Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/278

Rh Anglo-Americans would soon discontinue the slave-trade; the gospel would be preached to the slaves; the fortress walls of the bohea would be converted into pretty American slave-villages; and perhaps the noble-minded laws of Cuba respecting the slave might be incorporated into the legislative code of the Union, when Cuba itself became a part of the Union.

I arrived in Charleston on the morning of the 11th of May, and amid the brightest sunshine, which nevertheless seemed like moonlight, or like veiled sunshine; so gloomy and dim appeared to me the light on the walls and roofs of Charleston, or amid its shadowy trees, after the pomp and glory of sunshine to which I had become accustomed in Cuba. I could not help continually looking up to the sky, to see whether the sun were not obscured by cloud.

But what heartfelt pleasure it was to me to see Mrs. W. H. and her family once more, and to talk with them about Cuba, and to spend with them, in joy and tranquillity, one whole, beautiful day!

My thoughts, however, were not just now bent on tranquillity and quietness. I was about to undertake new journeys and new adventures. I desired to see Florida, and easily persuaded my good Mrs. W. H. to accompany me, being sure that the journey would give her pleasure, while it would be a great joy to me to make it in her company.

The determination must be quickly made. The following day a steamer left for Savannah, and there I was to meet with the Mac I. family, who, according to an agreement of a year's standing, were to make by it a journey to Florida, up the beautiful river St. John.

No sooner said than done. The next morning saw Mrs. W. H. and myself on board the steamer bound for Savannah. It was the most beautiful May morning, and just as we reached the shore, and were about to go on board, there was my friend from Belmont with a bouquet