Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1880-07-01
Garfield at the Wheel.

l. Besfon Morning Journal, .Jnas 9.-Thl
following stirring lyric, which is worthy
OF wider influence as campaign SOM
than II can exert In the columns of
newspaper, was sent In to the Jonrna
last night by writer who modestly
conceals his name. 1t has in 1t ths
martial ring, and as the first blast In &
campaign destined to be memorable In
the history Of the country and the Re.
publican party, 1t deserves an attentive
hearing:
An incident which occurred on this
expedition illustrates Garfield,s decision
and force of character. An unusually
violent rain-storm broke out, aud the
"Sandy" River rose TO such height
that steamboatmen pronounced 1t im-
possible to ascend 1t with supplies. The
troops were almost out Of rations, and
the rough country In which they were
was incapable Of supporting them.
Garfield had gone down the river to It's
mouth, and ordered the Captain of a
small steamer which had been In the
Quartermaster's service to take load
OF supplies and start up the river. The
captain declared that 1t was impossible.
Then Garfield ordered the captain and
crew on board, stationed an army officer
on deck to see that they did their duty,
and kinsself took the tcAeel. The captain
still insisted that II was impossible for
any boat 70 stem the raging current,
but Garfield turned her head up the
stream and began the perilous trip.
The water was sixty feet deep, the
tree-tops along the banks were nearly
submerged, and the steamer was
M h In lral kn.r II n
AT, night-fall the captain of the boat
begged permission to tie up, declaring
that 1t would be madness to try TO stem
such current in the dark; bat Garfield
Kept at the seheel, and finally, In sud-
den bend Of the river, the boat was
driven with full head of steam into
the quicksand of the bank. All efforts
to get her off were futile. Finally
Garfield himself steered a small boat
across the river, made fast line, and
by rigging windlass with rails, sue
ceeded in getting her afoat. The
perllous journey occupied nearly two
days and nights, duriag which Garfield
,eas eioay from the ,cheel only eight hours.
The discontinue of Humphrey Mar
shall was completed in March BY
another movement of Garfeld's, which
dislodged him from his position in
Pound Gap"
There's sadness in the Union camp,
Supplies are running low;
Small gains for many weary tramp
The forage wagons show;
Yet In their leader, stanch and brave,
Firm faith the soldiers feel,
Quick-witted, cool and strong to save
They've Garfield at the wheel!
And yet, to-day, those valiant ones
Have missed their noble chief;
From rank TO rank the whisper runs,
she goes to bring relief;
Ere long each well.filled hayersack
Shall plenteous stores reveal
Courage! we soon shall have him back,
We've Garfield at the Wheel"
f" IT'S death the swollen stream to
trustr' rt.7
The trembling sailors cry;
"At dnty's call embark we mustr'
The General makes reply.
Wild currents vex the laboring barge,
And quicksands clog her keel. /
But safe to port she brings her charge
Twas Garfield at the wheel
What though athwart our peaceful
skies t-..-I- f.ts
Portent0us shapes are thrown,
Disgraceful arts Corruption plies,
And Factions blast is blown;
Victorious o'er the raging tides
The good ship Commonweal
Full-freighted into harbor glides,
With Garfield at the wheel! 5. B.