A. I do not want to say one thing that is in it. The contents of it were, as I have stated, general demoralization.
Q. Of his troops?
A. I do not mean to say his troops. The impression made by the dispatch was one that created upon the mind of anybody who read it—and there was no use attempt to fight just then with the troops. That was an impression left upon my mind, and upon the minds of those who heard me read it.
Q. Is that dispatch lost?
A. That dispatch is lost.
Q. Who was present and heard that dispatch read?
A. Colonel Farr, Colonel Quay, Colonel Hassinger, and Mr. Russell.
Q. What time was that received?
A. About midnight.
Q. Did General Pearson consult you after the track had been cleared, and after the collision, at about five o'clock—did he consult you as to the disposition of the troops?