Promoted to ensign on 16 July 1874 , he served aboard the sidewheel steam frigate USS Powhatan in the North Atlantic Squadron from 1875 to 1877 .
Nicholson 's first assignment was to the signals office in 1873 .
Promoted to ensign on 16 July 1874 , Nicholson served aboard the sidewheel steam frigate USS Powhatan in the North Atlantic Squadron from 1875 to 1877 .
Nicholson 's first assignment was to the signals office in 1873 .