PREFACE.

This volume, the sixth and last of "The Army and Navy Stories," is a record of "Life on the Quarter Deck," mostly in the squadron of Vice Admiral Farragut, one of whose familiar appellations, used in the ward-room and on the berth deck, has furnished the leading title of the book. The terrible war which devastated our country for four years has given to history two generals, Grant and Sherman, and one admiral, Farragut, whose achievements are unsurpassed, if they are equalled, in the annals of military and naval warfare; but while the author, in this work, has gratefully rendered his tribute of admiration to the distinguished naval commander, he has not attempted to present a complete biography of him.

Those who have read the preceding volumes of this series need hardly be told that this is a book of adventure—of personal experience in the great struggle of the nineteenth century. Jack Somers, "The Sailor Boy," Mr. Somers, "The Yankee Middy," and Captain Somers, Lieutenant Commanding, are the same person; though often as he changes his official position, he is still the same honest, true, and Christian young man.

In our completed sixth volume we take leave of the Somers family with many regrets. If our young friends in the army and navy had been less true, noble, and Christian, we could have parted with less sorrow. Yet the army and navy, as they crushed the Rebellion, have given us many young men just as true, just as noble and Christian. Let us gratefully cherish these living heroes, and they will not pass away from us "like a tale that is told."

To the readers, young and old, who have perseveringly followed my heroes through the two thousand pages of this series, I am even more than grateful; for I feel that they have sympathized with me in my desire to present a lofty ideal to the young man of to-day—one who will be true to God, true to himself, and true to his country, in whatever sphere his lot may be cast, whether on the forecastle or the quarter deck; as a private or an officer, in the great army which must ever battle with life's trials and temptations till the crown immortal be won.

WILLIAM T. ADAMS.

Harrison Square, Mass., March 13, 1866.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Lieutenant Pillgrim. 11

II. Waiting for the Ship. 23

III. The Wounded Sailor. 33

IV. The Front Chamber. 44

V. Somers comes to his Senses. 55

VI. Lieutenant Wynkoop, R. N. 66

VII. Langdon's Letters. 77

VIII. The United States Steamer Chatauqua. 87

IX. In the State-Room. 97

X. The Chief Conspirator. 108

XI. After General Quarters. 119

XII. The Ben Nevis. 130

XIII. A Conflict of Authority. 140

XIV. The Prize Steamer. 150

XV. The Prisoner in the Cabin. 160

XVI. Captain Walmsley. 170

XVII. Off Mobile Bay. 180

XVIII. Brave Old Salt. 190

XIX. The Boat Expedition. 200

XX. The Picket Boat. 211

XXI. The Ben Lomond. 222

XXII. Running the Blockade. 233

XXIII. A Yankee Trick. 244

XXIV. Pillgrim and Langdon. 254

XXV. The Battle of Mobile Bay. 264

XXVI. In the Hospital. 274

XXVII. Miss Portington not at Home. 284

XXVIII. The Ben Ledi. 294

XXIX. A Long Chase. 303

XXX. The End of the Rebellion. 318