Chapter 1

THE TUCKERS--BIRTH OF JOHN RANDOLPH TUCKER. BOYHOOD--APPOINTED A MIDSHIPMAN IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY--FIRST CRUISE--"THE ROARING LADS OF THE BRANDYWINE"--PASSES EXAMINATION FOR PROMOTION--APPOINTED A PAST MIDSHIPMAN--PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT--MARRIAGE--MEXICAN WAR. CAPTURE OF TOBASCO--COMMANDS UNITED STATES BOMB-BRIG _Stromboli_--MADE A COMMANDER--COMMANDS UNITED STATES RECEIVING SHIP _Pennsylvania_--ORDNANCE OFFICER AT THE NORFOLK NAVY YARD--RESIGNS ON THE SECESSION OF VIRGINIA 19