9 p.m. This was a point gained, as by that time it would be too late for further attack, except by assault, which I left able to repel. By this time I had got telegraphic communication with Louisville, and immediately telegraphed General Gilbert, in substance that we had held the enemy (said to be Bragg's and Polk's whole army) at bay all day; that evidently fresh columns were being moved against us, and whether we should be able to continue to hold our position without assistance remained to be seen; that we should do the best we could. I received an answer, ordering me to turn the command over to Colonel Wilder. I replied that, under the circumstances, I regarded the order as unjust, but should obey it. In the mean time the council had been convened, consisting of Colonels Owen, Wilder, King, Emerson, and Murray, and Captain Konkle and myself. The unanimous conclusion was, if that they had the force claimed, viz, over 25,000 men and sixty pieces of artillery, besides cavalry, it would be a useless sacrifice of human life to resist, and especially as by their artillery they could in spite of us occupy the heights north of the river, which completely covered our works. But it was also unanimously resolved that we should be permitted by some competent officer or officers to have actual observation of their strength or that we should demonstrate it by actual trial of arms.

At the conclusion of the council I formally relinquished the command to Colonel Wilder, who has reported the further proceedings. I at once telegraphed General Gilbert, in substance, that I had so relinquished the command, and that I should take my musket and go into the trenches; that, as a senior officer, under the circumstances, I would not, as an officer, fight under a junior. I was immediately ordered by him to report to Colonel

Wilder under arrest, which I did. It is but just to observe that I did not object to serving under Colonel Wilder. Between him and myself had existed and yet exists the most friendly and cordial relations. We had in all things agreed, and no praise from me would add to his reputation as an officer. The proper authorities must judge from subsequent events whether my telegram to General Gilbert was such evidence of weakness as justified my removal from command, or whether it was simply evidence that I saw our peril and was not afraid to look it in the face. To that authority I shall also appeal for the justness of my arrest.

Of the coolness and determined courage of the men I cannot speak too highly. Of officers, where all did their duty well, especial praise seems almost out of place; yet some of course had better opportunities than others to display tact, coolness, and courage. Justice requires me to acknowledge my obligations to Lieutenant Colonel Edward A. King, of the Nineteenth Regulars, but now colonel of the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers. He had position about midway of the south line of the works west of the railroad. Six companies of his regiment were held in a hollow near by as a support, the assault being anticipated in that direction. His experience, coolness, and close observation, even when shells and musket-balls flew thick and fact, were invaluable and cannot be too highly praised. Colonel Owen was in command of the field works on the left (Fort Craig), with discretionary authority. I need scarcely say that it was trustworthily confided. I should also mention the excellent conduct of Adjt. John R. Simpson, of the Fiftieth Indiana, and Lieutenant Pumpelly, of the Sixteenth Kentucky, who acted as my aides. On Sunday they boldly reconnoitered the woods along our march to guard us against surprise. On Tuesday they did their duty with a quiet fearlessness that deserves favorable notice.