The love of liberty that had been burning in my bosom, had well nigh gone out.

I felt as though I was ready to die.

The boat moved gently from the wharf, and while she glided down the river, I realized that my mother was indeed "Gone,--gone,--sold and gone, To the rice swamp dank and lone!" After the boat was out of sight, I returned home; but my thoughts were so absorbed in what I had witnessed, that I knew not what I was about half of the time.

Night came, but it brought no sleep to my eyes.
In a few days, the boat upon which I was to work being ready, I went on board to commence.

This employment suited me better than living in the city, and I remained until the close of navigation; though it proved anything but pleasant.