One of the pickets then took me to the Captain in command, at the reserve. There I was subjected to a rigid questioning and search, but I was determined to carry out my disguise until I could report to some commanding officer. My revolver and money, and other articles, were taken from me by the Captain, and then I was ordered to stand up by a tree until further orders. I remonstrated with the Captain about depriving me of my revolver and private property, and told him that "we always respected a prisoner's right to his side arms and personal effects." The Captain replied that I might be d—d glad to get off so, and if he had his way about it, he would shoot every rebel in the Southern Confederacy.
While standing at the tree, I observed a plantation house that stood within less than a hundred yards from me, and that it was occupied. My early start and the distance I had traveled gave me a ravenous appetite, so I asked the Captain if he would be so kind as to allow me to go to the house and get some breakfast.
"Yes," said he, "you may go; but, G—d d—n you, if you undertake to get away, I'll have you shot!"
"I won't run away," I replied; "I didn't come in here to run away. I'll come right back as soon as I get my breakfast."
When I got to the house, I met the man of the house at the door. He had evidently seen me coming, and my uniform attracted his attention.
"Good morning!" said I, as he came out.
"Good morning; won't you come in?"
"Yes, I don't care if I do; and I should like right well to get some breakfast here, if you please, for I am mighty hungry."
"Walk in; you shall have all the breakfast you want. Where do you belong?"
"To Col. Vaughn's regiment, the 13th Tennessee."