The Longest Road (Epic Journey Series Book 2) by Dan Walsh

Author:Dan Walsh [Walsh, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bainbridge Press
Published: 2020-11-25T05:00:00+00:00

31

It was early in the afternoon when John and Laura, along with Micah and Eli in separate carriages, arrived at the B&O Depot in Washington City. After interviewing Micah then Eli, John, and Laura decided they really didn't need to spend any more time researching their roles as slaveowners in Baltimore. They felt confident they could pull this off, especially since Micah and Eli would be traveling with them the entire time, furthering their education. That late in the day, there wasn't a train going all the way from Baltimore to Fredericksburg, but there was one leaving Baltimore for Washington.

As they had done in Baltimore, John decided they should lease a nice carriage, but this time he had Micah stay with Laura while he and Eli secured the transportation. Eli had talked with some of the Negroes loading and unloading luggage and found out that a nice carriage could be had from a stable just a few blocks away on C Street.

"We can go whenever you're ready, Mr. John," Eli said.

Laura looked down one of the main roads and pointed. "Look John, that huge building under construction on that hill. Is that the—"

"Capitol Building? Yes, I believe it is. In fact, I'm sure it is. What else could it be? They’re still working on the extensions and the dome section in the center. I've seen a sketch of it in the newspaper. It’ll really be something to see by the time they're finished."

Laura looked around at what else could be seen from the deck of the train station. “Have to say, this is a little disappointing. I thought Washington City would be…more impressive. Even this, the train stations in Baltimore and Philadelphia were so much nicer. And all the roads are still dirt. Nice and wide, but just hard-packed dirt.”

“I think there are some better roads closer to the White House,” John said, “and quite a few more impressive buildings. We’ll drive by them in a little while. You’ll see. Still, lots of dirt. And lots of wide-open spaces. They’ve got all kinds of big plans for this city. Okay, you and Micah sit tight. Hopefully, Eli and I will be back with a nice carriage in the next thirty minutes or so."

The train depot was situated on New Jersey Avenue. Eli led John west on C Street. "Supposed to be just four or five blocks down this road."

"I'll follow you," John said.

"You could've stayed with your wife if you wanted. Daddy and me could have gotten this carriage taken care of for you, like we did in Baltimore."

"Oh, I'm sure you could. I thought I should come though, seeing as our plans for the carriage this time are a little more complicated.”

“Oh, how so? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Not at all,” John said.

They kept a brisk pace as they talked. But John couldn’t help looking around. "I think I mentioned when we got on the train. Laura and I are pretty eager to take at least a brief tour of the city.

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