The word is passed for those who wish to visit a certain ship to "lay aft and report to the officer of the deck." The party, all in clean clothes, are taken to the vessel designated and lined up.

After being counted they are allowed to go forward, where they yarn to their heart's content until the word is given by the boatswain's mate for them to muster aft again.
The "visiting party" to Uncle Sam's bulldog was cordially received and shown all over.

The great battleship was as clean and neat as a new pin.
She looked as if she had just come out of her builders' hands.

Paint work spotless, brass work shining, engines fairly dazzling in their brightness.

The crew contented and full of enthusiasm for their ship and commander--gallant Captain Clark! We saw the guns that helped to lay low Cervera's splendid fleet and we saw "the men behind the guns." Our attention was called to a Jacky sewing on a blue shirt.
"Do you see that man over there ?" said our guide.
We answered "Yes." "Well, that's the chap that blew up one of the torpedo boats." "Is that so?
Tell us about it." We gazed open-mouthed at the gunner as he sat cross-legged on the deck, sewing with all his might.
"Yes, that's the chap.