Transcript

It was certainly the most novel and interesting sight I have seen for many a day. We met two trains—one of thirty and the other of fifty carts—averaging about six to the cart. The carts were generally drawn by one man and three women each, though some carts were drawn by women alone. There was about three women to one man, and two-thirds of the women single. It was the most motley crew I ever beheld. Most of them were Danes with a sprinkling of Welsh, Swedes and English, and were generally from the lower classes of their countries. Scarcely one could speak English plain; most could not understand what we said to them.

The road was lined for a mile or two behind the trains with the lame, halt, sick, and needy. Many were quite aged, and would be going slowly along, supported by a son or daughter. Some were on crutches. Now and then a mother, with a child in her arms, and two or three hanging hold of her, with a forlorn appearance, would pass slowly along. Others, whose condition entitled them to a first-class seat in a carriage, were wending their way through the sand. A few seemed in good spirits, journeying to the promised land; but the majority thought 'Jordan a hard road to travel.'