With these revived suspicions, half stifled, but still struggling

in my bosom, did I commence my journey for the West. My arrangements

were comprehensive, but simple. I had procured a second-hand

travelling carriage and fine pair of horses from an acquaintance,

at a very moderate price--a price which, I well knew, I should easily

get for them again on reaching my place of destination. I was my

own driver. I had no money to spare in purchasing what might be

dispensed with. A single trunk contained all the necessary luggage

of my wife and self. What was not absolutely needed by the wayside

was sent on by water. This included my books, desks, Julia's painting

materials, and such other articles of the household, as were of

cost and not bulky. I had previously written--as I may have stated

already--to my friend Kingsley. He was to procure me temporary

lodgings in the town of M---. I left much to his judgment and

experience.

He had once before been in Alabama and having interests

there, had made himself familiar with everything in that region,

necessary to be known. I put myself very much in his hands. I

was too anxious to get away to urge any difficulties or make any

troublesome requisitions. He was simply to procure me an abiding-place

in some private family--if possible in the suburbs--until I should

be able to look about me. Economy was insisted upon. I had precious

little money to spare, and even the spoils of my one night's visit

to the gaming-house, were of no small help in sustaining me in

my determination to remove. I had not applied them previously.

I confess to a feeling of shame when I was compelled by necessity

at last to use them. I had saved something already from my professional

income, and I procured an advance on my furniture which was left for

sale. I had calculated my expenses in removing and for one year's

residence in M--, and was prepared, so far as poor human foresight

may prepare itself, to keep want from our doors at least for

that period.

I trusted to good fortune, my own resources, and the

notorious fact that, at that day, there were few able lawyers in

M--, to secure me an early and valuable practice. I carried with

me letters from the best men in the community I had left. But I

carried with me what was of more value than any letters, even though

they be written in gold. I carried with me methodical habits and

an energy of character which would maintain my resolution, and

bear me through, to a safe conclusion, in any plan which I should

contemplate. Industry and perseverance are the giants that cast

down forests, drain swamps, level mountains, and create empires. I

flattered myself that with these I had other and crowning qualities

of intellect and culture. Perhaps it may be admitted that I had.

But of what avail were all when coupled with the blind heart?

Enough--I must not anticipate.




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