We were to pass many a day of
misery together in Southern prisons.

Very much to the commandant's relief and our own disgust, the anchor was
weighed, and we set sail for Charleston, S. C. All went nicely until we
got near Cape Hatteras, when, during a storm, some of the fore-rigging
carried away. We all examined the parted stays, and pronounced them
rotten, and the officers had quite a consultation as to what should be
done under the circumstances. Finally, the captain said that if the six
ensigns would go aloft and examine the rigging, and then make an
individual report that the vessel was unseaworthy, he would put back for
New York. We gave our report in very quickly, and the brig was headed
for Sandy Hook, N. Y. On our arrival at the navy yard, when the reasons
for our coming into port were made known, there was a big rumpus, sure
enough. The presumption on our captain's part was simply enormous! Had
not the commandant of the Boston navy yard reported the Perry as ready
for sea? All the officers on the vessel got on their dignity, and we
pointed to the rotten rigging to corroborate our opinions. The Navy
Department ordered a court of inquiry, and all the ensigns were called
before the court and individually questioned in regard to seamanship,
their experience on the ocean, and their reasons for stating the rigging
to be unfit for sea. It happened, for a wonder, that we six ensigns were
all experienced seamen, and much above the average. The questions were
promptly answered, and rather plainly, too. The court was composed of
regular officers, and something must be done to exonerate the
commandant at Boston. Volunteer officers were considered as interlopers,
and tolerated only as a necessity. The result was that Acting-Master
William D. Urann was deemed unfit to command a vessel, and was detached
from the brig Perry and ordered to report for duty to the commandant of
the Mississippi flotilla. He was there but a few weeks when his merits
as an experienced officer were recognised, and he was promoted to acting
lieutenant, ranking with a captain in the army.

I may as well explain the grades of rank now: A captain in the navy has
rank with a colonel in the army; commander, with a lieutenant-colonel;
lieutenant-commander, with a major; lieutenant, with captain; master,
with first lieutenant; ensign, with second lieutenant.

The fact of our captain being relieved did not prevent orders being
issued to have the brig repair