This Day in U.S. Military History December 17
1861 - Flag Officer Foote, Commanding U.S. Naval Forces, Western Waters, issued General Order regarding observance of Sunday on board ships of his flotilla:
"It is the wish. . . that on Sunday the public worship of Almighty God may be observed . . . and that the respective commanders will either themselves, or cause other persons to pronounce prayers publicly on Sunday. . ." Foote added: "Discipline to be permanent must be based on moral grounds, and officers must in themselves, show a good example in morals, order, and patriotism to secure these qualities in the men." Since 1775 Navy Regulations have required that religious services be held on board ships of the Navy in peace and war.
FOOTE, Andrew Hull, Rear-Admiral [1806-1863] was born in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 12, 1806; second son of Samuel Augustus Foote and [Eudocia] Hull. His father was governor of Connecticut and his mother a daughter of Gen. Andrew Hull.