Peter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian Settler

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Peter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian Settler by William Henry Giles Kingston, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William Henry Giles Kingston ISBN: 9781465596543
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: William Henry Giles Kingston
ISBN: 9781465596543
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
From my earliest days to the present time I have been gradually climbing up the ladder towards a comfortable berth on the top; and if a ratlin has given way beneath my feet, I always have had a firm hold above my head. The first step I took was off the mud on to dry ground. I can recollect nothing clearly before that time. I was born on board a river barge, and never left it, winter nor summer, till I was fully six years old. One day the barge took the mud, which is not surprising, considering that I was the only person on deck. I ran to the helm to turn her head off the shore, but it was too late—there she stuck hard and fast. My mother was below, tending my father, and he lay dying. It was the barge’s last voyage, and his too. Both had seen much service. The barge never moved again, but went on rotting and rotting till the owner sold her and she was broken up. Father died that night, and a boat came and took mother and me on shore, with father’s body, and such property as we possessed—not much, I fancy,—a kettle and pot, some plates, and knives, and cups, and a few clothes,—we hadn’t wanted furniture, and with these mother and I had to begin the world. She said things might have been worse, for she might have had a dozen children instead of one, and debts to pay—and she didn’t owe a farthing, which was a great comfort in her affliction.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
From my earliest days to the present time I have been gradually climbing up the ladder towards a comfortable berth on the top; and if a ratlin has given way beneath my feet, I always have had a firm hold above my head. The first step I took was off the mud on to dry ground. I can recollect nothing clearly before that time. I was born on board a river barge, and never left it, winter nor summer, till I was fully six years old. One day the barge took the mud, which is not surprising, considering that I was the only person on deck. I ran to the helm to turn her head off the shore, but it was too late—there she stuck hard and fast. My mother was below, tending my father, and he lay dying. It was the barge’s last voyage, and his too. Both had seen much service. The barge never moved again, but went on rotting and rotting till the owner sold her and she was broken up. Father died that night, and a boat came and took mother and me on shore, with father’s body, and such property as we possessed—not much, I fancy,—a kettle and pot, some plates, and knives, and cups, and a few clothes,—we hadn’t wanted furniture, and with these mother and I had to begin the world. She said things might have been worse, for she might have had a dozen children instead of one, and debts to pay—and she didn’t owe a farthing, which was a great comfort in her affliction.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book Mary Jane's City Home by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Gedichte by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward! by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book The Invasion of 1910 with a Full Account of the Siege of London by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book The Lady and the Lord by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book The Little Ball O' Fire or the Life and Adventures of John Marston Hall by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Narrative and Critical History of America: Aboriginal America by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Histoire des Musulmans d'Espagne, jusqu'a la conquète de l'Andalouisie par les Almoravides (711-1100) (Complete) by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Twentieth Century Negro Literature; Or, A Cyclopedia of Thought on the Vital Topics Relating to the American Negro by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book From Farm House to the White House: The Life of George Washington, His Boyhood, Youth, Manhood Public and Private Life and Services by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book The Austrian School and the Theory of Value by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book More Beasts (For Worse Children) by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Legends of Vancouver by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Pippin; A Wandering Flame by William Henry Giles Kingston
Cover of the book Hebrew Literature: Talmudic Treatises, Hebrew Melodies, and The Kabbalah Unveiled by William Henry Giles Kingston
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy