Eighteen veterans of Paul Revere Post 88, G. A. R. were the guests yesterday of Comrade Andrew Gilman, the occasion being his 81st birthday anniversary. The veterans were transported to and from Mr. Gilman's home in East Milton by automobiles, kindly furnished by William Westland and Mrs. Belle Morton. The afternoon was spent as only old veterans know how, and the time for going home came all too soon.
During the afternon the veterans told war stories and there was piano and victrola music and singing. Comrade Gilman also sang his famous song, 'Floating Down the Mississippi."
In singing this song Mr. Gilman, who served in the Navy during the civil war, tells this story. He was sent aloft one day as punishment for something he had done. While aloft the vessel gave a lurch and he went overboard. He went down fifty feet and on coming to the surface the vessel was out of sight. He however saw a back object which he swan for. This proved to be a mammouth turtle. This he grabbed by the tail and jumping on its back steered it toward the ship seen in the distance and was saved. He says you can believe the story or not just a you like.
Mr. Gilman was assisted in entertaining by his son and daughters, Miss Harriet W. Pierce and Mrs. John Farrell and Mrs. Rose A. Reed.
Published in the Tuesday, Nov 16, 1920 edition of the Patriot Ledger {Quincy, MA} on page 3