Secretary

There was allowed by law a secretary to the admiral and one to the vice-admiral of the navy, these appointments being made from civil life by the admiral and vice-admiral respectively, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Navy. These two secretaries had the relative rank and allowances of a lieutenant in the navy, but were appointed for no specified period--their term of service being controlled by the officers who appointed them. With the death of the admiral and vice-admiral the office of Secretary was abolished; consequently, no such office exists at the present time in the U. S. Navy. The secretaries to the admiral and vice-admiral were paid from the appropriation under the head of "Pay of the Navy," the same as the regular officers of the service.

The secretaries to rear admirals afloat are now detailed from regular line officers of the navy, not above the grade of lieutenant.

Until a few years ago all flag officers afloat were allowed by law to appoint their secretary from civil life. The appointment carried with it the relative rank and pay of lieutenant, but in 1878 Congress abolished this office, together with that of Captain's Clerk.

The Secretary at the Naval Academy is appointed from civil life, and there is no law or regulation giving him rank. His pay is fixed by statute, and appropriated for under the head of "Pay of professors and others at the Naval Academy." The secretary at the Naval Academy stands towards the Superintendent in the way of a chief clerk. The Secretary of the Navy is in command of the navy under the President, being a member of the latter's cabinet.