The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1892-01-30

chairs, biIlees a wood, table legs-in
short, anything that came first 10 hand
and the entire party moved In o solid
body down to Mizzentop, that part of
their stronghold nearest the Mole. While
consulting what was next to be done
they were near being surprised by con-
siderable party of dismounted vigilantes,
who, having skirted around the base Of
the hills, were then advancing upon
their rear. At the same time another
force appeared in front, and the party
seemed about to be surrounded
Stick together, boys, and we'll drive
these fellows before Us down TO the
Mole, and If we reach that We are safe.
said one of the leaders
No sooner said than done. Without
giving the party approaching their rear
time to catch up, the tars charged upon
the company of vigilantes In front, aE1
throwing some down the steep side of
the Mizzentop hill, knocking down 9th
ers and driving tie remainder before
them, they fought their way gallantly
down through the narrow street leadir Z,
to the Mole and reached the plaza at its
extremity without serious injury being
done to any of them
On reaching the plaza they were
stopped by multitude of the people who
had congregated there to witness the
capture of Jack Forcing their way
through there and still keeping the vigi
lantes at bay, they finally made their
way to the water stai-s-but there, alas
there was no boat to receive them. This
was an emergency which had not been
foreseen BY our tars, who now saw them
selves caught in a txap-the water Z;
their backs, the police IN front and flank
But they did not give uP. They asserted
their privileges to render themselves or
board without the aid of the vigilante>
while the lat.W demanded the right t.
deliver them to their officers
Come and take Us" was again the
cry, and the police and the multitude
closed in upon the little band, charging
upon them with swords and lanceS- Our
fellows, who had intrenched themselves
behind some spiles, defended themselves
desperately with stones, of which there
was plentiful supply at hand, and no.
a few Gillian skulls bore witness 70 the
accuracy of their aims
AL this passed within plain view Of us
who were on board, impatient and e1-
cited witnesses Of our shipmates' defense
As ever and anon Gillian would fall
victim TO some well aimed missile a lit
tie subdued shout would go up from the
crowd congregated upon the forecastle
while low murmur attended similar
misfortune 10 one of our fellows BlI
now the battle grew fercer. The police
pressed on by the multitude behind
charged desperately and succeeded il
dislodgng a part Of the sailors, who
were driven by main force of the wharf
and into the water.
Some few Of these were fortunate
enough 20 be picked up by several ner-
chant vessels crews which CHANGED TO
be there. but these rapidly pulled away
from the sceue Of action. fearful Of get
ting their boats stove by some of the
rocks which soon began to fly. Those
sun remaining in the water chung to
spiles and floating timber, and were
there helpless and at the mercy Of the
police, who stood above them throwing
pieces Of rock upon their heads. The
little band on shore still defended them
selves as best they could and maintained
their position behind the timbers-
But few minutes more and our boats
were at the stairs. and making a last mad
rush at their assailants our tars, picking
up their wounded, ran hastily down the
stairs. the boats showed of, and all was
over. Those In the water had, Of course
been picked up first The boats arrived
none to soon to save our men Many Of
them were wounded and several so bad
" hurt as TO be confined to the sick bay
the greater part of the voyage home. To
what extent the police force of Valpa
raise was injured in the melee we neve
learned, as we sailed the succeeding
morning for Rio, which port was to br
our Last this side Of home.-A United
Stafea lack Tar in New York Recorder