If an enrollment officer had died during the war or died on the Texas frontier as a Texas Ranger perhaps it may have influenced the world we live in today. His given name was Charles or at least he was known by that name in America.

A German emigrate left in what we now call Germany and came to America and settled in Fredericksburg, Texas. Although he was a German merchant seaman Charles built a hotel in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas in 1852.

Although Fredericksburg was a long way from the ocean life seemed to agree with Charles.

Charles had been a Texas Ranger in 1851 and served as Captain enrolling young men for the service with the Confederacy. Charles survived the war and had a son who died just before his sons birth. Charles, the grandfather took him under his wing and had a marked influence on his grandson's life.

When the opportunity came the grandson tried to enter West Point however no vacancies were available in Texas. Having listened to his grandfathers stories about the sea the grandson jumped at the chance to enter the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland when he was offered that appointment.

The grandson of course would turn out to be the future Admiral Chester Nimitz of World War II fame.