[CHAP. XXVIII.

"(Official.)

"GENERAL BUELL'S HEADQUARTERS.

"To General CRITTENDEN:

"Have your advance division ready to attack at daylight. Issue orders at once.

"THOMASJanuary

Question. At what time of the night was it given?

The order is not dated. It was given about half past 1 o'clock on the morning of the 9th of October.

Question. You have some messages which I understand were transmitted through your corps on the morning of the 9th. I will thank you to read them in the order in which they occurred.

The first message, I think, but I may be mistaken in reference to the order in which they were received, is:

"(Official.)

"To General BUELL:

"I am all ready. My post will be to the rear of the center of my line.

"CRITTENDENJanuary

The message just read was received, I think, soon after daylight on the morning of the 9th. There are two messages which I think were sent without any answer. As to the order in which they were sent I do not know positively, but I think they were sent in this order:

"OCTOBER 9-8 a.m.

"General CRITTENDEN:

"Have you commenced the advance? What delays your attack?

"JAMES B. FRY,

"ColonelJanuary

The second message to General Crittenden is:

"Are you advancing, and what news? Answer.

"JAMES B. FRY,

"ColonelJanuary

Here are two other messages giving information.

Question. Have you any answer to that?

I have not positive answer.

"To Colonel FRY:

"Colonel Murray, who is off to the right of the command, reports that this morning a regiment of cavalry and of infantry had crossed the Danville road beyond Mitchell's, going south. I have ordered Colonel McCook to reconnoiter the woods and ascertain his whereaboutsJanuary

That message was from General Thomas or General Crittenden, I am unable to say which. There is no signature. It was received some time in the morning before 12 o'clock.

There are two other official communications, but I am unable to say whether these communications, giving information in reference to the movements of the enemy, were received before or after this order; but I think after. The order is dated-

"OCTOBER 9-12 o'clock.

"General CRITTENDEN or General THOMAS:

"In case the enemy had retired, as reported, put two of your divisions in position near Crawford Spring, on the Harrodsburg, and a third near Walker's Spring, south of the town. Take the strongest positions you can find, and be ready at a moment's notice to march or fight.

"JAMES B. FRYJanuary