AUGUST 10TH, 1864: Reporting from Paris, Flag Officer Barron reported to Secretary Mallory that all Confederate midshipmen in Europe except the Alabama's had been examined for promotion.
Though its ships were few in numbers, the Confederacy continued an active and systematic training program for its young naval officers.
In his annual report to President Davis, Mallory stressed the value of training for naval service: "Naval education and training lie at the foundation of naval success; and the power that neglects this essential element of strength will, when the battle is fought, find that its ships, however formidable, are but built for a more thoroughly trained and educated enemy....
"While a liberal education at the ordinary institutions of learning prepares men for useful service not only in the Army, but in most branches of public affairs, special education and training, and such as these institutions cannot afford, are essential to form a naval officer."
The Confederate Naval Academy, on board the CSS Patrick Henry in the James River, performed this service for the stateside midshipmen.
--Old B-Runner
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