EDWARD B. BENTON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22d April, 1864.
ISAAC J. DODGE,
Lieutenant and Assist. Paymaster General, Department of Missouri.
In consequence of some portions of the evidence of General Brayman and Colonel Lawrence, which, unexplained, might impeach the good conduct of General Shepley, Mr. Gooch, of the sub-committee, telegraphed to General Shepley, giving him the substance of the testimony relating to himself, and asking him to forward to the committee any explanation he might deem necessary in writing. The following communication was received from General Shepley, and the testimony of Captain Thornton, an officer of his staff, was taken. The sub-committee deemed the explanation therein contained to be entirely satisfactory, and directed that the following communication and testimony be incorporated with the testimony in relation to Fort Pillow.
Headquarters District of Norfolk and Portsmouth,
Norfolk, Virginia, May 7, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor respectfully to forward by Captain C. C. G. Thornton, 12th Maine volunteers, now acting on my staff, a statement in reply to the communication I had the honor to receive by telegraph.
Captain Thornton was on the Olive Branch, and is subject to examination by the committee.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
G. F. SHEPLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.