certainly existed subsequently to that time in the minds of certain witnesses who have appeared before this Commission, quite enough prejudice to sway their judgment upon any matter of opinion where my official acts were concerned. The material part of the testimony of these witnesses-if a mere opinion can be considered material in such matters-is made up of opinion. I believe that this prejudice had rendered them incompetent to give a sound, impartial opinion. The evidence may or may not, depending upon the restriction which the Commission places upon it, extend to the motive and the disposition of Brigadier-General Schoepf, recently a member of this Commission. The Commission, however, have ruled out evidence upon that point heretofore. I do not know whether they will admit it now or not.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. I would like to remark in this connection that so far as any prejudice that might influence these witnesses goes General Buell is precluded from bringing forward anything to impeach them. General Buell in his cross-examination of these witnesses went outside of the examination-in-chief and made them his own. He now proposes to come in with other evidence to attack them before this Commission. He proposes to impeach his own witnesses. So far as General Schoepf is concerned I do not propose to occupy your time at all, but I will merely say that had that investigation gone on it would have shown a very different result from that which the record now implies.

General BUELL. I have no doubt of the propriety and admissibility of any evidence which shall affect the value of testimony that has been given before the Commission. I am satisfied of that without citing any authority. With reference to the motive that has been ascribed to Brigadier-General Schoepf, I challenge the judge-advocate or any other person to pursue that investigation.

The court was cleared; when it was decided that the objection should be sustained.

By General TYLER:

Question. Did you hear General McCook's aide make his report; and, if so, to whom?

I did not hear him make his report.

Question. Do you know to whom he reported?

I do not know of my own knowledge whom he reported to, but I suppose he reported to Major-General Buell in person.

Question. Whom did you receive the order from that you carried to General Thomas?

From General Buell.

Question. Was it written or verbal?

It was verbal.

Question. Was it usual to send an important order of that kind by verbal messages through an aide-de-camp?

It was done occasionally when there was great necessity or great hurry?

Question. What time, as near as you can make it, did you receive that verbal order?

About quarter after 4 in the afternoon.

Question. How long after General McCook's aide arrived in your camp?

I suppose while he was still there; immediately on his arrival.