[CHAP. XXVIII.

just at daybreak, as when they passed half a mile from the town to the right there was some timber which obscured them from vie, and I could not see their position until they again retired across the open space of ground over which they had to pass.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Colonel WAGNER'S examination continued.

Cross-examination by General BUELL:

Question. Do you know any reason why you were not ordered to attack the enemy when he was so near you, or could any other attack have been judiciously made than that which you made without the concurrent action of other troops?

The reason that I did not advance farther that morning into the town and beyond it and undertake to cut off those troops that were retreating was because I was then much farther advanced than I was ordered to go. I had gone about as far as I thought I dared go without being ordered. After I had at dark ordered the troops to lay upon their arms, not even allowing them to go for water, a staff officer of General Gilbert came to me, with the request that I would advance up to the edge or into the town with my brigade. Colonel Carlin was at the edge of the town, and did not think it safe to remain in that position without support. I declined to do so, saying that he could get support from the rear from General Wood or General Crittenden to protect the right. This was for the reason that I was informed during the day that there was a large force in front of General Crittenden's main body, which, if I had advanced to that position, would have left them in my rear. I went with the aide-de-camp back to General Wood's headquarters, reporting the position of affairs in front, and joined with him in asking for support so as to enable us to hold the town during the night. General Wood sent one of his officers with the aide of General Gilbert to General Crittenden. I returned to my command. We received no further orders. Colonel Carlin took position on my left. When I went to the rear at this time I heard from officers a confirmation of the report referred to, that there was a large force in front of General Smith's division, on the extreme right of the army. This information, it is but just to say, was said to be reported by General Smith.

Redirect examination by the JUDGE-ADVOCATE:

Question. At what time did you arrive on the battle ground on the afternoon of the 8th?

I arrived in the rear line about half past two, as near as I can remember.

Question. How did this arrival on yours place Crittenden's corps on the battle ground at that time?

His forces were upon either side of the pike leading from Perryville to Lebanon, or about 2 miles from Perryville.

Question. How was that position in reference to that held by General McCook?

I do not know what General McCook's position was. I know only the position of General Gilbert.

Question. How was it in reference to General Gilbert?

My orders were on arriving in the rear of the line to form in line

of battle on the left of General Van Cleve, who was the left of General Crittenden's line, prolonging the line in the direction of General Gilbert's right; therefore the general direction of these two lines was parallel to each other or nearly so.

Question. What was done for the next two or three hours after your arrival upon the battle-field?

Before I had quite formed my brigade in line of battle General Wood gave me an order to march immediately to the support of General Sheridan's right, which he said was being turned; this I immediately did. That was about half a mile directly to my left. On arriving within 600 yards of General Sheridan's forces I came in contact with a brigade of the enemy advancing upon General Sheridan's right, which I immediately attacked; but the mere appearance of my force upon their flank caused them immediately to about-face and retire, we advancing and they retiring until night.