The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-04
DEWEY AND THE APPRENTICES.
How the Admiral Assisted at q Chris
tenfng Aboard Ship.

Youths Companion.
Admiral George Dewey was lieutenant
commander and executive officer of the
United States frigate Colorado during the
cruise OF that vessel in European waters in
1905. We had seventy apprentice boys on
board, writes Companion correspondent,
ranging from eleven TO sixteen years DID,
and Mr.. Dewey took especial charge of
them. He believed in the old saying. Clean
Illness is next TO godliness," and insisted on
a daily inspection Of the persons and cloth
Ing Of the Nations wards. Promptly at
the boys were ranged in two ranks on the
quarter deck by Jenny Legs, as the master
alarms is called
AT this inspection the "uniform' was IN
cershirt, with sleeves rolled up TO the arm
pits, and chest open, and trousers tucked up
as far as they would go-notning else. In
caps in the other their shoes and socks.
Up and down the line Mr. Dewey and Sur
ff cdnaSlan Would grahNely march noting
skin disorder sent the victim down 10 the
sick bay for more minute examination.
but woe betide any one showing evidence
OF uncleanliness. He was seized upon by the
ships corporal and hauled up into the
mead, where he was well scrubbed and
the culprit was taken to Mr.. Dewey and the
riot act was read 10 him in good style
On chilly days, after inspection, the boys
were ordered TO drop their drygoods around
the capStan and man the rigging. 1t was
very funny sight to see these seventy al
most naked young Americans huddled up on
the hammock nettings, graSping the shrouds,
their bare feet on the lower ratline, waiting
for the next order. When all were in posi-
over the mastheadv'
At this order the boys would go tearing
up the rigging, putting and scrambling; the
ing over the backs OF those ahead of them.
Up they would go TO the masthead; over
on the Other side; down again to the deck
1t was q salutary exercise, and brought the
flush of health TO the boys cheeks.
The youngsters had a daily programme
Of duties. On one day they We're instructed
in single sticks and gunnery; on another
they learned sail making under the eye of
the sail maker; at other times they studied
seamanship. and so on with the various
accomplishments that go to make UP a good
man-of-war's man.
Among these apprentices were two little
fellows about twelve years old, of opposite
natures.
Johnny Wolfenden was a fiaxen-haired
blue-eyed, pale-faced, demure little chap.
who had little to say but who attended to
his own business and was liked for his gen.
tie nature.
Jack Goodenough was little jumping
jack, always tearing around the ship, his
black eyes peering into everybody's ditty-
bag. and his nimble fingers dabbling in
every mess kettle.
These two bows were practicing with
single-sticks one morning, and Mr.. Dewey
was criticising their play. Jack was hop
master and Johnny was waiting with a
look OF resignation for his opponent TO get
tired.
Come. Johnny" said Dewey, good ma
turedly, look alive. Jack would drop you in
your tracks in short order with the cutlass."
At that moment the opening for which
demure Johnny was looking came. Without
removing his eye or changing a muscle of
his face, he said in a low tone:
You can't sometimes always tell sir
and with that he gave the dancing Jack
such a whack his thigh that he uttered
startled shout. Mr.. Dewey turned away
with p smile upon his face.
L have no doubt that the boys, now grown
men, will still remember one occasion when
they took part in n pleasant ceremonial.
We were in Villefranohe. the seacoast
town near Nice. An American family. trav-
cling in the vicinity, was blessed by an
addition in the shape OF a baby boy. The
parents were true patriots and wanted to
make the newcomer as much of a Yankee
boy as they could, they brought him
aboard of the Colorado to be christened.
The apprentice boys, in white caps, white
shirts and clean, well-bruShed blue trou-
sers. were formed in semi-circle about the
inspromptu altar. Admiral Goldsborough
stood as godfather; Mr. Dewey acted as
master OF ceremonies.
a large number of Americans were visit
with the happy parents. Among them was
Gen. George B. Mcclellan. William T.
Sampson. now rear admiral, was there in
the uniform of lieutenant commander, and
Commodore ]. Crittenden Watson in that of
a flag lieutenant.
Who was the boy thus auspciously
launched into the political world? If alive
to-day he Is thirty-one years old. Should
this reach his eyes. perhaps he will write
to the Youths Companion and give his name
and subsequent history.