[CHAP. XXVIII.

of the Ohio to counteract the movements of the enemy, whatever they might be?

General McCook and myself frequently talked about it, and we thought the army ought to be concentrated at Murfreesborough.

Question. What was the advantage of the concentration at that point?

One great advantage that we looked to at that time, from our having been on half rations, was the advantage of getting supplies for the army, and the certainty that we could cover Nashville and be on the direct road to Kentucky in case we should be required there.

Question. Would it also have the advantage of opposing a greater force to the enemy than could have been brought against him at a more remote point?

Yes, sir; we had troops as far west as Columbia, and Murfreesborough was a nearer point at which those troops could be concentrated with the balance of the army than any point east of Murfreesborough. We had, besides, the advantage of railroad communication running into Murfreesborough.

Question. Is it true also that the main body of the army is diminished for the purpose of protecting its communications the farther it goes from its base?

Undoubtedly, sir; it must be so.

Question. Did the arrival of the rebel army at Sparta indicate with certainty that its destination was Kentucky, in your opinion?

No, sir.

Question. How far could it march upon the routes which it actually followed before that question would be determined with certainty?

I should say that it would be almost certain after passing Smithville that General Bragg would go to Nashville, unless Kirby Smith had met him at the Cumberland River. He might have gone through Lebanon, or he might have gone to Gallatin and taken Nashville from that side, or he might have gone to the Cumberland River and formed his junction there if Nashville had been the object which they intended to direct the rebel force upon. But if General Bragg was to operate alone against Nashville I do not know precisely what road he would take. He could go up to Lebanon and cross the river. It is a difficult road, and it would be a considerable obstacle; still it might have been done.

Question. Is there anything in the character of the country or the condition of the roads to have prevented Bragg from striking the river and marching down it on either side or on both sides?

There is on the south side of the Cumberland Stone River, that would have proved one obstacle; on the other side there is no obstacle. He would have had very good roads, I believe.

Question. Would such a route have had the effect of throwing him into a region of country in which supplies were more abundant than on any other route toward Nashville?

Supplies were very abundant about Lebanon. It is a good country. East of Stone River supplies were abundant-plenty of forage-and I suppose that that route would have furnished him better with supplies of every kind than any other. On the other side of the river is also a good country as far as Gallatin; but I know little of the country. I was up the Cumberland beyond Gallatin.

Question. From a careful consideration of all the information of which you have had any knowledge, from the time the rebel army crossed the Tennessee River until it arrived at Sparta, about what was your estimate and that of other officers who had the best opportunity of knowing as to the strength of that army?

My own opinion was that the enemy was about 40,000 strong. I had information