It is by no means enough that an officer should be capable. . . . He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor. . . . No meritorious act of a subordinate should escape his attention, even if the reward be only one word of approval. Conversely, he should not be blind to a single fault in any subordinate.

I have not yet begun to fight!

...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America!

Whoever can surprise well must conquer.

I would lay down my life for America but I cannot trifle with my Honor.

I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike!

It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win.