The Russellville Democrat., 1883-09-06
Captain Suaxar's Nerve.


 An incident Illustrating the character of the late Capta,n Joseph Swacar. is related by Mrs. Ia3ssha F. Cunning ham, . venerable lady over seventy years of age In lS,5. wien Gapiain Swagar was commanding the s'eaine- Diana, Mrs Cunningham. her hus- band and little two-vear-old daughter took trip to New Orleans on the Gap tainis boat for their health. IL was their intention to remain in the Crescent City for quite B wh le, and they en- gagged 8 suite of rooms wish an old French lady. who had several persons stopping as her house, Che of these boarders was lady who. shortly after the arrival of the Cunninghams. was taken suddenly sick and her disease developed into case of smallpox. The patient was removed io the pest-house. and the bed upon which she had been lying placed in the yard to be fuIniga- ted. Mrs Cunpingham looked out O: window. and was horro--striclsen to see her little daughter enJoying fino tumbling on the infected ped.
 Mrs. Cunningham was almost scaret, to death. and feeling sure that her little darling would sooner or later he stricken with the dresd disease. informed her husband that she was going to get back to Louisville as soon as possible She inquired what boat was going up the river. and was told that Captain Swagar's was the only boat ranning at that time. It appears that Mrs. Gun ningham had formed rather a d.sl ke for Captain Swagar on the down trip. on accsunt of his foo authoritative manner, as she suprssed: but there was no other way for her to get home, and she was compelled to take passage on tie Diana.
 The boat was sixteen days reac:tinz Louisville. She ha.i an iillmease trin of passengers. both the cabin and deck being crowded. On the second day out the little girl was taken si X. and Cap tain Swagar had two physicians who were aboard the boat. to attend her. Before long they announced that tie little sufferer had the most beautiful case of smallpox they Lad ever seen. An effort was made to keep the matter quiet but 1t finally leaked ont that there WAS smallpox aboard the boat. and then such excitement never was seen. The hundreds of passengers rose up in a solid body and demanded of the Cap tain that the Cunningham family should be put ashore forthwith. They clam orei around him. waiting to know whether or not he intended to com ? with their demands. and threatening what they would do in case he refused. The passengers had mufinied. so to speak. and had turned into bowling mob.
 The Captain saw that some decisive action WAS necessary. and drawing 2 revolver he lesped upon chair. and pointed it straight at the heads oi .ae leaders of the mob:
 ..Silence,' he roared. a; the top of his voice. Il am commander of this host and these people have paid me their psssage to Louisville. and intend to carry them there unless the boat blows up CT sinks. II any of yol pas sengers desire 10 ges off al the nex. landing. you can do so. and l will re fund you your money. Ton ROW know what l intend 10 to. and the first man who opens his mouth again I'll blow his brains out" The determination depicted on the Captains ccuntenance had its effect upon the mob and it dis persed.
 Fl could have worshiped that man forever after that, said Mrs. Cunning. ham. in relating the story, flor it was his brave conduct that saved my little girls life. When the boat reached Portland the Captain hired 8 carriage and had the family conveyed 10 their home. Strange as il may appear, not q single one of the passengers took the disease that the little girl had brought aboard the boat.-LoRiSriils CsniDaeT csGi