“I hope you will continue to conduct yourself with the same heroism, and devotion to your country’s cause, which have heretofore distinguished you,” the writer continued: “for I have high hopes of your future. Your character has, thus far, been above reproach; and I am satisfied that you will continue to keep it pure and unsullied. I have just written to your mother a long story about you, in which I told her that you never gambled, drank liquor, or swore; that, when you had a day’s liberty in New Orleans, you returned with no vices clinging to you; that your shipmates love you for your virtues; that you frequently read your Testament; and are, in every respect, what I would have you. It is easier to be brave in battle than it is to be a good man. “But I have not written this letter to tell you what a good boy you have been; though it was exceedingly pleasant to be able to give your mother so good an account of you. I desired to inform you that I have represented your case to the admiral, and others who have influence at Washington. I hope to procure for you a warrant as a midshipman in the navy. I think I could obtain a commission for you as an acting-ensign; but you are not a navigator, and I wish to have you well instructed. You must go to the Naval School for a time; and, as your education has not been neglected, you need remain there but a few months. The admiral warmly seconds my views; and I doubt not, as a special favor to him, the request we make will be granted. “Now, my dear boy, be true to yourself, your country, and God, and I shall hope to see you an officer in the regular navy--not a volunteer--in a few months. I have taken all this pains, and am willing to accept a warrant, when I could procure a commission for you, in order that you may not be thrown out of the service when the war closes; of which, Heaven knows, there seems to be no present prospect. I shall expect to see you when the Middy arrives; but I may be gone before she comes. “Good-by, Jack; and remember me to Tom Longstone. “Your devoted friend, “JOHN BANKHEAD.” Jack was bewildered by the contents of this kind letter, and glanced at his collar to see if there was not already an anchor upon it. “Midshipman Somers” did not sound badly; and our hero’s face was wreathed in smiles as the thought passed through his mind. A delightful prospect was certainly before him; and he resolved to be good and true to the end, that he might be worthy of such friends as Commander Bankhead. “What’s in the letter, my dear?” demanded Tom, bluntly, as Jack went forward to look out at the window. “Captain Bankhead desires to be remembered to you, Tom.” “God bless his honor!” exclaimed the old quartermaster, lifting his cap. “Starboard!” said the pilot. “Starboard, sir!” repeated Tom. “Steady!” “Steady, sir!”