James Otis

A Dull Journey

We slept on the barges that night, remaining in the river because it was not deemed wise to begin the voyage during the darkness, and when morning came Jethro and I changed our costumes, putting on all the finery that had been sent in the carts, for we foolishly believed the end of the journey to be near at hand.

I hardly dared move during all that day, lest I should work some injury to father's coat; but, luckily, there was nothing to be done save sit idle until another night had come, and then it was that Jethro and I learned that the journey was likely to be a weary one. Long before the end of the voyage, my joints were stiffer, with remaining so long in one position, and my bones ached more sharply than when we were driven sharpest at nail-making.