The Sixteenth Removal

We began this remove with wading over Banquang river: the water
was up to the knees, and the stream very swift, and so cold that
I thought it would have cut me in sunder. I was so weak and
feeble, that I reeled as I went along, and thought there I must
end my days at last, after my bearing and getting through so
many difficulties. The Indians stood laughing to see me
staggering along; but in my distress the Lord gave me experience
of the truth, and goodness of that promise, "When thou passest
through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee" (Isaiah 43.2). Then I sat down to
put on my stockings and shoes, with the tears running down mine
eyes, and sorrowful thoughts in my heart, but I got up to go
along with them. Quickly there came up to us an Indian, who
informed them that I must go to Wachusett to my master, for
there was a letter come from the council to the Sagamores, about
redeeming the captives, and that there would be another in
fourteen days, and that I must be there ready. My heart was so
heavy before that I could scarce speak or go in the path; and
yet now so light, that I could run. My strength seemed to come
again, and recruit my feeble knees, and aching heart. Yet it
pleased them to go but one mile that night, and there we stayed
two days. In that time came a company of Indians to us, near
thirty, all on horseback. My heart skipped within me, thinking
they had been Englishmen at the first sight of them, for they
were dressed in English apparel, with hats, white neckcloths,
and sashes about their waists; and ribbons upon their shoulders;
but when they came near, there was a vast difference between the