Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-01-13
A TRIP ON THE OHIO RIVER
CINCINNATI, o.. Jan. 4, 1864.


Dear Csrogicls;-I have Just returned
from tour Of inspection of hospitals
and convalescent camps up the Ohio riv-
er. While at Gailipolis I had the un-
speskable pleasure of meeting the old
Trumbuli Guards, under command OF our
old friend and fellow townsman, Captain
Chas. W. Smith. 1t was an agreeable
surprise 10 find them there, as | had
been informed that they had been order
ed 10 another post of duty. Our visit
was necessarily short, as our boat eonneo-
tions with Cincinnati are few and far be-
tween. The command seemed to be in
excellent condition, although l did not
see them all. but enough to gain the con
viction that they considered themselves
an impsnstrsble barrier to any aspiring
.esesh that desired to undertake any of
their peculiar enterprises in that portion
of the State. I met Mr. ". P. Jones,
who looks as vigorous SIS any OF the boys,
and as full of patriotism as ever. George
Messer is in the Provost Marshsps Office,
at this post, and was highly compliment
ed for his efficiency in his present posi-
ton. Eiery Wood looks hale and hear
ty, and is highly esteemed by all his as
sociates ! did myself the honor to pay
my compliments to the headquarters of
the command, where I Was entertained
by Captain Smith and Lieutenants Freer
and Gilman These officers are highly
respected in their command, as well as in
social circles, for their gentlemanly and
soldiery bearing to all with whom they
are brought in contact. The Captain is
certainly a very fortunate man, being
possessed of that happy organism which
could, if necessary, come nearer conver-
ting calamaties into sources of amuse-
ment and fun than any other man with
in the circle of our acquaintance. Long
may he wave.
We left Gallipolis by the boat Arizonia
about seven o'clock, P. N. The weather
was moderate and everything bid fair for
a splendid trip. The evening passed
off with various amusements, and all
seemed to enjoy themselves in the spa
cious, cosy cabin of the Arizonis. as was
evinced by most of her passengers re-
manning up till eleven o'clock, when, all
of sudden, there came q dash of rain,
quickly followed by a crash of windows,
doors, boxes, and everything else moyea-
ble in the boat. The ladies on board
were frightened nearly 10 death, and
their cries mingled with the children's
screams, conspired to make the impres
sion still more gloomy. The night had
become fearfully dark, and the sensation
Of going down was distinctly perceptible
to every one. It seemed as if the very
heavens had given way. The blast grew
stronger and stronger. The boat was til
ted upon its edge. Chimneys went over
Jack Rele went with a crash, Lights
were blown overheard, and destruction
seemed inevitable to both boat and crew.
Every one that could secure life-preserv-
ers had them ready for the emergency
Thrice the report was sent along the up
per deck that all the hands below had
been swept of, and that her hull was I'LL
ed and under water. Could we have
seen which way TO have made our way to
the land, the prospect would not have
been half as gloomy. had secured about
my person life-preserver, and had
clinched a couple of small children TO
keep them from blowing of. The moth
er. almost frantic, entreated me for
Heavens sake TO save her children. if
could not save her. was attempting
to console her with the idea that it woul
soon be right with US all, when treme n
dous crash admonished Us that We we're
and officers of theboat; but by dint o
apparent special interposition, the gust
uddenly checked. An attempt wai