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.

Nothing exciting ever happens to me.

I have not yet begun to fight!

It is true that I must run a great risk; no gallant action was ever accomplished without danger.

...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America!

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

If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.