He was well
acquainted with every hole and corner of the Sound, from the
Wallabout[1] to Hell Gate, and from Hell Gate unto the Devil's
Stepping-Stones; and it was even affirmed that he knew all the fish
in the river by their Christian names.
[1] A bay of the East River, on which the Brooklyn Navy Yard is
situated.
Wolfert found him at his cabin, which was not much larger than a
tolerable dog house. It was rudely constructed of fragments of
wrecks and driftwood, and built on the rocky shore at the foot of
the old fort, just about what at present forms the point of the
Battery.[1] A "very ancient and fishlike smell"[2] pervaded the
place. Oars, paddles, and fishing rods were leaning against the
wall of the fort, a net was spread on the sand to dry, a skiff was
drawn up on the beach, and at the door of his cabin was Mud Sam
himself, indulging in the true negro luxury of sleeping in the
sunshine.
[1] The southern extremity of New York City.
[2] See Shakespeare's The Tempest, act ii., sc. 2.
Many years had passed away since the time of Sam's youthful
adventure, and the snows of many a winter had grizzled the knotty
wool upon his head.
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