“You will acknowledge the receipt of this letter, and with it will report immediately to the superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
“Very respectfully,
“Henry Brown,
“Rear Admiral, and Acting
Secretary of the Navy.
“To Midshipman Ralph Osborn,
“First Class, Washington, D. C.”
Note.—A midshipman who had been dismissed for hazing a candidate was reinstated by decision of the attorney-general of the United States on the grounds expressed in the above letter.
Admiral Brown might also have included in his list of titles “and brother-in-law and dear friend of Captain Waddell,” but as Himski read the letter this additional definition of his place in the world did not appear, though wise ones may have a notion, incorrect of course, that these latter unexpressed titles may have had something to do with the alacrity by which Ralph’s case was rushed through the attorney-general’s office.
Judging by the cheers that greeted the reading of the letter it may be safely said they all heartily approved of the attorney-general.