Answer. I think 500 steady troops, properly supplied with artillery, and properly covered with works, could hold the place until re-enforced—hold it, all that is necessary.
Question. Did you ever have any instructions or orders to evacuate Fort Pillow? or did you, at any time, ever propose to evacuate it?
Answer. I never had any orders to evacuate it. My orders from General Sherman were to hold certain points on the river. I never had any instructions with regard to Fort Pillow one way or the other that I recollect. I considered it necessary to hold it, and never intended to abandon it.
Question. Had it been held by us for some considerable time?
Answer. It had been held since we first occupied the river.
Question. Do not the same reasons exist for holding it now, that had existed during all that period?
Answer. The same. The reasons are geographical, and do not change.
By Mr. Gooch:
Question. Then I understand you to state that your instructions, in spirit, required you to hold it, and that it was necessary that it should be held?
Answer. My opinion is distinct that it should be held always, and there is nothing in my instructions that requires it to be abandoned. Some discretion, I suppose, belongs to an officer in charge of as much range as I have had to hold; and I certainly should not abandon that place, if I had troops to hold it.