6 MATTHEW FONTAINE MAURY 



life had to ojfifer, and given independence of mind, cour- 

 age, and self-reliance; love of honor and a chivalrous 

 respect for woman; an unassuming modesty which 

 bordered on diffidence and bashfulness; a strongly 

 religious inclination; and a burning desire to know and 

 to achieve. With this equipment he would doubtless 

 have made a name for himself if he had remained in 

 Tennessee; but Providence directed his steps into a 

 broader field where he was able to gain for himself much 

 greater distinction, — one that was not alone national 

 but international in its scope. 



One of the well marked characteristics of Maury's 

 maturity was the breadth of his intellectual vision. His 

 mind loved to exercise itself with large problems, and 

 questions of world-wide interest. This trait in his 

 character could not have been developed so well perhaps 

 in any other career as in the one he chose, — service in 

 the navy of the United States. In this connection, it 

 is interesting to note that Maury's father wished him to 

 study medicine and promised him financial assistance 

 in such an undertaking. As a physician, he doubtless 

 would have reached great eminence and the science of 

 medicine would almost certainly have received contribu- 

 tions from his original mind; but a military career pre- 

 sented greater attractions for the lad. At one time he 

 considered entering West Point as a cadet, but some one 

 returned from there with an unfavorable report and, 

 besides, the bare mention of such a plan put his father 

 in a rage ; hence he decided against the army and instead 

 determined to enter the United States Navy. 



There were very good reasons for Maury's wishing to 

 become a naval officer. Indeed, all his life he had had a 

 close personal interest in that branch of the government 



