Q. Where did this firing come from—the front rank, facing the hill?
A. The rank facing the hill fired. The first shots that were fired from the front rank were fired towards Liberty street, and they turned round then and commenced firing in another direction, over their heads and through the files of officers, and General Brinton gave the order to cease firing, with Colonel Benson and Major Lazarus. Colonel Stewart, of the Governor's staff, who was then in citizen's clothes at that time, came down and volunteered to assist in anything which was to be done. Major Fife and myself went down the line and assisted in stopping the firing.
Q. Did they fire as if they had been commanded or ordered to fire?
A. The first round or so evidenced that fact to me. Immediately after the firing, I received an order from General Pearson to take one half a regiment of General Loud's brigade. I reported to General Brinton the order on General Loud, and he informed me he had seen General Pearson, and the matter was arranged. I asked him where General Pearson was, and he said he was in Pitcairn's office.
Q. You say General Pearson ordered you to take a portion of the regiment?
A. To the Union depot. I reported to Brinton for an order on General Loud.
By Mr. Larrabee:
Q. Where was General Pearson at the time the firing took place?
A. He was in Pitcairn's office.
Q. He was not present?