Page:Autobiography of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes.djvu/74

48 frolic was nightly carried on. One of these was known by the name of Tin Pot, and there they were often found among a vast crowd of sailors and their sweethearts. This service was usually entrusted to an older Midshipman or Master's Mates and others were detailed with him as assistants. It was often a very hazardous undertaking and on one of many occasions I was an assistant. We usually disguised ourselves in citizens' clothes and to avoid being seen. The police was of no effect in making these arrests.

On the occasion which made the most indelible impression on me, Mid Cutts, a large and stout-framed officer, had charge of the party. We approached Tin Pot with feelings of apprehension, but, having reconnoitered, we ascertained that Six or Eight Men were in the dance hall, and, on consultation, it was settled that the attempt to capture them should be made. We accordingly mounted the stairs which led to a second story from this dark and confined alley. The whole floor was occupied when we made our appearance, and as by magic the music stopped and all was ominously quiet. Our men were there and some confusion ensued, but we boldly singled them out and bore them off in triumph. It was indeed a brazen step, and we owed our success to the favor that Cutts had showed to one or two of the girls when they made a visit to the Independence, who had apparently the control of the assemblage. We were indeed lucky fellows to escape as we did; the police would have been thrown out of the Windows and otherwise maltreated. We were rejoiced when we reached the Street through the alley and placed our Men in carriages which stood nearby waiting and drove to Long Wharf. I think this was among the last of these duties being assigned him; a fracas had been brought about in one of these raids and parties much hurt, which put a stop to the practice. It required great nerve and decision of character, which Mid Cutts possessed in no small degree. The astonishment created by our appearance so early in the Evg gave us an advantage, and the quick action and promptitude of its execution, with the kind will of some of the Girls, alone carried us successfully through.