way rendered the wells useless. We also destroyed the scaffolding and a large portion of the wood work of the pans and all the surface pipe.

We found at all these works large quantities of salt. The amount at the several works, in our judgment, from a hasty examination, without the means of measuring it, and from the statements of the persons using them respectively, were about as follows:

At Works Numbers 1 (Garrard), 5,840 bushels; at Works Numbers 2(Reid), 5,000 bushels; at Works Numbers 3 (White, Horton and Gara), 2,000 bushels; at Works Numbers 4 (Gibson and Chastain), 8,000 bushels; at Works Numbers 5 (J. and D. White), 9,000 bushels.

This estimate of the salt may be very inaccurate. We had no experience in estimating salt, and had to guess at it and take the statement of the parties interested and such persons as happened to be present. The true amount can be obtained when necessary from the testimony of those experienced in such matters and familiar with the works and competent to judge of such matters.

By the verbal permission of Brigadier-General Cruft we permitted the loyal citizens around and in the neighborhood of the works to remove enough salt to supply the neighborhood and country around, binding them by oath not to permit any of it to go to the benefit of the Southern Confederacy. This privilege was necessary in order to prevent great suffering among the citizens. In this way a considerable quantity of salt was appropriated, and the remainder we destroyed by turning the water from the cisterns upon it and as far as practicable throwing the remainder into the pools and streams of water convenient.

This destruction of these works and their products was not as complete as we desired, but was as thorough as practicable, considering the time allowed and the want of facilities for doing the work. We worked 500 men-as many as could be employed at it-continuously for thirty-six hours, doing in that time a vast deal of work. The wells and pumps upon which the works depended for supplies of water to manufacture the salt, although not entirely destroyed were rendered useless and totally unfit for service and the most of them damaged beyond repair, and if any of them can be repaired it will be at nearly as heavy an expense of time and labor as boring a new well.

The salt was so effectually appropriated by the neighbors and destroyed and scattered as stated that no considerable amount of it can ever fall into the hands of the enemies of the country.

The buildings and other machinery not referred to were very common and of little value and could have been easily replaced if destroyed, and having no way of effectually destroying them, and believing that the works were already rendered useless for making salt, and, further, not being willing to commit any wanton waste of private property, they were all left untouched as we found them.

We regret delay in sending in this report, but owing to having been constantly engaged in heavy marches we could not present it at an earlier hour.

Very respectfully submitted.

D. A. ENYART,

Colonel First Kentucky Regiment.

CHARLES S. HANSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel Twentieth Kentucky Regiment.

WARNER SPENCER,

Lieutenant-Colonel Second Kentucky Regiment.

Captain W. H. FAIRBANKS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Twenty-second Brigade.

73 R R-VOL XVI