The indoor meet of the next February sustained the division’s reputation. By this time the annual mid-winter tourney had become known all over Connecticut. The referees in the series have included such gentlemen as President Luther of Trinity College and Former Lieutenant-Governor Lake. A month later the division was entertained by H Company of Springfield in the Highland Hotel in that city, where the company was observing its eleventh anniversary. In June (June 19, 1904) the Elfrida came over Saybrook Bar with Lieutenant Lyman Root in command. She was navigated up the river by members of the division and came to anchor opposite the foot of Ferry Street. Three days later, a brilliant reception was given on board her to Governor Chamberlain. She was dressed fore and aft and from water’s edge to water’s edge. In the illumination 248 Japanese lanterns were included. Many military officers were present in full dress uniform. The following morning the division paraded to the foot of Ferry Street, embarking and escorting the governor and Former Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley, an honorary member of the division, to East Haddam, there to attend the dedication of a monument to Major-General Joseph Spencer of Revolutionary War fame. Three days later a hard-working and loyal graduate of the division, Ensign William G. Hinckley, assistant engineer, received his commission as lieutenant and chief engineer. Efficient, loyal and popular, Mr. Hinckley received numerous congratulations of his well-earned promotion. The range of the division’s energy is proved when it is chronicled that July 27, the clubhouse committee carried out a moonlight sail down the river. It was considerately promulgated in the committee’s circular: “State exact number of ladies you intend bringing. Chaperons will be in attendance.” ❦ COURSE NINE ❦ THE HARTFORD [Illustration: FURLING SAIL ON THE U. S. S. HARTFORD ] The yearly cruise of 1904 was on Farragut langsyne flagship, the Hartford, relic of the battle of Mobile Bay. It was as interesting as any which the division has ever taken, barring, perhaps, that on the Panther. When station billets were issued even the old hands volleyed questions at their running mates of the regular crew. Here is the start of a typical station billet: Form No. 10.—Bur. Navigation. Watch No. 126 U. S. S. Hartford. Name, Rate, Cox. Div. 2d. Gun, No. 8, 5–inch. Armed boat, 3d cutter. Running boat, 3d cutter. Abandon ship, 3d cutter. Fire quarters, close ports, No. 8 5–inch gun. That was easy enough, even for a rooky. But what do you know about this? EVOLUTION.