Question. Is it usual among civilized nations to hold the inhabitants of the country responsible for it?

Not that I know of. I think non-combatants are respected in their rights of property among civilized people.

Cross-examination by the JUDGE-ADVOCATE:

Question. What force did the rebels have when they captured Crittenden at Murfreesborough?

They had, from the best information I could get, five regiments, that would average perhaps 300 or 400. I suppose from 1,500 to 1,800 men made the attack there.

Question. Was there any artillery?

No, sir.

Question. What number of men had we there?

Between 800 and 900, I think.

Question. Were not the transactions upon the railroad between Bowling Green and Nashville very much of the same character?

I think that as far as Heffren's defense of these bridges in concerned it was very bad. There might be a question in regard to Colonel Boone's management.

Question. Would it have been possible for us to send 1,800 men to break up the line of communication between, say, Cleveland and Knoxville on that railroad or upon any other railroad running through the enemy's country?

Of course it would be possible, but it would be hazardous.

Question. What is the difference between a line of railroad running between this city and Louisville and any railroad running through the rebel country?

The railroad is the same thing in the enemy's country that it is in ours, perhaps as easily destroyed in one as in the other, provided there are no natural obstructions in the way; but it would be easier to get in the rear of the army where there were no defiles to pass or large streams than it would if there were no high mountains and large streams to cross; it would take a longer time and be in greater danger of being intercepted and cut off.

Question. I understand you to say, then, that the character and disposition of the inhabitants make no difference in the hazard of that undertaking?

I was presuming that the question implied that the character of the inhabitants would be the same in both cases; that they would be hostile to the attempting force in either case.

Question. Is there any difference between the character of the inhabitants along this line that has been broken up and that of any other line running through rebel territory?

I cannot answer that question; I really do not know.

Question. You say that a notice to the inhabitants along this line of railroad that they would be held responsible for its interruption and be punished if it were injured or destroyed would made no difference?

General BUELL. In order to save the Commission, the witness, and myself, I am willing to withdraw the questions and evidence as to whether threats to the inhabitants of the country bordering the railroads would or would not interfere with the operations of the army.

The WITNESS. I do not think it would make any difference. I do not think they could prevent it if they were to try.