one o'clock
We then called at other houses , where we picked up one or two men , but most of them escaped by getting out at the windows or the back doors , as we entered the front . Now there was a grog-shop which was a very favourite rendezvous of the seamen belonging to the merchant vessels , and to which they were accustomed to retreat when they heard that the press-gangs were out . Our officers were aware of this , and were therefore indifferent as to the escape of the men , as they knew that they would all go to that place , and confide in their numbers for beating us off . As it was then one o'clock , they thought it time to go there ; we proceeded without any noise , but they had people on the look-out , and as soon as we turned the corner of the lane the alarm was given . I was afraid that they would all run away , and we should lose them ; but , on the contrary , they mustered very strong on that night , and had resolved to `` give fight . '' The men remained in the house , but an advanced guard of about thirty of their wives , saluted us with a shower of stones and mud . Some of our sailors were hurt , but they did not appear to mind what the women did .