A deep discontent settled upon him.  The tidings of the good fortune of his brothers inflamed his desire to seek his fortune in the world.  The news of the Revolutionary War, which drew all eyes upon America, and in which the people of all lands sympathized with the struggling colonies, had its effect upon him.  He began to long for the “New Land,” as the Germans then styled America; and it is believed in Waldorf that soon after the capture of Burgoyne had spread abroad a confidence in the final success of the colonists, the youth formed the secret determination to emigrate to America.  Nevertheless, he had to wait three miserable years longer, until the surrender of Cornwallis made it certain that America was to be free, before he was able to enter upon the gratification of his desire.

In getting to America, he displayed the same sagacity in adapting means to ends that distinguished him during his business career in New York.  Money he had never had in his life, beyond a few silver coins of the smallest denomination.  His father had none to give him, even if he had been inclined to do so.  It was only when the lad was evidently resolved to go that he gave a slow, reluctant consent to his departure.  Waldorf is nearly three hundred miles from the seaport in Holland most convenient for his purpose.  Despite the difficulties, this penniless youth formed the resolution of going down the Rhine to Holland, there taking ship for London, where he would join his brother, and, while earning money for his passage to America, learn the language of the country to which he was destined.  It appears that he dreaded more the difficulties of the English tongue than he did those of the long and expensive journey; but he was resolved not to sail for America until he had acquired the language, and saved a little money beyond the expenses of the voyage.  It appears, also, that there prevailed in Baden the belief that Americans were exceedingly selfish and inhospitable, and regarded the poor emigrant only in the light of prey.  John Jacob was determined not to land among such a people without the means of understanding their tricks and paying his way.  In all ways, too, he endeavored to get a knowledge of the country to which he was going.

With a small bundle of clothes hung over his shoulder upon a stick, with a crown or two in his pocket, he said the last farewell to his father and his friends, and set out on foot for the Rhine, a few miles distant.  Valentine Jeune, his old schoolmaster, said, as the lad was lost to view:  “I am not afraid of Jacob; he ’11 get through the world.  He has a clear head and everything right behind the ears.”  He was then a stout, strong lad of nearly seventeen, exceedingly well made, though slightly undersized, and he had a clear, composed, intelligent look in the eyes, which seemed to ratify the prediction of the schoolmaster.  He strode manfully out of town, with tears in his eyes and a sob in his throat,—­for he loved his father,