Today in History:

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

Page 416 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.

Question. And with that amount of rolling stock you would require every day for ten days to two weeks to move an army of 25,000 men?

I would require double that amount of rolling stock - perhaps treble - to keep rains running simultaneously.

Question. How many cars and engines do you estimate would be needed to take 25,000 men over a line of 700 to 800 miles in length?

Allowing for all accidents and contingencies, I estimate that each train would make two trips within the time stated. The train necessary to transport half the number would consist of about 360 cars and from 16 to 20 engines, and that rolling stock could be passed over the round trip twice. I should deem that sufficient for the entire work. The estimate that I made in my first answer was upon a different basis from this. I find that upon further consideration of the subject, making the estimate as I have in my last answer, it would require more rolling stock - more than double or treble the amount named in the answer to the previous question.

Question Taking baggage, men, artillery, and the necessary forage and provisions, how many men on the average would you apportion to each car?

I would make my average about 30.

Question. Have you ever seen any trains with troops, carrying the necessary provisions, baggage, horses,&c., with 20 men to a car?

I have frequently moved troops that would average 60,70, and even men, with their baggage, to each car - loading them inside and outside. I think 30 to a car a very low perfectly safe estimate.

Question. Have you ever seen men moved 800 miles with 60 to 80 men in a car?

I have not seen troops moved that distance that number to a car.

Commission adjourned to meet February 11, 1863.

CINCINNATI, February 11, 1864.

Commission met pursuant to adjournment. All the members present; also the judge-advocate and General Buell.

General W. S. SMITH'S examination continued.

By General BUELL:

Question. Do you perceive any similitude between the circumstances of the occupation of Cumberland Gap by General Morgan's forces, previous to its withdrawal from that point in the months of June and July last, and the recent expedition of General Carter against the East Tennessee Railroad?

I do not. The mere occupation of a position could scarcely resemble in any respect an expedition of a force that should make a march of some hundreds of miles.

Question. Do you know anything about the particulars of Carter's expedition except what you have derived from his official report and the newspaper accounts?

I do not.

Question. According to those sources of information about what force was there in the range of his expedition to oppose the expedition of General Carter?

I have not even an approximate idea of that force. The understanding that I have gained in the accounts of the expedition I have read is that General Carter encountered but little resistance and met with but few rebel troops.

Question. Was the force which invaded Kentucky under Kirby Smith


Page 416 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.