You can't live or work in Annapolis without noticing the Naval Academy. It is as big a part of Annapolis' culture and history as are the people of our fair city and our glorious Chesapeake Bay and the rivers which feed her. A discussion of one must include the others. And while most people can tell you something about what goes on at the academy by day, not so many can tell you about what takes place long after dark and in the shadows of the historical college.
The land the academy sits on was originally known as Fort Severn, but in 1845 was acquired by the War Department for use as a naval college, a use which continues to this day. And like any large learning institution, the Naval Academy has seen its share of joy and tragedy. In fact, a little known, yet truly tragic event occurred on October 13, 1907, when Lt. James Sutton died at the Academy under questionable circumstances. It is said that he was found beaten shot and naked.
Following his untimely demise, statements were taken and an official report was issued stating the cause of death as a mental breakdown and self-inflicted suicide at the barrel of a gun. However, this explanation did not sit well with his friends. In fact, everyone who knew Sutton described him as mild-mannered, non-violent, and above all quite rational. But, that’s just where our story begins…
On the day that he died and hundreds of miles from Annapolis, James Sutton appeared before his mother and told her that he had been severely beaten before being shot in the head by another officer. Once his mother got past the understandable shock of her son appearing as an apparition before her, the family ordered a full investigation and the body was exhumed for examination.
Keep in mind that this was 1907, so communications and travel took much longer than today. The autopsy showed that James Sutton had indeed been severely beaten just before death. But, that still left the matter of who had killed him. Unfortunately, those responsible were never officially identified, much less convicted. It seems that any witnesses were either involved or just too afraid to step forward with the truth about what had really happened.
That is where this story would have ended, were it not for the fact that Lt. Sutton decided to stay on at the academy, even after his death. Since his death, Sutton’s angry spirit has been seen wandering on the grounds and in the buildings of the Naval Academy. Reported by literally dozens of credible witnesses and on many occasions, the ghost of James Sutton has been seen hovering above the beds of sleeping Midshipmen.
Recently, his ghost was seen floating along the fence that surrounds the academy, but he has also been observed walking through walls and peeking in windows. Others have reported seeing a glowing light moving about the campus grounds at night. While this light could certainly be Lt. Sutton, it’s also possible that the light belongs to another ghost of the Academy. While no one can say for sure why Lt. Sutton chooses to remain here, most people think that his spirit cannot rest until the persons responsible for his death are punished and brought to justice. Since the perpetrators are long dead, I fear that poor James may have to wait an eternity.
James Sutton is not the only ghost living here at the Naval Academy. According to lore and eyewitness accounts, the Academy is also home to the ghost of John Paul Jones. Born in 1747, John Paul Jones is revered for his naval skills and legendary courage. John Paul Jones is best remembered for a historic battle fought in 1779 while aboard his now legendary ship the Bon Homme Richard. During the course of battle when all appeared lost, the English captain demanded Jones’ surrender; he retorted with his now infamous reply, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
After the war, Jones went on to serve in various naval capacities before eventually retiring to Paris, where he died at the age of 45 in 1792. He was buried in an unmarked grave for many years. After numerous inquiries and much searching an American Ambassador to France eventually located his remains in 1905. Under the direct orders of President Teddy Roosevelt four Navy cruisers were sent to retrieve Jones’ remains and bring him back to the U.S. These four warships were later escorted up the Chesapeake Bay by no less than seven battleships. On January 26, 1913, the remains of John Paul Jones were finally laid to rest in a crypt within the Naval Academy Chapel where a Marine honor guard stands to this day.
You’d think that a life filled with adventure would have warranted a nice peaceful slumber in the afterlife. But, true to form, Jones has never stopped fighting. Since the time of his interment in a private crypt beneath the Chapel on the academy's ground, guards, midshipmen, and visitors alike have heard noises emanating from the chapel at night.
Witnesses have also reported seeing John Paul Jones’ ghostly figure wandering about the grounds of the Chapel, and in the vicinity of his crypt. On one such occasion, a sailor was standing on honor guard in the empty crypt when he heard a deep booming voice speak to him from beside and behind, “What is your name sailor?" the voice asked. Keeping to his assigned task, he chose not to turn to address this voice, and silence again returned.
A few moments later, the voice spoke again, but this time from the other side, “What is your name sailor?” The sailor thought this odd, since his back was nearly against the wall, and he had not seen nor heard anyone pass before him. He turned to face the voice, and saw what he described as a ghostly form wearing antique clothing. The sailor's jaw dropped to the floor, and fear rushed over him.
When asked later, the sailor swore it was John Paul Jones who addressed him that day, and that the voice had seemed to come more into his head than in through his ears. As the sailor regained his composure, he saw Jones smile and heard the voice again, “What is your name sailor?” This time, unsure what to do, he answered the naval hero. Upon receiving his answer, Jones nodded, turned, and walked out of the doorway. Not able to resist, the sailor turned and followed, but upon entering the late afternoon sunlight, he saw that Jones was nowhere to be found.
So, if you decide to visit the Naval Academy keep a vigilant lookout, you might just stumble upon the ghosts of Lt. Sutton and the patriot John Paul Jones.
For more information about the ghosts of the United Stated Naval Academy, please visit http://www.annapolisghosts.com/.
Mike Carter is an expert on Annapolis’ ghosts, the author of the soon to be released book, The Ghosts of Annapolis, and the owner of the Ghosts of Annapolis Tours.
