Christy asked the meaning of the movement he had observed among the seamen and petty officers, and was told that Baskirk was getting up an association on board, the first requirement to which was for all who wished to become members to sign the oath of allegiance to the United States government, "as represented by and presided over by the President at Washington." It was to be a secret society, and Flint added that it was really a branch of the Union League.

Christy did not think it wise to ask any more questions, but he understood that this was really a movement to ascertain the sentiments of the members of the ship's company as to the extent of their duty in supporting the government.
"Mr.Flint, I am not a little dissatisfied with the manner in which we are compelled to carry on our duty on board of the Bronx, though no blame is to be attached to the naval department on account of it," said Christy, after he had walked the bridge for a time.
"Is anything going wrong, Captain Passford ?" asked the first lieutenant anxiously.
"Oh, no: I have no fault to find with any one, and least of all with you," added the captain promptly.

"The trouble is that we are short of officers, though all that could be spared for this vessel were sent on board of her.

As the matter now stands, Dr.Spokeley and I are the only idlers on board in the cabin and ward room.

The first lieutenant has to keep a watch, which is not at all regular, and I foresee that this arrangement will be a very great disadvantage to me.