He described himself as having passed his life at the plough-tail and the threshing-floor; as being destitute of all scholastic instruction; and as being long since bereft of the affectionate regards of parents and kinsmen.
When questioned as to the course of life which he meant to pursue upon his recovery, he professed himself without any precise object.

He was willing to be guided by the advice of others, and by the lights which experience should furnish.

The country was open to him, and he supposed that there was no part of it in which food could not be purchased by his labour.

He was unqualified, by his education, for any liberal profession.

His poverty was likewise an insuperable impediment.