Question. General, can you not by some event fix the date?

I cannot. I do not treasure any of these dates in my mind. Either from some mental peculiarity or habit the relation of events I can recollect, but dates I do not.

Question. What troops were moved to Altamont and how long did they remain there and what troops were moved into a supporting position?

I do not recollect what particular commands were moved either to Altamont or to Hillsborough, which is a supporting position. I only recollect that troops were thus moved on the supposition that the enemy were advancing upon Altamont.

Question. General, please name the road "that debouches from the mountains leading in a southwestwardly direction to the rear of our forces in North Alabama" and what forces were those.

I do not know the name of the road. The forces were those already mentioned as stationed at Huntsville and along the line from Huntsville to Stevenson, being about one brigade at Huntsville and about one regiment between that and Stevenson. There was also another brigade en route to Decherd from Huntsville.

Question. How far on each side of the line of railroad did you personally examine the country between Huntsville and Chattanooga? I mean in reference to its supplies.

I made no examination on either side of the road personally. I was instructed to order the troops under my command stationed along that line to collect supplies, and the knowledge that I gained of the resources of the country was from the replies of commanding officers that scarcely any supplies could be obtained and that the country surrounding them at the various positions for a considerable distance was barren.

Question. Was not that part of the Memphis and Charleston road between Huntsville and Chattanooga well supported from its local business-previous to the rebellion, I mean?

Of that I have no knowledge. I think it impossible, however, unless it drew business from a very great distance.

Question. Do you mean to say that the country from Huntsville between the railroad and the Tennessee River to Chattanooga is a barren and sterile country?

That is my information.

Question. You say you are familiar with the country between Chattanooga and Atlanta?

Along the railroad line connecting those two places I am.

Question. Do you mean to say that this is a barren, sterile country?

Nearly that entire line leads through a mountainous, rough country.

Question. Is it not the railroad from Chattanooga to Atlanta?

Yes, sir.

Question. Have you ever been over it?

Yes, sir.

Question. Is there any grade in that more than 45 feet to the mile?

I ask you as an engineer.

That I cannot answer. The road follows the ravines and abounds in sharp curves, by means of which such a direction is given to the line of the road as to avoid, as far as possible, any heavy grades.

Question. What is the distance from Chattanooga to Atlanta; do you know?

I do not know the precise distance.