open field fight. There was one advantage I might mention: it was a rich country, and we could supply our army better there than we could perhaps beyond there. There might also be an advantage in being nearer Nashville.

Question. How does the condition of Middle Tennessee compare now general, with what it was in July or August in regard to supplies?

When our army reached here last fall I suppose, so far as forage was concerned, it was better than when we left here early in September. As to provisions for an army and for feeding the men I suppose it is not so good now at then, both armies having drawn supplied to a certain extent from Middle Tennessee. The last year's crop added some supplies to a country previously pretty well exhausted. In other portions, however, through which I passed there was a large amount of supplies prior to the coming in of the present year's crop.

Question. Has the crop of last summer increased that supply or not, do you think?

I suppose it did increase it; but in some localities the supply must now be as low as it was prior to the coming in of the last year's crop by being drawn upon by both armies.

Question. Was the crop of last year really available when we left here?

We made it so; we used it very freely.

Question. Had not the crop of 1861 been drawn upon by both armies and to a greater extent than the crop of this year is now?

In some localities I suppose it was; in other localities it was not. In the immediate vicinity of Nashville, Murfreesborough, and Gallatin I suppose the crop for this year (1862) has been well-night exhausted; whereas the crop of 1861, in a very large region of country in Middle Tennessee, when I passed through that country, was scarcely touched, except now and then by a brigade passing along the road. The crops in the southern part of Middle Tennessee this year were very fine, at least corn. The rebels may since that time have taken all the forage in that region of country.

Question. What crop were we fed from last summer; the crop of 1861 or 1862? The crop of 1862 is the one just gathered.

In some places we were obliged to forage upon the crops of 1862, owing to the scarcity of the crop of 1861. In many places, however, we found the greatest abundance of corn, and sometimes hay, sometimes oats, of the crop of 1861.

Question. Suppose the Army of the Cumberland to be cut off from Louisville now, would it or would it not be in a condition to assume offensive operations?

It would not be in a position to assume offensive operations, as I understand it; not for the want of supplies and provisions for the men, but for the lack of forage.

Question. You mean that the supply of provisions for the men-for the army-is greater than the supply of forage?

I understand so, sir; for they have to forage upon the country here and have to fight for a great deal they get.

Question. Suppose the communication with Louisville to be effectually severed and that this army was opposed by one which could fight it or not at its option, how long could it stay here, supposing it to have on hand now supplies for ten days?

If we were compelled to fight the enemy and were overcome its stay would be but short; if however, it succeeded in driving the enemy back and scattering its forces, it might be able to stay some time; I cannot say how long.

Question. Suppose the enemy did not give it battle but simply hovered about to prevent it from foraging?

If the communication between this and Louisville was effectually cut off I should think that our army here would be most effectually ruined, unless they had provisions enough on hand to take them to a point where they could secure supplies from the westward or elsewhere.