Question. Do you know whether the policy of the Government of the United States in regard to the treatment of the population of States in rebellion to the United States has been changed since the first outbreak of the rebellion, so far as taking supplies from them and giving them vouchers with the conditions of payment predicated upon their loyalty or disloyalty is concerned?

I do not know, sir, of any change in the policy.

Question. Is it or is it not notorious that at the outbreak of the rebellion the policy of the Government toward the people residing in rebellions districts was what is termed a conciliatory and kind policy?

That was my understanding, sir, at the outbreak of the rebellion-that was the policy of the Government and would continue to be. I have individually looked upon it as a mistaken policy.

Question. Are you informed whether the present policy of the Government is more or less severe than it was?

I cannot say that I am. I do not know whether the policy of the Government has been changed or not.

The court then adjourned to meet on Thursday, April 19, at 11 o'clock a.m.

CINCINNATI, Thursday, April 9, 1863.

The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Members present, General Wallace, General Dana, General Tyler; also the judge-advocate and General Buell.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. There are three witnesses that the Commission and General Buell have expressed a desire to examine, whose evidence I have some difficulty in procuring-Major-General Halleck, Governor Johnson, and Colonel Fry. I would like to have some advice from the Commission as to what steps to take to procure their evidence. I presume I can get their depositions. I have about made up my mind that I cannot get them before the Commission.

The PRESIDENT. I thought you had forwarded questions to Major-General Halleck to be answered.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. I notified General Buell that I would take the depositions of Major-General Halleck and Governor Johnson, but by some irregularity of the mail the questions did not reach Washington until after the date of the notice. I certainly shall have him before the Commission or get his deposition on the same notice if General Buell does not object.

General BUELL. I have stated frequently and earnestly to the Commission my wish that Governor Johnson should appear before the Commission, and my conviction that for the sake of justice he ought to appear; and I must insist that he shall come or that the Government shall refuse to permit him. It is undoubtedly in the power of the Commission to bring him before them if they are not restrained by higher authorities.

The PRESIDENT. Has the judge-advocate heard from Governor Johnson?

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. Yes, Mr. President; and I see I cannot get either of these witnesses before the Commission in any reasonable time. Governor Johnson is engaged in organizing some expedition in Tennessee; and I have received directions from Secretary Stanton that he will not permit me to take any officer out of active service to appear before this Commission when a deposition can be had.