"Colonel W. L. Duckworth, Covington, Tennessee. I have killed 300 and captured 300."
Duckworth remarked to me previous to the attack that no quarter would be shown at Fort Pillow at all; that they were a set of damned Yankees and Tennessee traitors there, and they intended to show them no quarter.
Question. When did he say this?
Answer. On the evening of the 11th of April, at Covington.
Question. How long had you known Duckworth?
Answer. I never saw him before I saw him there.
Question. Did he say this to you?
Answer. I was not in conversation with him, but I heard him say this to a Captain Hill, a retired confederate captain, who formerly belonged to his command. He was within five or six feet of me when he said it.
Question. Were they talking at that time about the intended attack on Fort Pillow?
Answer. Yes, sir; and five days' rations were ordered then, and Duckworth said they were going to take Fort Pillow, and no quarter would be shown at all.