The summer of 1879 was idly spent.

Boyton visited the most celebrated watering resorts of America and enjoyed a well earned good time.

As the autumn leaves began to fall, he was seized with an irresistible desire to feel himself again afloat, so he turned his attention to the rivers of the New England States.

He went to Boston, made a careful study of the maps, and concluded to take a voyage on the Merrimac; this river, with its numerous falls and rapids, he thought would furnish some excitement.

The start was made from Plymouth, New Hampshire, at six o'clock in the morning of October seventh.