Temperance > Autobiography and personal recollections of John B. Gough

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN B. GOUGH.
only stipulating for six weeks instead of four. I had, ac¬
cordingly, nothing left me but to go. The time appointed
for our departure was the 20th of July, expecting to return
home by the last of October, to resume my work here;
and proposing, if I failed—which I fully expected—to
return in the ship that should take us out. I continued
my work in New Yoi'k, New Jersey, Connecticut, and
Massachusetts, till the 4th of July, when I made my last
speech previous to my departure,—with the exception of
a farewell address to my friends and neighbours, in a
grove near my residence, at which the venerable Dr.
Beecher, who was at that time my guest, was present,—
and prepared for the voyage. I was striving hard to pay
for my home, and as I had determined to return at once
should my speaking fail to be received with approval, I
borrowed two hundred and fifty dollars, that I might have
sufficient funds to be independent of the League.
On the 19th of July we left home for Boston, being in¬
vited by Mr. Grant to spend the last evening at his house.
Several true, tried friends met us there. The venerable
Dr. Lyman Beecher, who had for years been my friend,
and almost fatherly in his friendship towards me, came
with his wife to give us their loving, parting words. I
said to him: “Doctor, I have paid my passage to England,
and feel as if I could pay just that price over again if I
were detained—if something would occur to keep me
back.” He asked why I was afraid to go. I said: “The
English and Scotch people require argument; I cannot
argue, for I want logic; I am no logician, I have no educa¬
tion. I can only tell them just what I believe to be the
truth in my own way, and I fear I shall not succeed,—but
I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I have money in my posses¬
sion (I had to borrow it), and as soon as I make my first
speech, if it is not well received, I shall come back again.”