From Canal Boy to President

him. But years afterward, when as a brigadier-general of volunteers he made an expedition into Eastern Kentucky, he realized advantage from his four months' experience on the canal. His comm

the age of fifteen, took command of the craft, stood at the wheel forty-four hours out of the for

says an eminent author, "and there will

acting upon it, and the spare moments which others devoted to

which should qualify him for a college professor, or a professional career. Her words made some impression upon his mind, but it is not always easy to dis

Mr. Bates," she said

by, an earnest young man, of exemplary habits, who

y?" asked the teacher,

eginning to make plans for th

lans, James?" as

o sea," said James, "but mo

promptly. "You would find

and visit countries far away," said the boy, his ch

d of exploring the wonderful cities at which the ship touched. Of course, you would have an occasional run on sh

or's life be degra

ow aims and are addicted to bad habits. Better wait till you can go to s

d James, thoughtfully. "If I coul

a college professor, as a minister, or as a lawyer, abl

a favorable impression on the boy's mind. Still

o know that I have brain enough to make a co

pressive face, and luminous eyes of the sick boy. "I should be willing to guarantee

that trade already, and I daresay I could make a good trader if I could find an opening to

et along very creditably; but I advise you, if you make

dea with him afterward, that every man ought to feel an honora

s. "I don't think you have a

ou mean because

gh with you as a good son; but

t th

r the parable o

o was a devoted religious woman, to read th

you. If you have the ability or the brain, as you call it, to insure success in a l

uments were having upon him. She did not fear disobedience. She knew that if she should make it a personal request, James was dutiful enou

ght in your estimate of me, Mr. Bates,

gment you have confidence, Jam

est any one?"

isiting at the house of President Hayden,

es

ment, and you can rely im

enough I will do as yo

I am sure the doctor w

uch indebted to you for your advice to James. It is in accordance with my wishe

obtained all the education I p

re i

the next county. For a time it will be sufficient to meet all Jam

. "James has no money except the few d

there are chances of finding work in the neighborhood, and so earn

se we live in, and he has bee

first found them. The money Thomas brought home from Michigan, supplemented by the labor of Jame

I know a man who will

y started at school, I think he will mai

er took h

red the room she found Jam

l as quick as I can. I am sixteen years old, an

what Mr. Bates has

will call on Dr. Robinson and ask his candid