The next and only other point that now occurs to me is that you have suffered the enemy to erect formidable fortifications or batteries on the opposite side of the river, within the reach of your guns, and which you could easily have prevented." General Stone's answer was as lucid, frank, and full as could be made to charges of so sweeping a character.

His explanations were unreserved, and his justification apparently complete and unanswerable against every form of accusation which the chairman submitted.

To the charge of disloyalty General Stone replied with much feeling, "That is one humiliation I had hoped I should never be subjected to.

I thought there was one calumny that could not be brought against me.

Any other calumny I should expect after what I have received, but that one I should have supposed that you personally, Mr.
Chairman, would have rejected at once.