Francis Boughter Notebook, 1883-1927 (bulk 1883-1887): Finding Aid

Biographical Chronology of Francis Boughter

1869

• On January 14, is born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

1883

• On May 17, is appointed to the United States Naval Academy.

1887

• Graduates as a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1887.
• On July 5, is assigned to U.S.S. Quinnebaug (Screw steamer).

1889

• On July 1, is commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy.
• On July 20, is attached to the training ship U.S.S. Portsmouth (Sloop-of-war).

1890

• On June 14, is transferred to U.S.S. Omaha (Screw sloop-of-war).

1891

• Is transferred to U.S.S. Alliance (Steamboat).

1893

• On April 24, is assigned to the training ship U.S.S. Richmond (Steam sloop-of-war).
• On November 13, is transferred to U.S.S. Vesuvius (Dynamite gun cruiser).

1895

• On January 1, is attached to U.S.S. Thetis (Steamer).

1897

• On September 11, is transferred to U.S.S. Marblehead (Cruiser).
• On September 26, is promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).

1898

• Is assigned to U.S.S. Yosemite (Auxiliary cruiser).

1899

• On March 3, is promoted to Lieutenant.

1900

• Is transferred to U.S.S. Solace (Hospital ship).
• On December 31, is assigned to the Naval Proving Ground.

1902

• On February 7, is assigned to the staff of U.S.S. Rainbow (Submarine tender : AS-7).

1903

• Receives command of U.S.S. Quiros (Gunboat).
• Is assigned to the staff of U.S.S. New Orleans (Protected Cruiser).

1904

• Is assigned to the staff of U.S.S. Wisconsin (Battleship : BB-9).

1905

• On July 1, is selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander.
• On July 1, is selected for duty in the Bureau of Ordnance as inspector of powder for the East Coast.
• On July 17, dies at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Description of Contents

The Francis Boughter notebook, comprising a single volume, was created by Boughter while serving as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy from 1883 to 1887. The notebook consists of handwritten poems and associated artwork pertaining to life at the Naval Academy and in the United States Navy.

Specific topics covered by Boughter's poems include the history of the Naval Academy, dating, mess time, life aboard the U.S.S. Santee, the resignation of Midshipman George Galloway, physics (Skinny), trigonometry, Marines posted to the Naval Academy, playing poker, practice cruises, and hygiene education. Titles of the poems include "Doctor Tanner," "Spooniness," "Nothing But Spots," "Tic-Tacs," "Origin of the Naval Academy," "Fencing Memoirs," "Sweet Spuds," "Some Plebes," "Bochers French Plays," "Dalmon," "Quarantine," "The Experience of Jo John of the Santee," "Ode to Pete," "The Bilging of George," "L'avenir, Comme il Faut," "Fag-Ends," "The Fiends," "Rats," "Ye Ancient Mariner," "Solitary," "The Rating Buzzard," "Slam," "Meditation Hour," "Skinny," "April 25," "The Onus," "Ode to Trig," "The Sup-Ado," "The Oglers," "Song of the Cold Bilger," "Our Gyrene Sentry," "Ye Duc de Pocquerdec's Dream," "Retrospective," "Pieces," "Jingles," "The T-24's Buzzard," "In Sol," "Deprived of Leave," and "Hygiene." The related artwork, mostly humorous in nature, includes depictions of midshipmen, sailing ships, weaponry, training exercises, and mythical themes, such as King Neptune.

The notebook also includes two letters from 1925 and 1927 regarding the notebook's custodial history inside the front cover, as well as an index to the poems in back.

Arrangement

The contents of the Francis Boughter Notebook are presumably arranged in order of composition.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Francis Boughter Notebook is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Rear Admiral A. H. Scales in 1927.

Related Materials

Related Archival Material

There are no other known collections of papers of Francis Boughter.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Francis Boughter Notebook, MS 328

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

United States. Bureau of Naval Personnel. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1814-.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in November 2013. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in November 2013. Original guide by Mary R. Catalfamo in 1996.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Boughter, Francis, 1869-1905
• Midshipmen -- United States -- Conduct of life
• United States Naval Academy -- Caricatures and cartoons
• United States Naval Academy -- Curricula
• United States Naval Academy -- Poetry
• United States Naval Academy -- Social life and customs
• United States Naval Academy. Class of 1887

Genre Terms

• Drawings (visual works)
• Manuscripts
• Notebooks
• Poems