page38

Original Source Document
 * Frederick Douglass Diary - page 38 of 72**

the canal towards Somalia. But through what a barren, and desolate land do we tread our way? Not a blade of grass nor a tree- not a single dwelling- no sign of human or animal life, except a distant row of pelicans looking on the plain like a line of foam on the shore of a sea. On, on we go slowly and noiselessly on a narrow stream of pure fair blue water, out through the wide waste of sand whose limits lie far beyond the range of vision. Night comes and we anchor till morning since we are nor permitted for reasons of safety to proceed in darkness. The stillness of the day is continued in the night and much more impressive by the darkness that has fallen upon the desert. Morning came warm and bright and we proceed on our way. Our steamer is followed for miles by a little boy screaming for Bachuke- no sign is given as to where he came from or where he will go. It looks as if he had risen out of the land. The passer goes through hein bread and oranges. He pockets them in his scanty clothing and runs on as if nothing had been given him. The amazing thing was that he never was satisfied with his gains nor tired of his running
 * Transcribed Text**