road passes right through that section of country, and the products of that country have been usually carried down to Macon, Augusta,and Savannah. None of the productions of that country have ever come down our way; they went from Chattanooga to Atlanta, August, &c. The only channel for the products of that country was through the interior of Georgia, and it was from this country that the interior of Georgia got its supplies.

Question. Are there at any season fords across the Tennessee River within 10 miles of Chattanooga?

I have never heard of the Tennessee River being forded there at all. I have never known the Tennessee River forded anywhere except at the head of Muscle Shoals. I believe General Jackson forded there in 1814 with his army. It is called Colbert Shoals, and that is 150 to 200 miles from Chattanooga, and more by water.

Question. Do steamers ever cross the Muscle Shoals; and, if so, at what season of the year, and what is the greatest draught of a boat that can cross the shoals under the most favorable circumstances?

I have never known a steamer pass up the shoals-steamers built here in the West-but they were tugged up. There is no navigation, and never has been. No steamer has give up unless it was carried up by force, that is, force independent of the steam itself.

Question. Was there formerly an attempt made to make the river navigable over the shoals by means of locks and dams?

Yes, sir; in 1828 there was an appropriation of land made by the General Government of, I think, a million of acres. There was raised from that land about $3,000,000, and that money, was expended in the attempt to cut a canal around the shoals, but it proved a signal and entire failure, and it is now in perfect ruin. I do not know that a boats has ever passed through it.

Question. Have you a general knowledge of the fact that depredations to a very considerable extent were committed by Government troops in various places in North Alabama in the spring and summer of 1862 and prior to my arrival at Huntsville? If so, please state what effect was produced upon the temper of the people and their sentiments toward the Union by those depredations.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. Mr. President, I object to that question. There is no earthly doubt but that depredations committed by soldiers will produce a bad effect upon the inhabitants of any country; the fact can be admitted without calling upon a witness to prove it; but if depredations were committed precisely at that time I cannot see what bearing it has upon the investigation we are engaged upon.

General BUELL. they have this bearing, Mr. President: that they go to explain to a considerable extent perhaps the cause of the dissatisfaction and demoralization which has been charged to have subsequently existed int he army under my command, and that has been one of the subjects of investigation before this Commission. It may serve as an answer, too,, to the infamous denunciation that has been expressed in the public prints with reference to the measures which I adopted to suppress and punish those depredations and preserve discipline in my army. That is the object of the question.

The court was cleared; when, after discussion, it was decided that the question should be put.

General BUELL. I propose to modify the question by inserting gaffer the words "Government troops" "more particularly those under the command of colonel Turchin, Nineteenth Illinois RegimentJanuary

The PRESIDENT. I suggest that you specify what troops you refer to in a separate question.

General BUELL. I request, sir, I may have permission to amend the question