These young men were at last actual members of the brigade of midshipmen.
Commander Jephson now delivered a short address to the lined-up dozen.

He pointed out where the lines of their duty lay, and exhorted them to seek their duty and to perform it at all times.
In closing the commandant put emphasis on these words: "One word more, young gentlemen.

Until this moment perhaps all of you have been wont to look upon yourself as boys.

That time has passed.

From the moment that you were sworn into the Navy of the United State--remember--you became men.