Chapter I.
I was the second son of a farmer, whose place of residence was a
western district of Pennsylvania. My eldest brother seemed fitted by
nature for the employment to which he was destined. His wishes never
led him astray from the hay-stack and the furrow. His ideas never ranged
beyond the sphere of his vision, or suggested the possibility that tomorrow
could differ from to-day. He could read and write, because he
had no alternative between learning the lesson prescribed to him, and
punishment. He was diligent, as long as fear urged him forward, but his
exertions ceased with the cessation of this motive. The limits of his
acquirements consisted in signing his name, and spelling out a chapter in
the bible.
My character was the reverse of his. My thirst of knowledge was
augmented in proportion as it was supplied with gratification. The more I
heard or read, the more restless and unconquerable my curiosity became.
My senses were perpetually alive to novelty, my fancy teemed with
visions of the future, and my attention fastened upon every thing
mysterious or unknown.
My father intended that my knowledge should keep pace with that of
my brother, but conceived that all beyond the mere capacity to write and
read was useless or pernicious. He took as much pains to keep me within
these limits, as to make the acquisitions of my brother come up to them,
but his efforts were not equally successful in both cases. The most
vigilant and jealous scrutiny was exerted in vain: Reproaches and blows,
painful privations and ignominious penances had no power to slacken my
zeal and abate my perseverance. He might enjoin upon me the most
laborious tasks, set the envy of my brother to watch me during the
performance, make the most diligent search after my books, and destroy
them without mercy, when they were found; but he could not outroot my
darling propensity. I exerted all my powers to elude his watchfulness.