Viewed through modern expectations, Farragut's adoption and network can resemble nepotism. The older system resembled knowledge passed through generations in skilled occupations: before formal professional education, naval families transmitted practical experience and vouched for trainees. Patronage could obtain an opportunity, but an incapable officer could be denied experience and promotion. Farragut continued to advance because he performed well in the commands and institutional tasks entrusted to him.
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Patronage, apprenticeship, and proven merit
Farragut's connections opened doors, but the older apprenticeship system kept rewarding him because he repeatedly delivered when given difficult work.