"God forbid," he said, "that I should have to raise my hand against the South." These very words showed that his decision had been made.
He felt that he owed his first allegiance to the United States government, which had given him his education, employment, and rank. He could not take up arms against the flag of his country. It was under this flag that he had received his first commission as midshipman. In that proud moment he had taken his oath to die in its defense.
On the ocean, he had seen the proudest colors lowered to the victorious stars and stripes. At Valparaiso, he had stood on the bloody deck of the Essex, and had seen men give their lives in order that the flag should not be hauled down. He had traveled from ocean to ocean, and had seen the star spangled banner respected by all nations.
For some weeks before the actual beginning of war, there was much excitement in Norfolk. Every day the men met together in the stores to talk over the latest news, and there were many lively discussions among them. In these meetings, Captain Farragut boldly asserted his loyalty to the government, and this caused him the loss of many of his friends.
One morning, when in discussion with some officers, one of them said to him, "A person of your sentiments cannot live in Norfolk."
"Well, then," he calmly replied, "I can live somewhere else."
He felt that the time for action had come. He went home at once, and told his wife that he was going to "stick to the flag," and that they must move to the North.
With sad hearts, they sailed away from Norfolk.
They went to New York, and made their home on the Hudson, in a town called Hastings.
Even there, Captain Farragut met with a cold reception. The people were suspicious of the southern officer who had come to live among them. They did not consider the great sacrifice that he had made in leaving home and friends.