Of the passage itself I can say nothing, except that a journey on a river through execrable scenery is one of the most miserable things that can well be imagined.

When, in addition to this, the weather is bad, the ship dirty, and one is obliged to pass a night on board, the discomfort is increased.

It was my lot to endure all this: the weather was bad, the ship was dirty, the distance more than 100 miles, so that we had the pleasant prospect of a delightful night on board the ship.

There were, moreover, so many passengers, that we were forced to sit crowded together; so there we sat with exemplary patience, stared at each other, and sighed bitterly.

Order was entirely out of the question; no one had time to think of such a thing.