The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1879-03-11
Paul BOytOn's Swim Down the Ohio.
A dispatch dated the Sd inst, says of
BoyroN's performance:
START PROM BELLAIRE.

A dispatch dated the Sd inst, says OF
BosroN's performance:
START PROM BELLAIRE.
About half.past twelve o'clock he
emerged from his hotel, fully equipped
for the river, and was compelled to wade
through snow bank to reach the water s
edge. where he il fsted his dress. seized
his paddle, and started at half past twelve
precisely. The start was made in ter
rble snow storm, which was so dense
that the spectators could only see few
yards. "a few minutes his flying form
was lost to sight in the binding snow,
aud nothing could be heard of the heroic
navigator except the merry notes of mis-
old buge as they rang out in strange
contrast to the weird tut beautiful sight.
The multitude followed him down the
banks as long as the sound of the bugle
could be heard, and then returned. Boy
ton passed Moundsville, Va at two M
and could only be family seen through
the storm by the waiting crowds. A
blast from his horn assembled the inhab.
itants of Captina Creek at four P. M
After passing this point the southerly
wind changed the character of the storm
10 heavy rain, which beat directly In the
voyageur's face.
DFJEUNER AT sUNFISH.
At six P M the floating man halted
alongside the levee at Sunfsh, where he
partook of cup of coffee and slice ot
bread without leaving the water. He
then continued On his course as it grew
dark each moment, and soon the crowds
on shore had to rely on his bugle call as
the signal when be passed. He was re-
ported off Fishing Creek bay at eight
p NJ and was then in splendid spirits
Notwithstanding the darkness From
this point down the journey was through
a lonely stretch of river without q light
visible until Sistersville, Va. was reach
ed at midnight. Here steamboat was
tied up unable to proceed on account OF
heavy fog which was setting 10. As
Boyton passed the boats bell was tolled
He drew close to ascertain the hour and
then passed on. At Petticoat Ripple,
forty two miles below Bellaire, the yoy-
ager's ear caught the sound Of steamer
approaching, whose red light soon loom
ed in full view Fearful that he might
be run down, the Captain blew his bugie
Justify, and. as she surged past, the
door of the pilot house opened and a
man cried out familiarly, Hello is that
you, Paul ?" On being answered in the
affirmative the stranger stepped back,
and the next instant the hoarse steam
whistle roared out hearty salute.
DAYLIGHT.
AT st. Msry's, Va he was sighted at
daylight, and as steamer ran alongside
be complained of being very drowsy and
suffering from cold and exhaustion
Cow Creek was passed at eight A. M
and large crowd watched him 60 by at
splendid rate as the daylight, seemed
to give him inspiration. Those who
came out in boats could hear him pant
and see him Sc. his teeth as be passed
with smile on his face to conceal his
sufferings.
LANDING AT MARIETTA.
From this point to Marietta it vas q
continual struggle against the chills
which he had fought off all night The
day changed to bleak and threatening
weather. Marietta was reached at half
past eleven o clock, after having been in
the water twenty three hours and thirty
minutes The great swimmer landed
amid much excitement. The whole pop
ulation Of the town was on the river
banks. He is very sore and fatigued
and will require some rest before again
entering the river.
~We clip the following from tht
Rarnpsvil1p Eufernrise of tho fth ins.