Smyrna times., 1901-08-21
JACKIES ASHORE.
How They Saved Themselves
at Valparaiso.
BY A UNITED STATES
JACK TAR.
Observation-Disclosures


1t 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 wearisOme
enough at any time, but more especial
ly in so lifeless a port as Monterey was
then.
In places of so great resort for men,
of-war as Rio and Valparaiso various
little incidents kept the mind excited
and caused time to pass quickly if not
pleasantly.
AT different times some saluting took
place in the harbor, and the cause of it
formed n topic for general conversation
among the men. But in Monterey bay
there We're 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.
The capstan bar flew around, the an
chOrs were quickly at the bows and the
tOpSaiis 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 cordial
ly returned 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 46
days run, at Valparaiso.
Here all hands were given a run on
shore, privilege of which we were not
sorry to avail ourselves.
As hOmeward bOunders we were look
ed up to ashore and among the crews
of the other men-Of-war in the harbOr
as fortunate beings and it was with a
feeling of pity that we looked down up
on the poor fellows who were doomed
TO pass another year or two upon "the
station" 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 a good behavior book kept by
the captain and commander, those
whose names stood highest on this be-
ing permitted to go first on shore, while
those whose previous conduct had plac-
cd them lower were reserved for the
last party. Among this last party were
Of course included all the worst drunk
ards and wild fellows, and, as often
happens at sea, those whose characters
for sObriety and general orderliness of
behavior stood lowest on the captain s
book were at the same time the smart
est men in the ship, the very best sea
men.
Having no liberty men to follow
them, this last party determined upon
having a 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, stow.
ing themselves away where there was
everything which sailors heart de
sires, awaited the turn of events. Sucl
action was hardly prepared for Oh
board, and one days grace was given
them in which to render themselves up
Scarcely man availed himself of this
those who still remained having organ
lied themselves into a band determined
to resist any attempt at a forcible cap
ture 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
vigilantes ashore that 20 shillings re
ward would be paid for every man o.
the crew returned on board.
Several who had carelessly strayeC
about town were brought aboard in tn,
course Of the day, the reward for thei
capture coming, of course, as it Away
did in such cases, out of their owl
pockets.
The third day came, and now the re
ward for each man taken was raised t
40 shillings. This set the entire polio
force Of Valparaiso agog, as it wa
known that there were still nearly 10
men ashore, and the reward for thel
capture would prove a neat little sun
The tars by this time had had thei
spree out and were quite willing to re
turn on board, but not as captives ant
worse yet, with the prospect of payin
Tor their own capture. The vigilantei
however, were unwilling to allow thel
prey to escape so easily and refused t
let them go except as prisoners.
Well" said one of the party whe
this news had been brought to them b
few of their number who had been I
hold a. .parley with the police, "if the