Arizona republican., 1892-01-21
THE TARS ON SHORE.

It happened in the forties. We were heartily tired of the dull monotony of our California life ere we had been in Monterey three months. To be confined on board ship in harbor is wearisoms enough at any time, but more especially in so lifeless port as Monterey was then.
 In places of so great resort for men-of- war as Rio or Valparaiso various little incidents kept the mind excited and caused time to pass quickly if not pleas antly.
 At different times some saluting took place in the harbor, and the cause of it formed topic for general conversation among the men. But in Monterey bay there were none of these things-no bumboats, no strange vessels coming in or going out, nothing to see or to do or to think about.
 A more tedious life than ours could not therefore well be. This experience was that of all the crew, not excepting even the officers, and heartily glad were we when it began to be whispered about that our sailing day was not far distant
 The boatswain's hoarse summons to "all hands up anchor for the United States" was received with three cheers. Thecapstan bars flew around, the anchors were quickly at the bows and the top sails sheeted home and hoisted, and as the ships head swung to the breeze we manned the rigging and gave three times three cheers, which were cordially re- turned by the crews of some half dozen men-of-war then in port.
 With favoring winds all the way, not being detained by the usual calm in crossing the line, we arrived, after a forty-six days run, at Valparaiso.
 Here all hands were given a run on shore-a privilege of which we were not sorry to avail ourselves
 As homeward bounders we were looked up to ashore and among the crews of the other men-of-war in the harbor as fortunate beings, and it was with feel ing of pity that we looked down upon the poor fellows who were doomed to pass another year or two upon "the sta- tion" and presumed not little upon our superior fortune.
 The ships company was divided into four shore parties, each division being allowed three days liberty.
 It was usual to make the division in such cases by watches or quarter watches. but in this case it was made up from good behavior book kept by the captain and commander, those whose names stood highest on this being per initted to go first on shore, while those whose previous conduct had placed them lower were reserved for the last party Among this last party were of course included all the worst drunkards and wild fellows, and as often happens at sea, those whose characters for sobriety and general orderliness of behavior stood lowest on tbe captains book were at the same time the smartest men in the ship, the very best seamen.
 Having no liberty men to follow them this last party determined upon having grand spree, and agreed not to come off to the ship until they were fairly driven on board Accordingly, when their allotted three days were out, but very few came off; the rest slowing themselves away where there was every. thing which sailors heart desires, awaited the turn of events. Such action was hardly prepared for on board, and one days grace was given them in which to render themselves up. Scarcely a man availed himself of this, those who still remained having organized them selves into band determined to resist any attempt at forcible capture and to return on board voluntarily when they had their spree out
 The second day after the expiration of their liberty notice was given the vigi- ward would be paid for every man of the crew returned on board.
 Several who had carelessly strayed about town were brought aboard in the course of the day, the reward for their capture coming of course, as it always did in such cases, out of their own pockets.
 The third day came, and now the re- ward for each man taken was raised to forty shillings. This set the entire po- lice force of Valparaiso agog, as it was known that there were still nearly 100 men ashore, and the reward for their capture would prove neat little sum. The tars by this time had had their spree out and were quite willing to return on board, but not as captives, and, worse yet, with the prospect of paying for their own capture. The vigilantes, how ever, were unwilling to allow their prey to escape so easily, and refused to let them go except as prisoners.
 "Well," said one of the party when this news had been brought to them by few of their number who had been to hold barley with the police, Eff they want us let 'en come and get us, and let us be ready for 'em, boys, for we must get aboard today somehow"
 All hands now armed, some having shovels, some hammers, others old