Question. What is your rank and position in the service? Answer. Brigadier General of volunteers; have been in command of the district of Cairo since March 19, 1864. Question. What was the extent of your district when you assumed command, and what your available force? Answer. The river, from Paducah to Island No. Ten, inclusive, about 160 miles, and adjacent portions of Tennessee and Kentucky. My available force for duty, as appears from tri-monthly report of March 20, as follows: Paducah, officers and men 408 Cairo do 231 Columbus do 998 Hickman do 51 Island No. Ten do 162 Union City do 479 Aggregate 2,329 Question. What was the character of your force and the condition of your command at that time? Answer. Three-fourths of the men were colored, a portion of them not mustered into service, and commanded by officers temporarily assigned, awaiting commission. Of the white troops about one-half at the posts on the river were on duty as provost marshals' guards and similar detached duties, leaving but a small number in condition for movement. The fortifications were in an unfinished condition, that at Cairo rendered almost useless by long neglect. Many of the guns were dismounted, or otherwise unfit for service, and the supply of ammunition deficient and defective. A body of cavalry at Paducah were not mounted, and only part of those at Union City. I had not enough mounted men within my reach for orderlies. Question. What is the character of the public property and interests intrusted to your care?