There is required for the composition of a great commander not only massive common sense and reasoning power, not only imagination, but also an element of legerdemain, an original and sinister touch, which leaves the enemy puzzled as well as beaten.

How many have gone? How many more to go? The Admiralty is fast asleep and lethargy & inertia are the order of the day. However everybody seems delighted - so there is nothing to be said. No plans, no enterprise, no struggle to aid the general cause. Just sit still on the spacious throne and snooze.

I think a curse should rest on me - because I love this war. I know it's smashing and shattering the lives of thousands every moment - and yet - I can't help it - I enjoy every second of it.

We have a very daring and skillful opponent against us, and, may I say across the havoc of war, a great general.

For my part, I consider that it will be found much better by all parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history myself.

There are bitter weeds in England.

Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.