Summary

Chapter 21 began with the Englishman, Robert Owen, purchasing land on the Wabash River. He called it New Harmony, a place where his team would “find a new way live their lives together, without fighting, cheating, or exploiting each other” (161). Abe dreamed of attending school in New Harmony, yet his father promised his time to someone else. Tom made a deal with James Gentry, for Abe to trade his “pork flour, meal, bacon, potatoes, and produce” down the Mississippi River to New Orleans “for cotton, tobacco, and sugar” (162). Abe was placed in charge of the boat and his mate, Allen Gentry, because he was strong and trustworthy. The Mississippi River was fraught with new dangers, like unfamiliar tides and violent thieves. Once they reached the “Sugar Coast,” seven people ambushed their flatboat, and Abe fought them off (167). Abe and Allen spent a few days in...