...without A Respectable Navy, Alas America!

I Wish To Have No Connection With Any Ship That Does Not Sail Fast; For I Intend To Go In Harm's Way.

Nothing Exciting Ever Happens To Me.

It Is True That I Must Run A Great Risk; No Gallant Action Was Ever Accomplished Without Danger.

...without A Respectable Navy, Alas America!

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.