I resolved that I would be free if running away could make me so.

I had heard that Canada was a land of liberty, somewhere in the North; and every wave of trouble that rolled across my breast, caused me to think more and more about Canada, and liberty.
But more especially after having been flogged, I have fled to the highest hills of the forest, pressing my way to the North for refuge; but the river Ohio was my limit.

To me it was an impassable gulf.

I had no rod wherewith to smite the stream, and thereby divide the waters.

I had no Moses to go before me and lead the way from bondage to a promised land.