to pass down the valley via Battle Creek the Chattanooga road was abandoned as far north as Decherd, and soon after as far as Murfreesborough, the army being concentrated at that point.

Question. While the rebel army was advancing in front were the communications of the Army of the Ohio unmolested. If not, how were they interfered with and what cavalry force had the commander of the Army of the Ohio to guard against the danger from the cause?

As heretofore stated, the communications of the Army of the Ohio were molested by the rebel cavalry while the main army advanced. The cavalry force of the Army of the Ohio was insufficient to guard against the dangers to which the army was exposed by the operations of the rebel cavalry. The commander of the Army of the Ohio was able to concentrate only eight regiments of cavalry, and this was done by stripping the divisions; the regiments were much reduced in numbers, were run down by having been overworked, and in some cases not well managed and cared for, and in most cases having been insufficiently well armed, equipped, or instructed.

Question. What, according to the best information, was the strength of the rebel force which advanced into Middle Tennessee under General Bragg; when did the two divisions of the army under General Grant join the Army of the Ohio, and prior to that time what force of the Army of the Ohio could have been concentrated at a point as far in advance as McMinnville to oppose the enemy?

The accounts in regard to the strength of the rebel forces were various, eye-witnesses of their columns having given their numbers as high as 150,000 men. I think, however, their strength was quite accurately determined. The various items of reliable information were collected and reasonable calculations made, and from these and the accurate knowledge of the organization, chief officers, &c., it may be safely stated that their strength was between 45,000 and 60,000 men; probably something over 45,000. One division from General Grant's army joined the Army of the Ohio at Murfreesborough on September 1. Previous to this time the divisions of McCook, Nelson, Wood, Crittenden, and Schoepf, between 25,000 and 30,000 men could have been concentrated at McMinnville if the question of forage and provisions were disregarded. The other division from General Grant's army entered Nashville about the 12th or 13th of September, after the main army had gone into Kentucky.

Question. Read the dispatch now shown you, dated the 22nd of August, from Major-General Thomas; repeat the dispatch in your answer, and state what its meaning was according to your knowledge of the circumstances which gave rise to it.

I have read the dispatch, which is as follows:

"McMINNVILLE, August 22.

"Major-General BUELL, Decherd:

"By all means concentrate here. The enemy cannot reach Nashville by any other route across the mountain unless by Sparta or Altamont. I am positively informed that the enemy would have an equal advantage with ourselves here. We will have a most decided advantage, and by being here, should he march by Sparta, we can meet him either there or at Allen's Ford, across Caney Fork. He is obliged to pass Sparta to reach Nashville. I have six days' rations and plenty of ammunition. Did you get my dispatch of to-day? I cannot think that Bragg is coming here either by the Hill or by Therman road. My reconnoitering party went into Dunlap yesterday.

"THOMASJanuary

I was aware of the circumstances which gave rise to it, and its meaning was that concentration at McMinnville was preferable to concentration at Altamont, and it was written in connection with a consideration of those two points with regard to each other.

Question. Was it supposed or was there any ground to suppose that the rebel force which was in the Sequachie Valley under the immediate command of General Bragg would cross the mountain to Sparta, and when was it known that that was his route?

It was not to my knowledge supposed, nor was there any ground to suppose, that the rebel army immediate under Bragg in the Sequatchie Valley would cross the