Those even who were disloyal could obtain commissions in the loyal navy if their consciences would let them take the oath of allegiance with a mental reservation.

Christy had encountered several of this kind.
Many of the seamen were foreigners who cared little on which side they served, and one or more of the four officers in the ward room might be at work for the Confederacy.

Christy thought he was in an excellent position to investigate the matter, and he decided that this should be his first duty.

Among the crew there must be some who were to take part in the plot of Corny, whatever it was.
Before the close of the conference the Atlantic had begun to be quite "sloppy," and the Vernon was now laboring in an ugly cross sea, which caused her to roll heavily..