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

Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.

My greatest happiness is to serve my gracious King and Country and I am envious only of glory; for if it be a sin to covet glory I am the most offending soul alive.

I cannot command winds and weather.

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 have a right to be blind sometimes.

To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I made use of my understanding.