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. (Horatio Nelson)
Now I can do no more. We must trust to the Great Disposer of all events and the justice of our cause. I thank God for this opportunity of doing my duty. (Horatio Nelson)
Something must be left to chance nothing is sure in a sea fight beyond all others. (Horatio Nelson)
When I came to explain to them the 'Nelson Touch', it was like an electric shock. Some shed tears, all approved - 'It was new - it was singular - it was simple'. (Horatio Nelson)
Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be. (Horatio Nelson)
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. (Horatio Nelson)
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. (Horatio Nelson)
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. (Horatio Nelson)
In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them. (Horatio Nelson)
No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy. (Horatio Nelson)
I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor. (Horatio Nelson)
My greatest happiness is to serve my gracious King and Country and I am envious only of glory; for if it be a sin to covet glory I am the most offending soul alive. (Horatio Nelson)
Our country will, I believe, sooner forgive an officer for attacking an enemy than for letting it alone. (Horatio Nelson)