If a man consults whether he is to fight, when he has the power in his own hands, it is certain that his opinion is against fighting.

The business of the English commander-in-chief being first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

Buonaparte has often made his boast that our fleet would be worn out by keeping the sea and that his was kept in order and increasing by staying in port; but know he finds, I fancy, if Emperors hear the truth, that his fleet suffers more in a night than ours in one year.

In Sea affairs, nothing is impossible, and nothing is improbable.

Now I can do no more. We must trust to the Great Disposer of all events and the justice of our cause. I thank God for this opportunity of doing my duty.

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.

Whoever gains the palm by merit, let him hold it.