material by a member of the Commission it is his duty to draw out that information in his examination of the witness by himself.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. Neither the Government nor General Buell can be control in the examination of witnesses, and all information sought should be obtained by asking questions after the Government and General Buell get through. It is the rule we have established ourselves, and is a very good one if adhered to.

The PRESIDENT. That is my opinion-to make no interruptions except it is to make an objection to the question, and scarcely think an objection to the form of the question would constitute a serious objection. General Buell has undoubtedly the right to shape and forma his own questions on any particular subject; so has the judge-advocate on the part of the Government. I think it would be safer and better for us to adhere strictly to the rule we have established.

General BUELL. I will ask the witness to specify the counties in which he observed this disposition of the people which seemed to be favorable and to encourage the hope of their voluntary return to the Union.

The counties of Robertson, Summer, Wilson, Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Giles, Rutherfrod, and Bedford,and perhaps Lawrence, Hickman, Wayne, and Hardin, though my information in regard to them is not so certain.

In reply to the question that was objected to-

I am not able to answer the other part of the question with any degree of satisfaction to myself or others.

Question. Do you know about the time when by my withdrawal to the west bank of the Tennessee River I was removed from the immediate supervision and control of the military alice in Middle Tennessee and North Alabama, and did you subsequent to that time observe any marked departure from the policy which I had announced by the troops under my command in that part of Tennessee and North Alabama?

General Buell left Nashville with his army some time in March or April, I think-at all events before the battle of Shiloh; left Middle Tennessee, and was not again in Middle Tennessee until some time in the summer of fall last year. I think after he left, for a time, in some parts of the country around Nashville, the policy indicated in that general order was followed. I think it was particularly in Murray and Giles Counties, where there were post commanders. In each of these counties there was a large Union meeting, and we regarded the proceedings as flattering. I am not advised as to whether the policy was changed in Giles county. It wa, I think, in Giles County. I am not, however, fully advised.

Question. Do you know, by common report or in any other way, of the complaints of the people that that policy was not very fully carried out in North Alabama?

I heard from citizens of Athens, Limestone County, Ala., that the policy was not carried out there. How it was elsewhere in North Alabama I cannot say.

Question. And from what you know was the departure from or neglect of that policy in this instance attended with good effects or bad with reference to the disposition of the people toward the Union?

With peaceable, quiet citizens I think a kind policy would have been best. my conversations with the citizens of Athens were had with Union Men, or men who were disposed to return to the Union and to have North Alabama come back, as they assured me; and their statements to me were that the policy pursued there had a very injurious effect upon those people who were disposed to be friendly to the Government of the Union State.

Question. From your knowledge of the people of the State that have ken part in the rebellion, is it to be expected that they will return to heir loyalty until the rebel armies are defeated and kept beyond their mits?

I do not think it is possible.