By the chairman:
Question. Will you tell us what you know about the attack on Union City?
Answer. Colonel Hawkins, of the 7th Tennessee regiment, was at Union City as an advanced post. He had in round numbers about six hundred men. He was threatened by about fifteen hundred, I should think. They attacked him, and were repulsed. General Brayman moved from here with two thousand troops, and got down as far as the bridge, six miles from Union City, before Hawkins surrendered. They commenced the flag-of-truce operation on him, when they found they could do nothing else, threatening to open upon him with artillery, and to give no quarter. Contrary to the entreaties, prayers, and advice of all his officers and all his men, he did surrender his post, with a relieving force within six miles of him; and surrendered it, as I have no doubt, from pure cowardice.
Question. Was he aware of the re-enforcements approaching?
Answer. I think so, but I will not be positive. General Brayman can tell more about that than I can. I was at Columbus when General Brayman returned.
Question. Where is Colonel Hawkins now?
Answer. He is a prisoner. This is the second time he has surrendered to Forrest.
Captain Thomas P. Gray, sworn and examined.
By Mr. Gooch: