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.
Of all men in the world, I most desired to meet you," and Paul returned the warm hand pressure of the fireman.
An evening most agreeable to both was passed in recounting their adventures of other days.

Before Paul left Pittsburgh, Mr.McCaffery presented him with a gold medal, commemorating the important event in his life, which, but for Boyton, would have terminated so disastrously.
Some time was spent about Pittsburgh, while preparations were made for a voyage down the Alleghany and Ohio rivers, which he had decided on making.

It was the first intention to start on the Alleghany at Kittanning, but on looking over the ground, Paul selected Oil City as the starting point, distant above Pittsburgh about one hundred and forty miles.
There was great excitement at Oil City when it became known that Boyton had arrived and contemplated paddling down the river.

Many people believed the attempt would not be made on account of the extremely cold weather.