ess Attendant 3c, U.S.N. Lost on U.S.S. CYCLOPS, June 14, 1918.]

[Illustration: EARLE B. WHITESELL.

Fireman, 3c, U.S.N. Lost on U.S.S. CYCLOPS, June 14, 1918.]

[Illustration: HENRY McCORKLE.

Mess Attendant, 3c, U.S.N. Killed on U.S.S. Von STEUBEN, April 10,
1918.]

[Illustration: WALLACE SIMPSON.

Employee U.S. Navy.]

[Illustration: HE WAS PATRIOTIC, TOO.]

The reply to this letter was to the effect that Jordan was in all
respects qualified, and by order of the secretary of the navy, he was
advanced to the grade of chief petty officer, filling this position with
efficiency to the service and with credit to his race, until December 1,
1916, at which time he was retired, after serving thirty years in the
navy of the United States. The following letter was addressed to him by
the secretary of the navy upon this occasion:

"The department desires to congratulate you upon the completion of
thirty years' service in the navy. The fact that you started as an
apprentice and now retire as a chief petty officer, your several
honorable discharges and good conduct medals, show that you were a
valuable man in the upbuilding of the navy, and while the department is
glad to know that you will now enjoy the benefits of the retirement law,
yet it regrets very much to see you retire from active life in the navy.
The department hopes that you will always take a lively interest in
naval affairs, and wishes you many years of good health and usefulness."

OTHER INSTANCES.

Another very interesting character of the navy during this period was
Mr. C.D. Tippett of Washington D.C., who enlisted in the navy in 1875,
and who served honorably and faithfully, until recently, when he was
retired for honorable service. Mr. Tippett enjoys the distinction of
having crossed the equator on two different occasions, and holds a
certificate from Neptune, a relic highly treasured by all naval men
fortunate enough to hold one.

It has been the object of the preceding paragraphs to briefly recite
some few instances of the Negro's activity in the American navy from its
beginning up to the present struggle. Space and time will not permit a
more detailed and accurate exposition of the many other cases equally as
interesting, instructive, and illustrative of the superb discipline and
devotion to duty of this race whenever and wherever called upon to
serve.

THE NEGRO SEAMAN IN THE WORLD WAR.

The extent of the Negro's work in the army and