noon
A smart cheer followed the announcement , though the second lieutenant , who had taken a place on the bridge , looked as though he did not approve the step the captain had taken . The officer of the deck next appointed Thomas McLinn a quartermaster . The ship 's company were then dismissed . Just before noon by the clocks , Lieutenant Baskirk appeared on the bridge , dressed in a brand-new uniform , with a sextant in his hands . Christy , who did not depend upon his pay for the extent of his wardrobe , had not less than three new suits , and he had presented one of them to the newly appointed officer , for there was no material difference in the size of the two persons . All the officers who kept watches were required to `` take the sun , '' and at the moment the meridian was crossed , the captain gave the word to `` make it noon , '' and the great bell sounded out eight bells . The officers proceeded to figure up the results of the observations .