The generous present was most joyfully and thankfully received, for
Paul's sole and only ambition for a long time had been to own a boat.
As the two sturdy oarsmen with the boat in tow, neared the Alleghany
shore, Paul stood erect in the stern, his eyes shining with triumph
and satisfaction, and loudly hailed his playmates to come and see his
prize. It is safe to say, that no commander of a vessel, ever viewed
his craft with more pride, than Paul did his little flat-bottom boat. He
named her "Gray Eagle." He was ever tired of overhauling, scrubbing
and cleaning her. All the money realized by the capture of drift-wood,
was devoted to the purchase of paint. He selected and shipped a crew
from among his playmates. They were soon able to drive her where they
liked upon the river with long poles and paddles, and many a successful
battle royal was fought with their old enemies across the river, the
Pittsburgh boys. The "Gray Eagle" was generally half loaded with
nice, round stones that served as ammunition.
The "Eagle" would be carefully poled up the Alleghany shore against the
current, then headed out and vigorously paddled towards the Pittsburgh
side. Nearing the enemies' headquarters a skirmish would be opened by a
shower of stones sent into their ranks.
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