If I had been censured every time I have run my ship, or fleets under my command, into great danger, I should have long ago been out of the Service and never in the House of Peers.
From Horatio Nelson
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.
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.
Gentlemen, when the enemy is committed to a mistake we must not interrupt him too soon.
My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.
I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.
Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the better.
Buonaparte has often made his boast that our fleet would be worn out by keeping the sea and that his was kept in order and increasing by staying in port; but know he finds, I fancy, if Emperors hear the truth, that his fleet suffers more in a night than ours in one year.
Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.
I cannot command winds and weather.
4 perspectives
3 perspectives
2 perspectives
1 perspectives