New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-20

Perhaps this event may more properly be called
a visit, for the admiral was greeted. not by soio
laced officers or blue coated. brass buttoned tackles
but by A H Metcalf. the genial commandment and
garrison OF the tiny station, who In place or gold
lace and uniform, wears hts everyday clothes and
"a contented smile. To the people Of Sacketts HaF-
Dor Mr.. Metcalf is simply Ar Aetcalf: to the
Navy Department he is "A. II. Metcaf shipkeeper
in charge Of the naval station. Sackett's Harbor
Mr.. Metcalf may be said 10 be a living example Of
the emptiness Of titles for. although he is sure
enough" shlpkeeper, according to the Navy Depart
ment records, ne is a shipkeeper without ship to
keep unless rowboats be counted I'm. But he
doesn't let such little things worry him. The pay
goes with the title. and. ship OF no ship he is in
charge station that in the past proved Of great
value the United States. and may again some
dGy. Mr. Metcalf attends strictly to the duties of
his office. few though they be, and enjoys the re-
spect and esteem Of officers high in the Navy De-
partment.
The position now held by Mr.. MetcaIf held
by his father before him and in preceding years by
a long line Of officers. some Of whom became more
or less well known throughout the country. Cam
moGore Woolsey. who was hurried TO SIcketts
Harbor At the outbreak OF the War Of 1872. esta0-
Ushed the naval station and was Its first commHn-
daut He was succeeded by Commodore Chaunccy
and he by Sailing Master Augustus Ford. who was
i'm command until 1872, when Lieutenant Sanford
assumed control He was succeeded in 1913 by
Lieutenant BroNnell. who served about a year The
next commandment was CAPTAIN Thomas Plat, who
served until 1ss9. Captain George Sawyer served
untn 1853. and Captain James Mcintosh vas I'm
command until 1856.
Commodore Josiah Tattnsll was the next com
mandant and had charge OF the station until 1860.
when, al the outbreak of the Civil War he resigned
TO accept "a commission from the Confede-ates.
captain George y Hollins, the officer in
nand Of the station until 1862 later followed Com
modore TattnaIl-s example. returning with his ship
from the Mediterranean, rosigning and espousing
the of the South. Commodore Lavelette had
charge until 1854 when he succeeded by Cap
tain Bailey, who held the post only a few months
before resigning.
From 1854 to ls66 Shlpkeeper Henry MetcaN
father Of the present shipkeeTeT. left In
charge OF the station.
Commodore John 4. Montgomery was then
signed To the station. and stayed there until 1859.
ceiyed his first commission as midshipman at the
station in 1872 from Commodore Woolsey, and in
1seS while serving commandant. he received his
commission admiral at the same station.
Commodore Francis Ellison the next com
mandant. serving in 1853 and 1879. But because OF
the that there little need for armed dis
play the station I'm times OF peace the assignment
falling into disfavor naval officers.
Commodore McKinstry. the next commandant,
stayed only few months. and Captain Alexander
Ryan. the last naval officer in charge. remained
barely one month. He reported that the station did
not demand the attention OF a naval officer. and
recommended that its care be given In charge o
the present shipkeeoer. This recommendation was