Page:Autobiography of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes.djvu/70

44 the ship. This was deemed by the Mids a triumph but they soon found that the Lieutenants were for giving them all sorts of trials and annoyances by orders and requirements of their service, watch and watch instead of three as had been the case, Liberty withheld and many other minor punishments inflicted, But these were put a stop to by the orders from the Comdre as soon as he became aware of them. And several officers were detached and peace finally restored between the Wardroom & steerage, I believe through the instrumentality of our Chaplain, Cheever Felch, who almost always sided with the Mids.

One of the most notable friends of the Mids was a strange dog of large size who had been left on board by Mid Higgenbotham who was named Cheever. He was one of the most intelligent of the Canine species and as ugly as a dog could well be. But he was greatly beloved and returned it most fully, was the Mids' friend and served to protect the steerage and all belonging to it and would permit no one except the boys belonging to the mess to enter the apartment. If he discovered anyone that did not belong to the steerage, he would instantly pen them up and with fierce growls and barks bring someone to his aid & have him arrested. Cheever knew well his position, was as regular in his attendance at his quarters as anyone, was regularly washed & had his rations. To him we were all very attached, altho' many endeavours had been made to get him out, sufficient influence was found to keep him on board. He was in truth the guardian of the Steerage & prevented all theft or the advent of any interloping. He was not a dog to be petted but seemed to have great powers of discrimination. He was a great amusement to us all and probably received more attention than anyone on board. His freaks and frolics were a constant source of amusement to all parties.

The Navy, at the time I am writing of, was in a peculiar and anomalous condition; no school could have been worse for the morals and none so corruptly and so very viciously constituted. It was but a few years after the War of 1812. The older Mids, or rather Master's Mates, were entirely wanting in principles, had all the rude manners of their class and ignorant. The Younger ones were just entered, many of them just from College or school of higher character, gentlemen's sons & of high tone & honorable principles. The two naturally clashed & being brought into contact as they were daily, quarrels ensued and duels fought more or less seriously. I think the class of Lieuts who were attached to the ships and in service then were greatly to blame. [They] fostered and fomented difficulties between the young officers, many of them had their favorites and had opportunities of estranging them from each other.

A new era was dawning upon the Navy. Many of the best families were seeking situations for their sons and it was no longer the belief if a young and uncontrollable boy could be done or was fit for anything else, the Navy was the place for him—black odious and disreputable conduct was at an end and a high tone of feeling was making itself felt among the youngsters who were seeking it. The pride of the Country was looking to the Navy as a place for distinction & good