Question. How far had we possession of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad at that time?

At the time I commenced the repairs, immediately after the evacuation, our forces had just commenced to advance on that line toward Decatur in sufficient numbers only to furnish the necessary protection to the working parties for the execution of that work. The road was not actually occupied by our troops. As the repairs proceeded we advanced along the line until we finally held possession from Corinth to Decatur, this possession being disputed by the rebels, who attacked the line at various points almost from day to day. On the north side of the Tennessee River I think the line was held from Decatur to Stevenson by the forces under General Mitchel.

Question. What is the military advantage of Chattanooga to the rebels?

It is a salient point in their line of communication between Atlanta and Knoxville, and is itself a very strong position, which, held by them, enables from them to cover that line for a great distance. It is far more important to them than it would be to us, inasmuch as it is not upon the direct line from Atlanta to Knoxville. The road leading form Dalton to Cleveland serving the rebels as a cut-off, this road could be used by them even if Chattanooga were held by us.

Question. How far is Chattanooga from Dalton?

I do not recollect the distance.

Question. Is it 30 miles, should you think?

I should think it was as much as that.

Question. If we held Chattanooga in force would not the junction at Dalton be under our control?

Not if that junction were held by the rebels in force.

Question. Suppose we held that intersection at Dalton, what would be the possibility of getting from Georgia to Alabama by railroad?

There would be but two lines left open, one by the way of Augusta up through Raleigh; the other line, lying near the coast, running from Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington, Petersburg,&c.

Question. From what section of country did Bragg draw supplies for his army while he lay at Chattanooga before he crossed the Tennessee River?

The line south to Atlanta opens the line of communication for him to all their depots of supplies and from Atlanta southward. The road north would bring him supplies from the valley of East Tennessee. I suppose he drew his supplies mainly from those two lines and from all the region of country reached by that and other connections.

Commission adjourned to meet February 9, 1863.

CINCINNATI, February 9, 1863.

Commission met pursuant to adjournment. All the numbers present; also the judge-advocate and General Buell.

General W. S. SMITH'S examination continued.

General BUELL. In looking over your record, Mr. President, I observe something in the remarks of the judge-advocate in reference to my objection to a question of his which I did not distinctly hear and certainly very much misunderstood, or I should have asked the Commission to inquire upon what ground the judge-advocate contradicted my statement in the objection alluded to. I think it proper now to call your attention to the evidence, which substantiates the statement I made in my objection. I will premise that the question of the actual strength of the rebel army is one of interest.