Today in History:

408 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 408 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.

Question. Did Nelson's division also cross at that time and place?

I believe it did, and I should have included that in the estimate of time give in the previous answer.

Question. Had the rebels opened communication by the railroad between Tupelo and Chattanooga at that time?

We had various accounts on that point, some to the effect that the railroad communication between those points was completed; others that it was not quite finished, but that there was a gap of a few miles.

Question. Do you refer now to the railroad form Meridian to Montgomery?

I do not. There was, of course, railroad communication by way of Mobile before the completion of the road from Meridian to Montgomery.

Question. You say you know nothing of the wagon road from Okalona to Chattanooga through Tuscaloosa and Elyton?

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. It is with reluctance, Mr. President, that I rise to object to this mode of examination. A very wide latitude has been given the defense, but it seems to increase every day. Here is a witness who has been examined in chief, cross-examined by the judge-advocate, examined at length by the Commission, and then taken up again by General Buell upon new matter entirely. The way the investigation is proceeding we shall never come to a termination. I shall object to any mode of proceeding which is not legal and proper before a tribunal of this character.

General BUELL. I desire to say that this is a very singular time to commence the application of strict rules to an investigation of this kind. I desire also to say that I am not questioning the witness upon new matter at all, but with reference to matter which was introduced in the cross-examination; that is, with reference to the rapid movements of the Army of the Ohio from Corinth to Chattanooga. That is all I desire to say in reference to the objection of the judge-advocate.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. The latitude that has been allowed has been for the benefit of General Buell. I never asked it for myself,and as far as I am aware have never exercised it. I have permitted General Buell to proceed in his own way, but I think the proceedings should be as brief as possible, for the purpose of carrying on the investigation without unnecessary delay. With regard to this new matter introduced by General Buell, I remember nothing that was brought out in the cross-examination that would justify this part of it. I may be mistaken about, it and if I am General Buell has a right to go on.

General BUELL. Perhaps. I can save the Commission the trouble of an examination of the record by calling their attention to the questions put by General Tyler or by General Schoepf with reference to a rapid movement of the Army of the Ohio upon Chattanooga from Corinth. The object of that examination is to compare the relative facilities of the two armies for such a movement upon that point.

General SCHOEPF. I desire, Mr. President, in order that this examination may be conducted more intelligently, that General Buell be asked for the orders he received from General Halleck. I have asked for that letter several times and have not been able to get it,and I think the Commission should order General Buell to produce the letter or orders of General Halleck.

The PRESIDENT. I have not heard, for my part, that there is any such letter in existence.

General DANA. The record snows that if there is such a letter the


Page 408 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.