95 miles. To deceive the enemy as to my intention I advanced in two columns, one passing the mountains at Rogers' and the other by Big Creek Gap, thus threatening at the same time Cumberland Gap, 19 miles east of Rogers', Knoxville, 45 miles south of Rogers', and Clinton, about 20 miles south of Big Creek Gap. Clinton was a base of supplies for the enemy.

Before advancing from the ford I informed General Buell that Smith's force was three times greater than my own, and requested that a diversion should be made in my favor against Chattanooga. My request was complied with, and Smith believed the feint to be an attack, and recalled Barton from Big Creek Gap, and with 12,000 men started to the relief of Chattanooga. But when Smith reached London he received a telegram stating that East Tennessee was being invaded by two columns. This recalled to him a ruse rumor which I had several weeks previously caused to be circulated of my intention to attack the Gap in front with 12,000 men, while at the same time I would advance by a flank movement with two columns into East Tennessee.

On the 16th of June I learned that Smith and Barton were advancing to attack me [Exhibit N], but it was not until a week or ten days after our occupation of the Gap that I learned fully of the disposition of Smith's forces. He left Stevenson with 6,000 men to defend Cumberland Gap, sent Barton with 4,000 men to the Big Valley to observe the approach to Knoxville by the Rogers' Gap road, while with 8,000 men he took position at Clinton.

Smith's disposition of his troops indicates his belief that I intended to advance upon Knoxville, and he hoped to meet me with his forces concentrated. My order of march [Exhibit O], shows that I anticipated his plan and was prepared for him, and my rapid advance upon Stevenson foiled the execution of his design, and Cumberland Gap was thus captured without the loss of a man.

General Buell knew that I was maneuvering against a force three times greater than my own, and this explains his anxiety for the safety of my command.

Upon assuming command at Cumberland Gap I adopted a conciliatory policy [Exhibits P and nd Q], and the citizens of the adjoining counties of Virginia and Tennessee flocked in to resume their allegiance to the United States.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE W. MORGAN,

Brigadier-General Volunteers, U. S. Army.

LORENZO THOMAS,

Adjutant-General U. S. Army.

EXHIBIT A.

DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, Memphis, Tenn., December 6, 1862.

LORENZO THOMAS,

Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: To-day's journals announce that the general-in-chief has submitted to the honorable Secretary of War a report, in which it is stated "that an investigation has been ordered of Morgan's strange abandonment of Cumberland Gap."

I have therefore the honor respectfully to request that I may be relieved from my command, and that the investigation may take place at the earliest moment practicable; that the trial may be by court of inquiry