It is told of the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, that soon after
he was assigned to duty as midshipman, his vessel was wrecked
off the coast of Denmark. The Admiral commanding resolved to
save the young man, and ordered him to take charge of the
first boat which put off from the doomed ship. The Grand Duke
disdained safety thus bought and declined. “My duty is here,” he
said to the admiral, “and I must be the last to leave the ship.”
“Do you not understand, sir,” exclaimed the admiral, “that you
are under my command? And do you dare refuse obedience to my
orders?” “I know my duty,” answered the midshipman, “and I will
obey any orders you may see fit to give me, except an order to
leave the ship, where my duty now commands me to remain.” The
admiral gave up his point and Alexis was the last man to leave
the ship, and after landing, was promptly ordered under arrest
for disobedience of orders. He submitted without a murmur. The
admiral sent dispatches to the Emperor detailing the affair, and
the Emperor wrote: “I approve your having placed the midshipman
under arrest for disobedience, and I bless my boy for having
disobeyed.” (Text.)
(1409)
See DECEPTION JUSTIFIED.