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Updated: May 14, 2025
"Then I shall make McSpindle my first lieutenant, and Luffard my second," added Flint, evidently pleased with the idea of having even a temporary command. "I shall appoint Baskirk in your place on board of the Bronx; but I need one more." "I recommend Amblen, though he is not as well qualified as the others I have named." "Send for these men at once," added the captain.
"I have a suggestion to make: which is that Baskirk take one of the steamers." "That is exactly my own idea; from what I have seen of him, there is no more devoted officer in the service." "I have known him for many years, and I believe in him. McSpindle is almost as good, and has had a better education than Baskirk. I don't think you could find two better men in the navy for this duty."
"Can you make out the steamer?" "No, sir; only her topmasts and fore rigging." "How does she lie from the Bronx?" "Still on the starboard bow, sir." "Port the helm, quartermaster," added the captain. "Port, sir," replied McSpindle. For about five minutes more, the Bronx went ahead at full speed, and Christy was confident that she was again making fifteen knots.
"McSpindle was a classmate of mine in college, and he is a capital fellow. Unfortunately, he got into the habit of drinking more than was good for him, and spoiled his immediate future. He has made two foreign voyages, and he is a good seaman. He came home second mate of an Indiaman, promoted on his merit.
"Four bells, sir," repeated McSpindle, who was at the wheel. The Bronx soon began to feel the effect of this order, and the smoke poured out in increased volume from the smokestack, affected by the stronger draught produced by the additional speed. "On the topsail yard!" called the captain, directing his speaking trumpet aloft. "On the bridge, sir!" replied the man.
"Very well; then I will appoint them both." Flint was instructed to communicate their appointment to Baskirk and McSpindle, and make all the preparations for the departure of the Escambia and the Ocklockonee.
Baskirk and McSpindle were required to make all the speed they could consistent with safety, though Christy hardly thought they would encounter any Confederate rover on the voyage, for they were not very plenty at this stage of the war.
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