"Well, if you can't find an army as big as that you're a mighty poor scout," he said grimly.
General Smith then turned me over to the man who was in charge of what was called "the refuge herd," from which I found a mount built on the lines of the average Tennessee farm horse.

This man also provided me with a suit of farmer's clothing, for which I exchanged my new soldier uniform, and a bag of provisions.

Leading me about a mile from camp, he left me with the warning: "Look out, young fellow.

You're taking a dangerous trip." Then we shook hands and I began my journey.
I had studied carefully the map General Smith had shown me, and had a fairly accurate idea of the direction I was supposed to take.

Following a wagon road that led to the south, I made nearly sixty miles the first night.