“We regret to add that there has been some trouble about the discipline among the young officers of the steamer. The first and third officers of the steamer, appointed by the senior vice-principal in charge of one of the vessels of the academy squadron, were mutinous, and refused to do duty, attempting to incite others of the crew to follow their example. Possibly it was a boyish frolic; but the young captain promptly caused the arrest of the two offenders, and has kept them prisoners in their state-rooms up to the present time. But all the rest of the ship’s company yield a willing obedience to the authority of the captain.
“We regard Capt. O’Hara, for such is his name, as a rather remarkable young gentleman. Mr. Frisbone assures our informant that he is a thorough seaman, having served before the mast, and worked his way up to fourth lieutenant of the vessel to which he is attached. He was born in Italy, of an Irish father formerly in the English consular service, and an Italian mother. He is twenty years of age, and speaks Italian and French as fluently as he does English. Though there is an instructor, as well as two adult forward officers, attached to the ship, she is under the entire management of her youthful commander.”
This was the principal portion of the article which Mr. Fluxion read, to which the party gave the most undivided attention. Of course it was gratifying to the professional pride of the principal; and both of the vice-principals congratulated themselves upon their own discretion in appointing O’Hara to the command of the steamer, though it was not foreseen that he would make such an extended cruise in her.
“I am sorry to learn that there has been trouble on board of the steamer,” said Mr. Lowington, when the account of the voyage had been partly digested.
“But O’Hara seems to have made an end of the mutiny at once,” replied Mr. Fluxion.
“He is a very decided fellow,” added Mr. Pelham. “He is a peaceable and well-disposed young man; but he would fight his way through any thing if the occasion required.”
“This paper says the first and third officers were insubordinate,” continued the principal anxiously. “Who were these officers?”
“Gregory was the first, and Clinch was the third officer,” replied Mr. Fluxion, not a little disconcerted, as the heavy frown on his brow indicated. “I am sorry to say that both of them were from the Josephine.”
“They used to be bad boys,” said Mr. Lowington.
“For the last year there have been no better officers or students in the vessel than Gregory and Clinch. I don’t understand it,” replied Mr. Fluxion, musing. “Possibly O’Hara has been a little airy, and provoked them: it would not be strange if any young fellow should feel good, in command of a steamer of six hundred tons.”