Here, to my dismay, I discovered that the outposts had been recently changed.
But I used the same story that had gained admission for me.

In a sack tied to my saddle were the food supplies I had bought from the negroes during the day.

These, I explained to the outposts, were intended as presents for my mother and sisters back on the farm.

They examined the sack, and, finding nothing contraband in it, allowed me to pass.
I now made all possible speed northward, keeping out of sight of houses and of strangers.

On the second day I passed several detachments of Forrest's troops, but my training as a scout enabled me to keep them from seeing me.
Though my mare had proven herself an animal of splendid endurance, I had to stop and rest her occasionally.