Q. Did you not regard him as your superior officer, if you were the only man in his brigade?
A. I would regard him as my superior officer. I believe I could have done better service than he. I was willing to take the responsibility. I think that is the trouble with all the National Guard—there are too many officers.
By Senator Yutzy:
Q. And not enough men?
A. And not enough men.
Q. Was there any reason you had for disobeying his orders or receiving orders from him?
A. There was. I believe that General Brown has been suffering from sickness more or less. He was physically weak, and I did not believe was fully equal to the fatigues and annoyance of the command. I had no disposition to ignore General Brown, but I did think that in the great excitement of that day I could have handled my regiments better without being hindered by orders from brigadier generals.
Q. In other words, you regarded him incapacitated for his position in consequence of his illness and mental distress?
A. I did.
Q. And that would justify you?