It is said that when Robert Fulton's first steamboat ascended the
Hudson, it created a consternation and terror such as had never before
been knownmany believing that it was the harbinger of the final
destruction of the world.
Of course, at this late day, no such excitement can be created by any
human inventionbut the sight of a creature speeding over the country,
impelled by steam, and bearing such a grotesque resemblance to a
gigantic man, could not but startle all who should see it for the
first time.
The steam man advanced at a rate which was quite moderate, until
within a quarter of a mile of the astonished train, when the boy let
on a full head of steam and instantly bounded forward like a meteor.
As it came opposite the amazed company, the whistle was palled, and
it-gave forth a shriek hideous enough to set a man crazy.
The horses and animals of the emigrant train could be seen rearing and
plunging, while the men stood too appalled to do anything except gaze
in stupid and speechless amazement.
There were one or two, however, who had sense enough to perceive that
there was nothing at all very supernatural about it, and they shouted
to them to halt; but our two friends concluded it was not desirable to
have any company, and they only slackened their speed, without
halting.
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