Chapter XIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

later than; following

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

Having no one else present.

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

plural of “camp” — temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

largest city in Illinois; a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

an abstract part of something

From this reading So much for the rough but honest working element.

the state of being employed or having a job

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

make easier

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

plural of “gang” — an association of criminals

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading So much for the rough but honest working element.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

give free rein to

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

past form of “infest” — invade in great numbers

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

worthy of high praise

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

having no employment

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

engage in

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

the force of workers available

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

possessive form of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading So much for the rough but honest working element.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

not any; not one

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

many times at short intervals

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

a publication that appears at fixed intervals

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading So much for the rough but honest working element.

worthless people

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

try to get or reach

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

in the near future

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

plural of “spree” — a brief indulgence of your impulses

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

the money risked on a gamble

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

make steady

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

in the direction of

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

by bad luck

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

possessive form of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

in or at the place that

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE CANAL I now left Baltimore, travelling alone, making my way as fast as possible towards Chicago, where a canal was being built to facilitate commerce between that large inland city, and deep water, at which place I soon arrived.

which person or people

From this reading On the banks of that canal were assembled the riff-raff of America and the scum of Europe; men who wanted no steady employment, but to make easy and quick stakes--for the pay was good--so as to indulge in periodical sprees, or in rare instances, for the more laudable purpose of placing themselves in a better position to apply for more respectable employment.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading They came and went in gangs, for the work was so hard that there were few men that did not require a week's rest after a month's labour.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading So much for the rough but honest working element.

but in spite of that

From this reading But unfortunately these canal banks were infested by other gangs, who did not seek work, and yet were often to be seen loafing about the various camps.