" I hope this post meets w/Jim's approval"
I think it will meet his approval. Mr. Roderick was the XO (Executive Officer) of the USS Connonicus ( A third generation iron clad vessel similar to the Monitor of Monitor vs Merrimac fame) I am guessing at this time he was probably a Lieutenant since rank came slow in those days. Many old Naval Officers spent 40 years in the service and it was not unusual for them to only rise to the rank of Lieutenant.
FC