They took a skiff and towed the raft out into the middle of the Missouri River.

As we swung away from the bank, I rose up and said: "Gentlemen, if I am drowned I forgive you; but I have this to say to you: If you are not ashamed of your part in this transaction, I am not ashamed of mine.
Good-by." Floating down the river, alone and helpless, I had opportunity to look about me.

I had noticed that they had put up a flag on my raft, but had paid no attention to it; now I looked at it and it charged me with stealing negroes; and it was thought by many to be no sin to shoot a "nigger thief." Down that flag must come; and then I remembered that they had said they would follow me down the river and shoot me if I did pull it down.

The picture on the flag was that of a white man riding at full gallop, on horseback, with a negro behind him.

The flag bore this inscription: "GREELEY TO THE RESCUE: I HAVE A NIGGER.