Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1838-09-15
From the n Y. American.
APPRENTICES IN THE NAVY.


ceived for the nasal service should be more ex-
tensively known-and hence we publish them al
length.
Much misrepresentation exists on this subject,
which is the cause of frequent disappointment To
applicants, and of bootess trouble to olccrs. II
ia nv many supposed that the receiving vessels,
or ward where these apprentices are received,
semble in somo sort the military sshooi at West
Point, and that boys entered therein wiil, At the
end of their terms, be passed mldshipnan
The regulations will show that there is nothing
in this idea that the object is to train sailors
and so far have had opportunity to ascsr
tain, the navy yard at this station, where by far
the largest number Of apprentices is collected, this
object is successfully attained. We have heard
of several instances Of lads from this yard, who
have, Oh the first vOyage-so thoroughly Were
they grounded in the elements OF seamanshp
and ship duty-acqIitted themselves like old sal
lors.
The regulations under which these youths are
received and governed, seem TO us exceedingly
judicious; and we do mol doubt that great benefit
will result, not only to the military, hut to the
mercantile marine, by the infusion into them Of
these well-trained and wedscip,ined appren-
tees.
Regulations for the Enlistment and Employment
Of Bows who may be entered to in the
Navy until they arrive atthe age OF twenty
one years.
In the enlistment of boys to serve until TWEEN
ty-one years Of age, as authorized by the act of
Congress approved on the second day of March,
1887, none are 20 be entered who shall be under
thirteen or over sixteen years ct age, and who,
after careful examination and enquiry, shall not
be deemed of sound constitutions, COOL health,
and free from all injuries, defects, disease, which
would be likely to render them unfit to perform
the duties which are expected from them.
No boy is to be entered who shall have been
convicted Of any criminal or disgracea offence,
or who shall have been sent to any house of cor
rection or refuge, or other place of punishment
No advances are to be made by the recruiting
officer to the boys who may enter, to their pa
rents or guardians; but such clothing and other
articles az may be necessary to their comfort, will
be furnished upon the order of the commanders
Of tho receiving vessels, when they repair on
board for duty.
Whenever it can be ascertained that a boy wish
ing to enter has n parent or guardian whose pre-
sence can be obtained, such parent or guardian
must sign his or her name in the proper column
of the shipping articles, ev dcnce of his or her
assent to the enlistment
When the parent guardians cannot be pre-
sent, and can be referred to- they must sign du-
pficate certificates of assent, in presence of and
to be certified by some justice Of the peace, or
other magistrate, according tn a form which will
be furnished, of which certificates must be
transmitted to the Secretary of the Navy with
the monthly report of the recruiting officer, and
the other sent to the commander of the receiving
vessel, to be transferred with the account of the
boy from one vessel to another whenever he is
transferred himself.
At the tune Of their enlistment they are to be
rated of the second third class boys, accord
ing to their age, size and qualifications.
The paw Of boys of the Sd class shall be five
dollars a month and the pay of bows Of the Sc
cond class shall be six dollars month. First
class boys to receive eleven dollars
When they cannot be attached to vessels in
commission, they shall serve on board some one
Of he In vessels
They to be supplied, under the immediate
direction of the commander of the vessel, with
such articles Of clothing and other necessaries as
may contribute to their health and comfort; but
after the first supply, the amount which may be
due to them is ON no account to be exceeded; on
the contrary, it is desirable that they should have
as largo an amour. due to them as possible q the
expiration of their service.
They are not to be allowed to draw the spirit
part of their ration, nor to receive tobacco, but
on the contrary, they to be encouraged ant
required, if possible, to abstain from the use o
both.
Whcnev er their rate Of pay will allow it, they
may alot to a parent. such amount as shall no
reduce the amount left for their below
six dollars a month, nor more than onehalf thei
pay, whom the half shall have exceeded six dol
lars month.
They shall roreive no part Of their pny for thei
personal use until their discharge, exceptin" 70
their clothing and necessaries, herein before
provided, and occasionally small advances IN mo
ney, under direction Of their commander, for thu
purchase Of articles conducive to health. and 70
small expenses when permitted to go on shore OF
liberty care must be observ ed, however, that thi
indulgence is not abused.
Every commander Of vessel in which any o
these boys may serve, shall cause them to be wei
instructed in reading, writing and arithmetic, an
to be employed OIL all such duties which the
may be competent TO perform, as may give then
thorough knowledge of seamanship, and bes
qualify them to perform the duties of seamen an
petty officers.
They never to be required or permitted t
attend as waivers to the officers, when
ever there are other persons present who can pre-
Perly perform those services.
As an iKduccment for exertion and a rewar
for good conduct, all persons enlisted under TIL
provision shall be eligible promotion in the sam
manner other persons of the ships company
as vacancies may occur, and their qualification
and con luct may merit: but all such promotion
boys shall be gradual and regular from third I
second, and from second to first class boys Ian;
men, ordinary seamen, seamen and petty officer:
and on the other hand, they shall also be subjec
a reduction OF satinp like all other persons. Il