At such times I kept closely hidden.

It was on the second morning after leaving Forrest's command that I sighted the advance guard of Smith's army.

They halted me when I rode up, and for a time I had more trouble with them than I had had with any of Forrest's men.

I was not alarmed, however, and when the captain told me that he would have to send me to the rear, I surprised him by asking to see General Smith.
"Are you anxious to see a big, fighting general ?" he asked in amazement.
"Yes," I said.

"I hear that General Smith can whip Forrest, and I would like to see any man who can do that." Without any promises I was sent to the rear, and presently I noticed General Smith, who, however, failed to recognize me.
I managed, however, to draw near to him and ask him if I might speak to him for a moment.
Believing me to be a Confederate prisoner, he assented, and when I had saluted I said: "General, I am Billy Cody, the man you sent out to the Confederate lines." "Report back to your charge," said the general to the officer who had me in custody.