He held the attention of the people from the opening to the close, and among the listeners were more than one who felt that the unexplained absence of the regular pastor had resulted in a gain, though a brief one, for them.
Naturally there was no little curiosity to learn the name of the stranger.

When approached by some of the leading brethren at the close of the services, he modestly said he was Captain Foote of the United States navy.

He occasionally preached, when there seemed to be a call for such work on his part, but preaching was not his profession, and he would not have thought of entering the pulpit had he not seen that it was a choice between doing so and allowing the congregation to go home.
Andrew Hull Foote was born in New Haven, Conn., September 12, 1806.

He belonged to a prominent family, his father, Samuel A.Foote, having served in Congress for several terms, as United States Senator, and as Governor of his State.

The son received the best educational training and was subjected to the strict religious discipline characteristic of the Puritan families of old New England.