On arriving at the seat of government, Jenny inquired for the Secretary of the Navy.

When she arrived at the Department over which he presided, and obtained an interview, she said to him, as soon as she could compose herself-- "The ship -- -- has been ordered home from the Pacific ?" "She arrived at Norfolk last night, and is now hourly expected at the Navy Yard," replied the Secretary.
At this intelligence, Jenny was so much affected that it was some time before she could trust herself to speak.
"You have a brother on board ?" said the Secretary.
"There is a young man on board," replied Jenny, in a tremulous voice, "for whose discharge I have come to ask." The Secretary looked grave.
"At whose instance do you come ?" he inquired.
"Solely at my own." "Who is the young man ?" "Do you know Marshal Lofton ?" "I do, by reputation, well.

He belongs to a distinguished family in New York, to which the country owes much for service rendered in trying times." "The discharge I ask, is for his grandson." "Young Clifford, do you mean ?" The Secretary looked surprised as he spoke.

"He is not in the service." "He is on board the ship -- -- as a common sailor." "Impossible!" "It is too true.

In a moment of angry disappointment he took the rash step.