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The hour for departure having arrived, formed our little
ones into two companies, under command of Nos. 518 and
535, who marched them in good order on board of steamer
Kent, where we took up our quarters in the saloon. The gen-
tlemanly Agent of the Individual Enterprise Line, to which
this boat is attached, kindly made a reduction in our favor,
charging but ten dollars for the entire company of fifteen chil-
dren; customary rates being $2.50 for passengers over ten
years. Above ten dollars, with my fare ($2.50), amounted
in the total to twelve dollars and fifty cents.
Embarked in high glee at seven o'clock, A. Mv nothing
transpiring to mar the pleasure of our trip, except that of
ravenous appetites, which some big slices of bread and butter
from the steward's dominions, with some cakes, had a ten-
dency to appease. Fine day; children very happy; much
interest manifested by lady passengers in us, (I mean the
children); many questions propounded as to who we were and
where we were bound.
Upon our arrival at Easton Poiut, were met by Leonidas
Dodson, Esq., of our Local Committee at Easton, who escort-
ed us to the town, which is about a mile from the landing,
where we arrived safely, with bright eyes and muddy shoes.
Upon entering the town, our little scamps favored the good
people with a voluntary from the Sunday School Opera, with
a whistling accompaniment, much to the surprise of the over
sympathetic portion of the worthy burghers and matrons, who
could not conceive how it were possible for the "little wan-
derers" to "sing the Lod's song in a strange land." Indeed,
it was a glorious scene, especially when we contemplate "the
pit from which we digged." making at least one heart leap
for joy at the prospect of glorious homes for the little foresaken,
homeless ones.
Arriving at hotel, found arrangements already made by the
Local Committee for our accomodation. As we marched into
"quarters" quite a crowd collected to see "The Aid Society
Children from Baltimore."
Our "Home" brigade, taking advantage of the confusion
caused by its sudden and overwhelming charge, captured the
stove, which it held under a strong guard until supper time.
"Our youngest," "Anthony," a little Paddy, with the shrewd-
ness so characteristic of his nation, marched up to bar-keeper
with—"I want you to warm me hands; they be cowld." His
demand was readily obeyed, although in rather a novel way—
they were bathed in whiskey.
By the advice of our Local Committee, filled no applications
this evening; to-morrow being a public clay, and the majority
of the children already engaged to be delivered at that time.
After a thorough warning, and replying to any amount of
questions, "Are these all your children?" "Where did they
come from?" "Are they to be bound out?" "I want a girl,"
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