In for his smalls; Passed his smalls - his Little-go, or previous examination; the examination for degree being the Great-go, or Greats
Your smalls are your underwear. American Union soldier and politician. After being forced to serve in the Confederate Navy, he took command of a ship and delivered it to Union forces. Smalls subsequently became a captain (1863-1866) and the highest-ranking African-American officer in the Union Navy. He later served as a U.S. representative from South Carolina (1875-1879 and 1881-1887)