The politics of courts are so mean that private people would be ashamed to act in the same way; all is trick and finesse, to which the common cause is sacrificed.

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.

No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy.

I will dine nowhere without your consent although with my present feelings I might be trusted with fifty virgins naked in a dark room.

Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.

A fleet of British ships at war are the best negotiators.