abundant. Of these a large supply was placed in the boat, and with this outfit they put off from shore. At first they coasted for a more southerly offing, preferring not to put to sea till night, as there were cruisers in sight and they feared being picked up on suspicion. While thus engaged, they were hailed by a vessel bound for New York, but passed themselves off for fishermen. Pulling to sea near night they encountered a severe voyage. Instead of effecting the passage to Cuba in a few days, in consequence of adverse winds and their inferior sail, they were more than eight days at sea. Fortunately Colonel Wood was a skillful sailor, and was able to direct the sailing by the sun or stars, when not himself able to hold the helm, and fortunately, also, upon starting, the most rigid dicipline was inaugurated, and the provisions and water dealt out in the most sparing rations. In spite of all economy, the water gave out, and their only supply afterwards was from rain which they caught in their hats or coats bowled to receive it. Finally when hope had nearly left them, they came in sight of Cardinas, which they reached on the 11th of June. They were cordially received by the Spanish Governor of the place, Colonel Bardaji, who tendered them the hospitalities of the city. After spending several days at Cardinas, they proceeded to Havana, where General Breckinridge was received with every mark of respect and hospitality. He remained long enough to recuperate from the effects of his sea voyage in the frail fishing boat, and in the course of a week or ten days sailed in an English steamer for England. Here he remained some months, when he came to Canada, where he was joined by his family. He resided in Canada chiefly at the pleasant little city of Niagara, where from his modest cottage he could look out on the blue Ontario, or across the narrow river and see the flag of the United States floating from Fort Niagara, as a perpetual warning that there were sentinals watching the border and forbidding his return to the people and the State he loved so well.
In August, 1866, he again went to Europe, taking his family with him, except his two eldest sons, and remained abroad nearly two years. His residence was chiefly in Paris, though he spent some time in England, visiting also Switzerland and Italy. He also made a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land. Returning to Canada in the fall of 1868, he found the sectional feeling so far abated that his friends counseled his return to Kentucky, and in the succeeding winter, having received assurances that he would not be molested, he returned to New York. His arrival in Kentucky, shortly afterwards, was hailed with every demonstration of affection by his
