The Mineral argus., 1883-11-29
An Energetic Boy.

Capt. belongs childhood showed the
man. When a mere boy he exhibited
the same persistneDt energy in securing
a cadetship in the Naval Academy as
he did while commander Of the uniOr-
tunate polar expedition in which he lost
his life.
When scarcely twelve years old he
read the naval exploits of the wal OF
1912. The heroism Of the young Off
GERS kindled his ambition, and he begged
his parents to let him enter the navy.
They refused, and he yielded, for a
time, to the authority Of Those he loved.
But three or four years after, during the
civil war, he surprised his father, a
day, by saying
II want TO 20 to the Naval Academy.
You say you will not assist me; but If l
obtain an appointment myself, Will you
give me your consent and allow me to
enter?"
Every we'll" answered the father,
laughing at what he thought a boys
hopeless scheme, "ifyou can accomplish
such a feat, | will make no further OBJ
lection"
The mother also gave her consent,
thinkingthat the best way to cure him Of
his passion was to let him fail in trying
TO crafty it.
Encouraged by his success with his
Dqrents, the energetic boy wrote to
Washington and learned that his Con-
eressiOnal district already had its full
quota of navel cadets. A few days later,
he heard that a cadet. appointed by the
Hon. Benjamin Wood, the Representa-
tive of the district, had been obliged by
| illness to leave the academy.
" sNN - --TsrNa1 A. anu.awA
of several friends to back his request,
and going himself to Mr.. Wood, gave
that gentleman no rest until he APP
pointed him to the Tacant place.
The boy fastened TO Newport, where
the academy was then located, passed
the examination, and then was shown a
dispatch from the Secretary of the Ma
w. which said, "DO not accept Mr.
Wiod's appointment for the Navy"
Back to New York rushed the boy, to
learn that the cadet whose place he was
to I'LL had recovered his health and been
reinstated.
$50 That ends the matter" said Mr.
Wood.
The boy did not think so. He in
sisted that the Congressman had been
imposed upon and deprived of his
rights. His zee 50 moved Mr.. Wood
that he said,-
you write Nhat you like NE to say t
the Secretary and l will sign the letter,
and you can take it to Washington
yOuIsef."
The letter was written and the boy
started at once for Washington. The
cars were so packed with soldiers that
be bad to stand most Of the way. lie
presented himself to Mr.. Wells, the
secretary, handed him Mr.. Woods let
ter, ami watched his face as he read IL
"And you are Mr.. De Long? Well
this is a strange state Of affairs. Mr.,
Wood seems very much excited; but he
is laboring under a delusion. We have
no intention of sighting him in any way
You can return to the academy. l WI,
give the necessary orders tor your re-
ception there, and please to say to Mr.,
Wood hat he shall not be deprived even
Of his imaginary right"
The boy entered the academy, and 50
applied himself 10 its work as to gradu.
ate with distinction, just as the wal
closed.
In his subsequent career in the arcul
regions, where he lost bis life, b.
showed the same indOmiiable spirit a
characterized him when he forced hi
appointment by sheer pluck and energy