reference to the substance of that correspondence; and I do not think the question I have raised as to the accuracy of the record is of very great importance. I will add, with reference to my views, that I remember asking the witness whether he had ever seen any defense made of Bragg's retreat from Kentucky on the ground that his force was insufficient to cope with mine.

(The recorder, having referred to his notes by the order of the President, stated at the next session the word reported and read to the court was "our.")

General W. S. SMITH (a witness for the defendant), being duly sworn by the judge-advocate, testified as follows:

By General BUELL:

Question. Will you state your name and position in the service, if you please?

William Sooy Smith, brigadier-general of volunteers.

Question. Were you in command at Bowling Green from the 10th to the 16th of September last?

I was.

Question. Did you receive any messages during your command from the commanding officer at Munfordville calling for re-enforcements and giving reasons why he should have them?

I did not.

Question. Do you remember to have seen any scouts or messengers who represented themselves as having been sent from the commanding officer at Munfordville for any purpose?

No, sir; I did not. I saw a citizen, who reported that he had come from that vicinity, but not by command of the commanding officer. I think it was on Monday morning succeeding the attack.

Question. Who was that citizen?

I do not recollect his name.

Question. Do you remember what information he brought?

He brought information of an attack upon Munfordville, but particulars he did not know.

Question. What information did he give in regard to the attack; do you remember?

He simply stated that an attack had been made; that he heard firing; and said he had been within 3 miles of Munfordville and heard very heavy firing, which continued at the time that he left.

Question. Did you about that time hear of the arrival of any messenger from the commanding officer at Munfordville with such information as I have alluded to in the previous question?

No, I did not. Colonel Bruce had been in command there and might have received such a messenger. No such messenger was reported to me and I knew of no such.

Question. If any such messengers had gone to Colonel Bruce on the supposition that he was still in command would it have been his duty to send them to you and is it probable that he would have done it?

It would have been his duty and I think he would have done so.

Question. Were you at the headquarters of the Army of the Ohio at Decherd, Tenn., about the 22nd or 23rd of August last, for several days about that time?

I was at the headquarters of the Army of the Ohio at Decherd for several days