similar opinion, was the best fitted man for the position; and that was the opinion of every brigadier-general that was there. It was apparently a military necessity.

Question. Please state the names of all the generals who were there unfit to command.

I have not formed opinions in regard to the qualifications of men such as ought to be expressed. General Smith, I suppose, could have commanded a brigade under ordinary circumstances very well; but there were not ordinary circumstances, and so it was felt by everybody at the time.