This man had been brought on board by the influence of Mr.Lillyworth, who had been ordered to the Gulf for duty, and was on board as a substitute for Mr.Flint, who was acting in Christy's place, as the latter was in that of Mr.Blowitt, who outranked them all.

Flint had not been favorably impressed with the acting second lieutenant, and he had not hesitated to speak his mind in regard to him to the captain.

Though Christy had been more reserved in speech, he had the feeling that Mr.Lillyworth must establish a reputation for patriotism and fidelity to the government before he could trust him as he did the first lieutenant, though he was determined to manifest nothing like suspicion in regard to him.
At this stage of the war, that is to say in the earlier years of it, the government was obliged to accept such men as it could obtain for officers, for the number in demand greatly exceeded the supply of regularly educated naval officers.

There were a great many applicants for positions, and candidates were examined in regard to their professional qualifications rather than their motives for entering the service.

If a man desired to enter the army or the navy, the simple wish was regarded as a sufficient guaranty of his patriotism, especially in connection with his oath of allegiance.