204 FORTY-FOUR YEARS OP 



me many things in different places about the boat. But 

 presently Mr. H. and I got separated, when I heard a 

 great rush in the end of the boat next to the shore, and 

 found the people were going off in haste. By the time I 

 could see what was going on, the crowd was off, and the 

 planks drawn in ; when I had either to get off or be taken 

 to Baltimore ; which last I was not willing should be 

 done 



As quick as thought I determined to jump for the wharf; 

 knowing that if I fell into the water I could easily swim 

 out ; which would be better than to be carried to Balti- 

 more. But I had no time to lose. Being at the farther 

 end of the boat, which gave me a good starting-distance, 

 I took a main-send for the wharf, and succeeded in 

 reaching it, amid roars of laughter on all sides. 



Captain Archer, who was present, congratulated me on 

 being safe, and declared that he would bet I could jump 

 farther than any man in Maryland. The distance, I think, 

 was about twenty-five feet ; but I had often cleared twenty- 

 three feet, on level ground, in a running jump ; and the 

 boat, being higher than the wharf, gave me an advan- 

 tage. I feel certain that, under like circumstances, I could 

 easily jump from twenty-five to twenty-seven feet. 



I disposed of my business in Annapolis on Monday, and 

 set out for Montgomery ; where I joined my brother's 

 family and Mary, who was in the highest spirits, and en- 

 joying herself among the neighbors ; most of whom 

 seemed to vie with each other as to who should show her 

 the greatest courtesy. I, who had made such a favorable 

 impression among the same people only a year previous, 

 was now but little noticed when she appeared in company; 

 and it made me feel very proud of her, to see her so highly 

 complimented by strangers. 



After spending a month with our friends, we took cur 

 leave, and returned home, where we found the children all 

 well. 



