125 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I
Page 125 | Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS. |
Yes, sir; I did. Once, in front of Corinth, T. W. Sherman was put in command of General Thomas' division, which produced great dissatisfaction in the division, and the officers of the brigade and the colonels petitioned to have him removed. I know they were very much dissatisfied. They complained of his manner more than of his want of ability.
Question. Did you ever know of any other case?
No that I recollect; that was the only instance.
Question. Was that division under my command at the time?
No, sir; it was assigned to the army of General Grant. I was requested by my deceased brother, General Robert [L.] McCook to see General Buell and see if the change could be made; that the men were so angry with him that he might meet with violence from their hands. I spoke to General Buell about it, and it was once of his best division, and I know he as well as myself was much interested in their welfare.
Question. Do you know whether General Steedman's division was affected by the assignment of General Gilbert according to his supposed rank at that time?
Yes, sir; General Steedman ranks General Gilbert.
General SCHOEPF. Could it be known to General Steedman at the time that we was not a brigadier-general?
I believe Gilbert never had a commission as a major-general.
General BUELL. Has there been anything in the active operation of my troops, and in their scattered condition for a considerable time that would have interfered with as frequent inspection of them as might otherwise have been made?
My answer to that is, yes.
By General BUELL:
Question. Did you have any doubt that Bragg would concentrate his forces at Harrodsburg for battle after the battle of the 8th?
I believed he would concentrate.
Question. What did you suppose his whole force would amount to?
At that time I had no positive way of ascertaining what his forces were, but I believe they would amount to about 55,000 men.
Question. Did you know the strength of our army after the battle of the 8th?
I did not, sir,except as far as my own forces wee concerned.
Question. Did you know that the absent division of your corps was on the march to join you?
Yes, sir; I did.
Question. Was there anything on the retreat of the rebel forces from Perryville which indicated that the retreat was a disorderly one?
Not by the indications of their march. There was nothing left upon the road except what they could not carry away - gun-carriages and guns that were taken in battle - for they cut up the carriages and left them.
Question. Supposing that there was a reasonable probability that the enemy would give battle at Harrodsburg with a force not much, if any, inferior to your own and that you were in expectation of
re-enforcements to join or would you have considered the result of the battle so absolutely certain as to make it advisable to attack with what you had?
Page 125 | Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS. |