I received my instructions in the evening, and early the next morning, in the disguise of a well-dressed citizen, mounted on a mule, I was on my way. During the cool of the morning I traveled along at a smart trot, and by sunrise I had made about eight miles. When about twelve miles out, I was about passing a plantation house, when an old planter, who was feeding some hogs near the road, motioned me to stop.
"Good morning, stranger," said he, as I reined up.
"Good morning, sir."
"Where have you been?"
"Oh, ho, ho, ho; I have been to Bolivar," said I, laughing. "I have been there a week, and I know all about the Yankee forces in there, and now, if I can only find General Bragg, then I am all right!"
"Oh, indeed! I am delighted to hear it. Won't you alight and come in?"
"Well, yes, I don't care if I do; for I have been riding since before daylight."
I dismounted and went in, and, as soon as I was seated, the old man inquired who I was.
"I have been acting the Yankee, and I belong to General Bragg's command."
"You do?"