I am willing to admit that I wrote a letter to my father especially requesting him to do what he could for the immediate promotion of Mr.Baskirk." "Then he will be immediately promoted," added Captain McKeon with an expressive smile.
"I may add also that I was presumptive enough to suggest his appointment as third lieutenant of the Bronx," continued Christy.
"Then he will be the third lieutenant of the Bronx; and what you say would have settled the matter in the first place as well as now," said the flag officer, as much pleased with the reticence of the young officer as with his modesty.

"Amblen may remain on board till his commission comes, and you can retain him as third lieutenant, Captain Blowitt, if you are so disposed.

I have ordered a draft of twelve seamen to the Bronx, which will give you a crew of thirty, and I cannot spare any more until more men are sent down.

I may add that I have taken some of them from the Bellevite." "I am quite satisfied, sir, with the number, though ten more would be acceptable," replied the commander of the Bronx.
The two officers were then dismissed and ordered on board of their ship.
A little later the draft of seamen was sent on board, and among them Christy was not sorry to see Boxie, the old sheet-anchor man of the Bellevite, who had made him a sort of pet, and had done a great deal to instruct him in matters of seamanship, naval customs, and traditions not found in any books.
The commander and the executive officer paid their final visit to the Bellevite the next day, and the order was given to weigh anchor.

When all hands were called, Christy thought he had never seen a better set of men except on board of the Bellevite, and the expedition, whatever it was, commenced under the most favorable auspices.
The Bronx sailed in the middle of the forenoon, and the flag officer was careful not to reveal the destination of the steamer to any one, for with the aid of the telegraph, the object of the expedition might reach the scene of operations in advance of the arrival of the force.