[145] for the rebel army, and spy for General Crittenden. Leaving General Donelson after some months' stay, although earnestly requested to remain longer, Morford next found his way to Nashville, where he made numerous expeditions as a spy for General Negley. Buell was at Louisville, and Nashville was then the Federal outpost. Morford travelled about very readily upon passes given him by General Donelson, making several trips to Murfreesboro, and one to Cumberland Gap. Upon his return from the latter, he was arrested near Lebanon, Tennessee, about one o'clock at night, by a party of four soldiers upon picket duty at that point. Halting him, the following conversation occurred:
Where do you live?“Near Stewart's Ferry, between here and Nashville.” “Where have you been, and what for?” “Up to see my brother, to get from him some jeans cloth and socks for another brother in the Confederate army.” “ How does it happen you are not in the army yourself? That looks rather suspicious.” “Oh, I live too near the Federal lines to be conscripted.” “Well, we'll have to send you to Murfreesboro. 1 reckon you're all right; but those are our orders, and we can't go behind them.” To this Morford readily consented, saying he had no objection; and the party sat down by the fire and talked in a friendly manner for some time. Morford soon remembered that he had a bottle of brandy with him, and generously treated the crowd. Further conversation was followed by a second drink, and soon by a third. One of the party now proposed to exchange his Rosinantish
