The New York herald., 1879-03-07
BOYTON'S LONG SWIM.
TwRSrY-EIGHr HOURS IN THE WATER, MAKING
ONE HUNDRED AND TWO XuLEs-ExCITISG
INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE

TwRNrY-EIGHr HOURS IN THE WATER MAKING
ONE HUNDRED AND TWO AnLEs-ExciTISG
INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
GALLIPoLIs Ohio March 9. 1879.
Captain Paul Boyton arrived here at eight o'clock
this morning after finishing the greatest Of the
present voyage having been in the water twenty
eight consecutive hours. and during that time pad
died lO2 miles in water only two degrees above freez
ing. The start made from Marietta. Ohio. yes
terday morning at five o'clock before daylight.
and the darkness increased by . heavy
fog. which hung the river and prevented all
steamboat traffic. temporarily. As the hour of his
departure was not known only about thirty persons
witnessed his start. which made in his own
characteristic. fearless manner. AS the shivering
spectators huddled together aud watched Boyton's
movements. by lantern light. he advanced to the
waters edge. eagerly scanned the gloom. and with
out q sign of hesitation plunged in Very soon tho
fog hid him from Wow. but the voyager awoke tho
quiet little. village with the ringing notes, OF
his buSle, while the dip. dip, of his paddle
could plainly be heard as he drove ahead for CALI
polls ~. miles away down the stream. The steamer
Chesapeake passed him just above Parkersburg.
West Virginia and small parcel containing the
swimmers breakfast was handed him from the
steamers side which he placed on his breast aud be-
gan to eat leisurely.
HIDDEN DY THE FOG.
About three Thousand people were waiting at
passed i'll fog. surrounded by small boats which
put out from shore to greet him. The Chesapeake
again PASSED him at eeven o'clock. Bellcville.
and the Captains dinner was given him. Big Hook
ing Ohio. was reached at noon, at which time the
fog had lifted and tho shores could be either
sidc The Captain then began to make better time,
and Ravenswood, Va. was reached ut seven p. NJ.
NIGHT JOURNEY.
Here the shore lit up by immense bonfres. and
the whole population was out on the banks After
taking cup OF coffee the plucky voysger stood ont
to the middle of the stream. munching sandwich
hn urWfz
man near Goose Island ut half -past nine p. NJ and
the passengers entertained by some music from
his bugle Letarts Falls passed ut halt past ten
2. NJ. and the good people Of Syracuse aroused
from their beds by the sound OF bugle at midnight
Boyton reported feeling tired and drowsy this
time. but kept bravely his course. and pomeroy
Ohio. rc4ched at i've o'clock this morning.
TWO NARROW ESCAPES.
Just after leaving Popleroy Boyton was awakened
from state of drowsness by the sound of paddle
wheel just behind him. and startled TO lind tho
steamer Telegraph bearing right down him. Sum
monlng all his energy he blew his horn and yelled.
Port port. I'm dead mani Instantly the pilot 8
wheel reversed and the steamer. changing her
course just missed striking him. although the Cap
tain close as to disappear beneath the guards
as day broke. and the daylight cheercd the lonely
traveller to squirt for several miles. When
about mile above Gallipolis, near the West
Virginia side. the gallant Captain narrowly escaped
instant death. While floating along at rapid pace
he observed boat containing two river gypsies put
out from one OF the floating houses which abound
on the Ohio River. The Captain waited until the
craft was near enough. and then stood upright in,
tending to ask the time OF day. In moment ono OF
the men. pale with excitement. raised musket to
his shoulder and took deliberate aim. Boyton
screamed out warming just the trigger about
to be pulled and thus saved his life. Shortly after
ward (iallipolis was reached amid great enthusiasm.
Doyton is now resting, and will begin ut daylight q
to Portsmouth, Ohio distance of ninety miles.