OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU FOR THE RECOVERY OF LOST PERSONS, ETC.--OFFICER
McWATTERS IN CHARGE.
During a considerable portion of his connection with the Metropolitan
Police, Officer McWatters had charge of the department denominated
"Bureau for the Recovery of Lost Persons;" a position which both his
experience and active sympathies with sorrow peculiarly fitted him to
fill. Its duties were very onerous, as will be seen by the following
article copied from the World newspaper of December 12, 1868, and which
cannot fail to greatly interest such of our readers as are not
conversant with life and its mysteries in the great Babylon of America.
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In a side room of the main hall of the Central Police Headquarters, on
the second story, in Mulberry Street, is a desk, at which sits an old
rosy-cheeked, white-headed police officer, named McWatters. Officer
McWatters is famous in New York. He is a theatrical critic, and his
opinions on music and the drama are greatly esteemed by artists; but,
like most critics, he is a little dogmatic at times, perhaps.
Officer McWatters is detailed by Inspector George Dilks to take charge
of a department organized in November, 1867, to supply a great want,
and which is now in successful operation. This department is known as
the "Bureau for the Recovery of Lost Persons." Officer McWatters was
formerly in the City Hall Precinct, under Captains Thorne and Brackett,
and is very well acquainted with the city, so his services have been
made available in his new bureau.