From this it would seem that an absolutely poor boy had no chance to enter the Naval Academy.

It usually happens, however, that, when a very poor boy is appointed to the Naval Academy, his Congressman, or some of his friends or fellow townsmen will loan him the money, returnable after he enters the service as an officer.
In addition to the amount required by law to be deposited with the Academy authorities each midshipman is ordered to turn over any other money that may be in his possession, this extra amount to be credited to him.

A midshipman, on entering the service, receives a salary of six hundred dollars a year.

Nearly all of this, however, is required to pay his ordinary expenses.

Each midshipman is allowed a very small amount of spending money, with, however, a more liberal allowance when visiting ports during a cruise.
It is forbidden for a midshipman to receive spending money from home or friends.