Now for the denouement — a midshipman on board the frigate who happened to have a spy-glass in his hand, was looking towards the place where the milk girl came, he saw her turn out the milk, and then take from her bosom two parcels which he thought were bladders of rum, this was good news for me. He related it soon after I came on board. As soon as I got on shore next morning, I told the men of the discovery; that I should forbid the girl coming any more with milk, particularly of that kind that came from her bosom. She came as usual at eight o'clock, "Leche." O, you little jade" said I, as soon as I was near enough to be heard by her.
I had taken the pots for the milk, and when she had turned it out, I reached my hand for the bladders which she took out and handed me, each contained a pint of agua diente. I returned them, and forbade her coming with anything more for these men. I gave them the pots, telling them this was to be their last milk breakfast while they were at work on the boat. They were very sulky all that day, but went on board the ship sober, and continued so until we left the beach. I observed, that on our arrival, we had much matter in the shape of news to listen to; so we will leave the boat and hear the gossip.
You know we left Midshipman Weems at Valparaiso, upon the sick list, when we sailed from there about eight months since. He very soon recovered his health, and grew quite stout, and was a fine looking young man, and very gentlemanly in his deportment. Some six weeks before our arrival, the Boston ship P— t arrived from China. The Capt. H — 1, being a very proud man, had bat few associates besides those with whom he had business. A social ball was given by the American residents to which Capt. H — 1 and Weems were invited; the ball was well attended, the governor and many of the first families in town being present. Mr. Weems and Capt.
II — 1, were quite intimate during the evening, conversing freely about the Macedonian, and the result of her entering Callao through the blockade, and on other topics of this nature. Next day, while Weems was walking out in undress uniform, having on a white jacket and white pantaloons, making a very neat appearance however, he met Capt. II— 1. " Good morning, sir," said Weems, the other appearing not to recognize him. Weems very modestly observed, "I had the pleasure of an introduction to you last evening, at Madam Blanco's." " I don't know you, sir," and passed along. This was too much for Weems. To be cut in this disrespectful and unceremonious manner was more than his proud spirit could bear.
So he just observed, with some considerable emphasis, (I omit the oath,) " You shall know me," so turning immediately back and following hard after the captain, stepped into a store and purchased a Spanish cowhide; walking briskly, scon overtook Capt. H — 1, who had then reached the busiest part of the town. He stepped up to him: "You don't know me, sir, do you? My name is Rolla Weems, of the United States Navy," and fetching him several cuts across the shoulders, at the same time remarked: " I think you will know me after this." Capt. H — 1 attempted to clench Weems, but did not succeed. The people gathered round enjoying the fun, as cowhiding is generally a funny affair.
H — 1 made but little resistance, although much mortified, and evidently much humbled. Weems. was well known, and much respected, and when the matter was explained, the general sentiment was, that H — 1 had received no more than he deserved. Weems then made an honorable proposition to him, that he stood ready for any alternative that he might choose, whether by a mutual apology or with any kind of weapon, it was quite immaterial to him. By the interposition of friends, this affair was mutually adjusted and both were subsequently on good terms. Sometimes it is necessary to bring John Bull up all standing. One of our lieutenants, an active and intelligent young officer, stepped into a hotel one very warm afternoon, and called for an ice lemonade, went into an adjoining room and sat down.
The drink was brought to him, but before he had tasted it, he heard loud words between the bar keeper and another. He overheard expressions which he thought applied to himself, and somewhat of a derogatory character. He went into the room to ascertain the nature of the difficulty, when he was grossly insulted by a tall, raw-boned Englishman, who it subsequently appeared was captain of an English whaler. He accused Lieut. T — - of requiring the bar keeper to wait upon him first, thus claiming the precedence on the score of his being a naval officer. Lieut. T — in a very mild and gentlemanly manner, assured him that he labored under a mistake, as he only ordered his lemonade, and immediately retired to the next room.