Lytle to form his own and I showed Colonel Harris where to form his, and after sending several messages to Colonel Starkweather, who was separated from my command by General Jackson cutting him off, he arrived and reported to me, and I formed his brigade on the left. General McCook, however, returned before I had placed Starkweather in line, and by his orders Generals Jackson and Terrill moved a battery and some of their troops to support it through my lines to the front.

The following note, produced at the president's direction from among the orders of General Buell to General McCook, is identified by General Rousseau as the note referred to in the testimony, and made part of the record at the request of General Buell:

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL BUELL, October 7, 1862-8 p.m.

GENERAL: The Third Army Corps (Gilbert's), is within 3 1/2 miles of Perryville, the cavalry being nearer, probably within 2 1/2 miles. From all the information gained to-day it seems probable that the enemy will resist our advance into the town. They are said to have a strong force in and near the place. There is no water here and we will get but little, if any at all, until we get it at Perryville. We except to attack and carry the place to-morrow.

March at 3 o'clock precisely to-morrow morning without fail, and move up until the head of your column gets to within 3 or 3 1/2 miles of Perryville; that is to say, until you are abreast of the Third Corps, the rest of the corps resting near Bottom's place.* Perhaps Captain Williams, Jackson's cavalry, will know where it is. From the point of the road Gilbert is now on across direct to your road is about 2 1/2 or 3 miles. When the head of your column gets to the vicinity designated (3 or 3 1/2 miles from town), halt and form it in order of battle and let the rear close well up, then let the men rest in position and be made as comfortable as possible, but do not permit them to scatter. Have the country on your front examined, a reconnaissance made, and collect all the information possible in regard to the enemy, the country, and the roads in your vicinity, and then report in person as quickly as practicable to these headquarters. If your men have an opportunity to get water of any kind they must fill their canteens and the officers must caution them particularly to use it in the most sparing manner. Send to the rear every wagon and animal which is not required with your column. All the usual precautions must be taken and preparation made for action. Keep all teams back except ammunition and ambulances.

Nothing has been heard from you to-day. Send orderlies by bearer to learn the locality of these headquarters. The general desires to see Captain Williams, Jackson's cavalry, by 7 o'clock in the morning at these headquarters.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
JAMES B. FRY,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

A true copy.

J. M. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Addressed to General McCook.

The WITNESS. I do not recollect having sent hat note but once, and then only for a moment on the march; that was the next day after it was written. I received orders from General McCook at about 3.30 o'clock, I think, on the morning after the note was written, to march at 5 o'clock. I grumbled a little at the short notice, rode down to his headquarters, and he remarked to me that he had received it at a very late hour himself. I saw other note or two, perhaps, from General Buell, which were received, I think, on the march. I do not remember their substance, though I think I read them. The note just read and placed on the record is the note I previously referred to in my testimony.

Question. How long after the enemy began shelling you was it before you say General McCook?

I cannot tell. It was not very long, but I do not recollect the exact time. General McCook came and aided in forming the line of battle, as previously stated.

Question. Did you see him during the action, and what orders did you receive from him?

He and I were in different parts of the field, I suppose. I was on the left of the line

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*See Buell's copy of this dispatch, p.50.

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