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Maryland State Archives Adam Goodheart Collection MSA SC 5826 msa_sc5826_3_1-0021 Enlarge and print image (883K) |
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Maryland State Archives Adam Goodheart Collection MSA SC 5826 msa_sc5826_3_1-0021 Enlarge and print image (883K) |
| msa_sc5826_3_1-0021 ©Maryland State Archives - 21 - sideration was vouchsafed to my tender years. One cold night, when the River was running rapidly, and the ice beginning to move, the venture fell to the lot of one Johnston who afterwards became a confirmed sot and was dismissed. As he left the room, he beckoned me to follow, which 1 was not slow in doing. Unknown to the others, he intended I should be his companion in his risky foray. On reaching the River just above Gee's Point, we found the ice weak and covered with slush, Johnston said he thought the ice would not bear him, but would carry me over nicely. Then the caitiff pointed to a bright light directly across, and said, "That is the little red cottage, take this, at the same time thrusting money into my hand, and give it to Hunker; he will fit you out with a sled and jug, and I will wait here on the shore until your return". Goose that I was, instead of spurning him as I would have done a year later, I accepted his propo- sition as a fine chance to signalize myself by crossing the River when he was afraid to do so. Going over was easy enough, but coming back the ice began to move, and on nearing the shore, I found a belt of water between the ice and the rocks. After some difficulty in finding Johnston's exact locality I threw him the end of the rope attached to the small sled on which the jug was fastened, and asked him after dragging the trophy on shore to throw the rope back to me. In place of doing as requested, he deliberately uncorked the jug and, settling himself, commenced immediately to fill his worthless carcase with whiskey. The danger to me was imminent, for the ice was receding from the shore. Seeing Mr, Johnston intent on guzzling, and fearing he would not throw me the rope until it was too late, I made a leap for the shore which I could not reach, and landed in water over my head. Being a good swimmer I reached the shore, but found the rocks too steep and slippery to climb, so drifting along a short distance, I struck an inclined plane and landed thoroughly chilled, and very much ashamed of my companion. |