Life and Writings of Grant Thorburn (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1852. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. EEFLECTIONS ON BOARD A STEAMBOAT. DR. GKAHAll's ADDRESS BLACK HAWK'S REPLY. ARRIVAL AT BOSTON. DIGRESSION. NEW IOBK FORTT YEAES AGO. OLD TIMES. Mat 25th, 1833, I left New York per steamboat Franklin, Mr. Bunker, the old commodore himself, commander. Intending this as a voyage of discovery, that I might learn something more of men and of their manners, I took no encumbrance, save only a small trunk, and left all my live lumber at home. The history of .one steamboat voyage on our northern or eastern waters may answer for the history of one hundred at the same season of the year, it being the season when men, as well as the bird creation, make choice of a mate. You may always observe a reasonable proportion of these twos made one. On board, you may easily distinguish them from those who have been buckled together in this holy alliance for the past three years; for, provided you are a keen observer of nature, you will see the fair new-made one cling fast to the arm of her natural support up stairs and down stairs, to the table, or to the promenade, always linked together as close as the bands of matrimony can tie them. Even in a crowd, where they can't go abreast, you may see her pressing sideways along, still grasping the arm, as if she were afraid he might drop into oblivion. After supper, and when most of the passengers have retired, you may see them pacing the deck, or sitting in a lonely corner, like the turtle-dove on a solitary tree, repeating their tales of love. There they sit till midnight. But now the cold northeast wind comes pouring down from St. Anthony's Nose (a high rock on the Hudson River so named, but, alas the Kailroad has broken the nose off), or round the bleak corners of Point Judith (a point in the Sound, so named, where it some...