Reports of the Committee on the Conduct of the War. Gooch Daniel Wheelwright

Four companies of the 6th United States heavy artillery, colored, and a battery called now, I think, the 2d United States light artillery. It was before the 1st Tennessee light artillery, colored.

      Question. What was about the number of our force there?

      Answer. Not far from 500 men.

      Question. Do you know what became of Major Bradford?

      Answer. He escaped unhurt, as far as the battle was concerned. I was told the next morning on the boat that he had been paroled. I did not see him after that night.

      Question. Do you know why you were left unsupported, as you were, when it was known that Forrest was in your vicinity?

      Answer. I do not know why, unless it was thought that he would not attack us. I think it was supposed that he was going to make an attack on Memphis.

      By Mr. Gooch:

      Question. What do you estimate Forrest's force to have been?

      Answer. From all I could see and learn, I should suppose he had from 7,000 to 10,000 men.

      Question. Is there anything further you desire to state?

      Answer. I heard some of the rebels talking during the night after the fight. They said we ought to have surrendered when we had the opportunity, but that they supposed the Yankees were afraid the colored troops would not be treated as prisoners of war; and they intimated that they would not be; and said it was bad enough to give to the "home-made Yankees" – meaning the Tennessee soldiers – treatment as soldiers, without treating the negroes so, too.

      On the morning of the fight there was so much hurry and confusion that our flag was not raised for a time; we had been firing away an hour before I happened to notice that our flag was not up. I ordered it to be raised immediately, and our troops set up vociferous cheers, especially the colored troops, who entered into the fight with great energy and spirit.