son's inn, where I heard the officers talking to each other, that I got my information. I do not want you to understand that they directed their conversation to me at all; it was my mixing with them at table after this retreat was ordered and became generally known that it was talked about.

Question. Had the rebels a line of communication between Knoxville and Murfreesborough by which they moved their troops?

Yes, sir; they had. I saw them move their troops from Knoxville to Murfreesborough.

Question. Are you in favor of the execution of all the laws passed by Congress and all the orders issued by the President of the United States and by his subordinate military officers, so far as they have come to your knowledge, for the suppression of the rebellion commenced at Fort Sunter and since carried on by the rebel Government at Richmond, of which Jefferson Davis is the president?

General BUELL. I object to this question, as I have done to the same question in all previous cases and for the same reason.

The court is cleared. In secret session it is decided that the question shall be put.

The PRESIDENT. It is proper to admonish you that you are not required to answer the question if in your judgment it would criminate you in any degree. Do you understand the meaning of my caution?

I do, sir. I would rather not answer that question. I can answer it. As I stated to you before, I have come back and taken the oath with the intention of becoming a loyal citizen. At the same time I do not approve of everything Mr. Lincoln has done.

The PRESIDENT. Do I understand that you decline to answer the question?

It is a very hard question for me to answer. I want you to understand that I am trying to be a loyal citizen and want to remain as such. I have taken the oath and intend to adhere to it, and I am in a loyal State and I intend to stay; but if you want my candid answer I will give it. I could answer it very quickly, but in doing so I might get myself trouble.

Question. If you apprehend that you are not bound to answer it.

As I stated before, I have told you my object in going South and my object in coming back.

Question. Do you decline answering the question?

Please read the question again.

The question is reread.

I would rather not answer it at all; but if I am to answer it I will say it right out: I don't approve of Mr. Lincoln's January proclamation in regard to slavery.

Judge LANE (a witness for the defendant), being duly sworn by the judge-advocate, testified as follows:

By general BUELL:

Question. State your name and place of residence, if you please, judge.

G. W. Lane; Huntsville, Ala.

Question. Have you a good knowledge of the country of North Alabama and of its agricultural resources?

I have been a resident there for the last forty -five years; have traversed it in almost every manner, and profess to have pretty correct knowledge of the physical geography of the country, and I profess to have a knowledge of the agricultural resources of the country.

Question. State, if you please, what you know on these subjects.