PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
207 
consisted of four stakes stuck in the ground, with reeds laid across* 
and over that a thin mat. 
On my return to the ship, a most disagreeable circumstance 
took place, which, for the credit of the ship, and of the officers of 
the American navy generally, I wish it was not necessary to re¬ 
late ; but as it took place in the presence of our prisoners, who 
no doubt will make their representation of it, with suitable em¬ 
bellishments, alterations, and exaggerations, and as it led to some 
changes of considerable importance, I conceive it proper to give 
a correct statement of the affair. 
Lieutenant W., the (then) second lieutenant, had in two or 
three instances become intoxicated, and so much so as to compel 
me once to arrest him, as at such times his conduct had been 
extremely violent and offensive to all on board ; but as this officer 
possessed many good qualities, and was much esteemed for his 
goodness of heart, his brother officers interceded for him, pledg¬ 
ing themselves for his future good conduct; and on a solemn 
promise from him, that he would abstain from ardent liquors 
while he continued under my command, I relieved him from his 
arrest, and put him to duty, with an assurance that for another 
similar offence his authority should for ever cease on board the 
Essex. 
During my short absence at Tumbez, lieutenant W. felt him¬ 
self relieved from that restraint which my presence had imposed, 
and could not resist the opportunity of again indulging in his hgr- 
rid propensity, which an abstinence of many months had rendered 
doubly dear to him, and to which he was strongly invited by cap¬ 
tain Shuttlewortli, the prisoner whom I formerly mentioned as 
having conducted himself so improperly. On my return he was 
officer of the deck, and, fearing that I should discover his situa¬ 
tion, he left the deck as soon as I entered the ship, and, while X 
was engaged in conversation with the first lieutenant, retired to 
his state-room. Not knowing his condition, I sent repeatedly 
for lieutenant W., who was reported to me as lying in his cot, 
and could not be made to answer. He had once before attempt¬ 
ed to commit suicide, and I felt apprehensive that he had now 
made attempts on his life. I went to his state-room, where X 
