On an invitation from a member of Congress, Paul visited Washington and
was cordially received by President Hayes and his Cabinet, all paying
him high compliments for the daring things he had performed in the
interest of life saving. During the afternoon of February 1st, 1879, at
the instance of the President, he gave an exhibition in the navy yard,
before the members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
While in Washington, Paul received an invitation which highly pleased
him. It was signed by leading citizens, asking him to revisit his former
home, Pittsburgh. He was glad to have the chance of seeing the old river
of his boyish gambols, and cheerfully promised to go. After a day or so
in Washington he went to Pittsburgh, where met with the most cordial
greeting on the part of the citizens and was also happy to see many of
his playmates of former years. On the evening of his arrival, while
resting in his room at a hotel, he was visited by a man wearing the
uniform of the Fire Department, who grasped his hand with more warmth
and enthusiasm than ordinary visitors were wont to do, at the
same time remarking:
"I don't suppose you know me, Captain Boyton?"
"My memory certainly fails me in that respect," replied Boyton
"I am Thomas McCaffery, whose life you saved more than twenty years ago.
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