"Question [by the Chairman].--Was not that change of direction and
movement to Charlestown a total abandonment of the object which you
were pursuing?
"Answer.--Entirely an abandonment of the main principles of the
orders he was acting under."

"Question.--And of course an abandonment of the purpose for which
you were there?
"Answer.--Yes, Sir.

"Question [by Mr. Odell].-Was it not your understanding in leaving
here, and was it not the understanding also of Gen. Scott, that
your purpose in going there was to check Johnston with direct
reference to the movement here?
"Answer--Undoubtedly. It was in consequence of the suggestion made
by me at the Council at the President's house. * * * And upon the
suggestion of General Scott they wanted me to go up there and
assist Patterson in this movement against Johnston, so as to carry
out the point I had suggested of first checkmating Johnston before
the movement against Manassas was made here."

* * * * * * * * *

Question [by the Chairman].--Would there have been any difficulty
in preventing Johnston from going to Manassas?
"Answer.--None whatever."

* * * * * * * * *