Without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.

The power which the sea requires in the sailor makes a man of him very fast, and the change of shores and population clears his head of much nonsense of his wigwam.

You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars.

We are as near to heaven by sea as by land!

I am ill every time it blows hard, and nothing but my enthusiastic love for the profession keeps me one hour at sea.

Seamen are the nearest to death and the furthest from God.

He that commands the sea is at great liberty and may take as much and as little of the war as he will.

The bathing was so delightful this morning, and Molly so pressing with me to enjoy myself, that I believe I stayed in rather too long, as since the middle of the day I have felt unreasonably tired. I shall be more careful another time, and shall not bathe tomorrow as I had before intended.

The most advanced nations are always those who navigate the most.

Ashore it’s wine, women, and song; aboard it’s rum, bum, and concertina.

Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.

It is He who has subdued the ocean so that you may eat of its fresh fish and bring up from its depth ornaments to wear. Behold the ships plowing their course through it. All this, that you may seek His bounty and render thanks.

Never trust her at any time when the calm sea shows her false alluring smile.