Northern Lands by Oliver Optic — Read

On the morning of the first day of July, at nine o'clock, the squadron had accomplished half the distance from Danzig to the mouth of the Oder, or rather to Swinemünde, on the outlet of the Haff to the Baltic. This Haff is the estuary of the Oder, and forms a considerable lake inside of the two islands which separate it from the sea.

All hands were called, and the merit-roll for the preceding month was read by the principal, so that the students might know who were eligible to the elective offices. There was hardly a change in the relative rank, for very little had been done upon the lessons during the month. The most remarkable event was, that Scott came out No. 16, which gave him the rank of fourth midshipman. The joker was a first-class seaman, and probably he owed his good fortune largely to the several examinations in nautical matters, though he had exerted himself more than ever before in the scholastic department. The reading of his name in this connection called forth a shout of applause. As usual, Lincoln and Cumberland had the highest number of marks, and Cantwell was the third. De Forrest and Beckwith stood at the foot of the list, for they had been absent from most of the recitations during the month. Cumberland was not eligible to the office of commodore. Lincoln, Cantwell, and the two captains of the consorts were the only candidates for this position.