Under the instruction of his father, he had cultivated "a judicial mind," which compelled him to reject all mere speculation.
Christy was not disposed to believe that he was a brilliant officer, or to accept unchallenged the extravagant praise that had been bestowed upon him.

He endeavored to follow the Gospel injunction "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." But while he tried to keep the flower of modesty in full bloom in his soul, he could not deny that he had given the enemies of his country a great deal of trouble, and subjected them to some heavy losses.

Then he recalled the conspiracy on board of the Bronx while he was acting-commander of her; and though it was for the interest of the Confederacy to get rid of so active an officer, he believed it was the vessel and not himself that the conspirators desired to obtain.
Before the Vernon reached The Narrows, everything on her deck had been put in order by the large crew, and less activity prevailed on board.
Christy thought it was time for him to report to the commander, and he moved aft for this purpose.

He did not even know the name of this gentleman, and he saw no one to introduce him formally; but the ensign in command had doubtless received an order to take him as a passenger to the Gulf.
Before he reached the sacred limits of the quarter-deck, Christy met a quartermaster, of whom he inquired the name of the commander.
"He has a good name for the captain of a fighting ship," replied the petty officer, respectfully touching his cap to the shoulder straps of the inquirer.

"The commander is Captain Battleton." "Captain Battleton," repeated Christy, to assure himself that he had correctly understood the name.
"Captain Battleton," added the quartermaster.