Northern Lands by Oliver Optic — Read

Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers. When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times. He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks. The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected. Under the former rule it would have been hardly possible for him to reach either of the first two offices of the ship until he had learned all the details of his business, for even a single examination, such as that which had so greatly changed his relative rank a few days before, would have prevented his improper elevation. Ordinarily, there was such an exercise every week, and every day instruction was given in knotting, splicing, and other work on rigging; in sea-terms and the names and uses of ropes, blocks, spars, sails, and other parts of a ship; while navigation and the practical working of a vessel were a daily lesson conducted by the principal.

Probably there was not a boy in the squadron who had not some taste for nautical matters, and, with hardly an exception, every one had entered the Academy Ship or her consorts at his own request, or at least with his own consent. Though some found their sailor life quite different from what they expected, all were more or less ambitious to learn their duty as seamen. It was always the case that a large majority of the ship's company had been connected with the institution one or more years, and were thoroughly familiar with all the minor details of seamanship; could hand, reef, and steer, set and furl a sail, and knew with more or less certainty what should be done in nearly every emergency liable to occur to a vessel. In other words, a large majority of the officers and seamen were old sailors. These young men were not ignorant, stupid persons, into whose heads it was necessary to hammer an idea; but nearly all of them had a tolerable education when they entered the institution. The fact that a large portion of them were wild and wayward did not detract from their natural ability, for the wildest and the most wayward are often the most brilliant and quick-witted. With such a proportion of well-trained seamen on board, the new comers learned more from them incidentally, than from the set exercises in seamanship. They were interested and anxious to become familiar with the details of their profession, for he was a dull and stupid fellow who did not expect, some time or other, to be an officer. But Cantwell had not been long enough in the ship to master the details; besides, his manner was cold and repulsive, and the veterans were not disposed to make much talk with him. He realized now that he had made a mistake in not cultivating the good will of his shipmates.