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stopped the mill, and all work was at a stand-still 

 for two days and nights. But the worst of all was 

 that this same river lay between me and Kingston; 

 bridge there was none, and it soon became utterly 

 impassable. Thus it continued for four days ; on 

 the fifth (the day which I had appointed for my 

 departure, and on which I gave the negroes a part- 

 ing holiday) the water appeared to be somewhat 

 abated at a ford about four miles distant ; for as 

 to crossing at my own, that was quite out of the 

 question for a week at least. A negro was de- 

 spatched on horseback to ascertain the height of 

 the water; his report was very unfavourable. How- 

 ever, as at worst I could but return, and had no 

 better means of employing my time, I resolved to 

 make the experiment. About forty of the young- 

 est and strongest negroes left their dancing and 

 drinking, and ran on foot to see me safe over the 

 water. The few hours which had elapsed since 

 my messenger's examination, had operated very 

 favourably towards the reduction of the water, 

 although it was still very high. But a servant 

 going before to ascertain the least dangerous 

 passage, and the negroes rushing all into the river 

 to break the force of the stream, and support the 

 carriage on both sides, we were enabled to struggle 

 to the opposite bank, and were landed in safety 

 with loud cheering from my sable attendants, who 

 then left me, many with tears running down their 

 cheeks, and all with thanks for the protection which 



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