Answer—Sixty rounds per man, with caps in proportion.
MAJOR SKINNER'S TESTIMONY.
Major Skinner, of the Thirteenth Battalion, was the next witness examined.
Question—Were you present at Lime Ridge on the 2nd of June last, when the right wing of the Thirteenth Battalion was sent out to skirmish?
Answer—Yes.
Question—State the orders given and by whom given for the movement, and what took place under your observation.
Answer—Col. Hooker said to me at some distance (about ten yards): "Major Skinner, you will skirmish with the right wing." I then advanced with the skirmishers. We went over a fence and across a field and over another fence into an orchard on the right side of the road. We went through that orchard up to another fence, and there remained for some time. While approaching this fence the enemy's shots passed over our heads. After remaining some time at this fence we found their shot getting closer. We then crossed that fence and passed over a field to another fence, where we halted and remained for some time. I passed to the right of the skirmishers of our battalion. I went there because I saw a number of men in green uniform on our extreme right towards our front, and knowing they were some of our men, told my men not to fire upon them. I cannot say that I saw any of the enemy. They fired upon us from under cover. We met a few skirmishers in green in the orchard. We passed through them.
Question—Before you deployed, what was the position of your regiment as regards the Queen's Own?
Answer—The Queen's Own were all away in front, and the York Rifles also.
Question—How long after the first shot was tired by the enemy was it until the Thirteenth were ordered to skirmish?