A protest against being landed at the place indicated came from Captain Stopfoot before it departed; but the commander paid no attention to it, declaring that if the Pass was good enough for one of his officers, it was good enough for the captain of a blockade-runner.
"Mr.Passford, by the lamentable accident to Mr.Blowitt, you become the ranking lieutenant in condition for service," said Captain Breaker, soon after the young officer had reported the capture of the Reindeer.

"You therefore become the acting executive officer of the Bellevite." "Of course I shall do my duty faithfully, Captain Breaker, in whatever position is assigned to me," replied Christy, his bosom swelling with emotion.

"I regret more than anything else the occasion that makes it necessary to put me in this place; and I am very sorry to be called upon to occupy a position of so much responsibility." "You are competent to discharge the duties of executive officer, Mr.
Passford, though I appreciate your modesty in not desiring such an important position; but there is no alternative at present." It was therefore under Christy's direction that all the arrangements for sending off the prizes were made.

The Bronx returned at noon the next day, and both vessels sailed to the station of the flag-officer.

The commander reported that he had silenced two batteries, captured a steamer and a schooner, sending them to Key West; but the shoal water in the vicinity of Tampa had prevented him from capturing the town.
Christy, in becoming first lieutenant, was relieved from duty as a watch officer; but his duties and responsibilities had been vastly increased.
He was the second in command, and a shot from another vessel or a battery on shore might make him the commander, and he certainly did not aspire to such a charge and such an honor.