by John Marshall

“ Roe and Noble, of the Tamar:– in truth, the presence of mind and steadiness of every officer and man was admirable, in a situation (surrounded as they were) in which the smallest indecision might have produced most deplorable consequences, and a shedding of blood, which it was my most anxious wish to avoid, – consistently with my determination to shew that we must be respected.
“Captain Maillard, of the Amherst, ran his ship into an unknown port, in admirable style: and I can only say, that, on real service, I should not desire a more able coadjutor. ”

“ Captain Jervoise speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Mr. Downey, senior lieutenant of this ship, who was constantly near him and to whose presence of mind and steadiness he was much indebted. Lieutenant Downey has been several years with me; and I sincerely wish that the circumstances had been of a more important character, on his account; for he is an old, gallant, and deserving oficer. Lieutenant (John) M‘Donell, of the Pandora, was the organ of communication between Captain Jervoise and myself, and is most highly spoken of by his commander ”

“ I fear that I have been betrayed into great length in the relation of these circumstances; but, when officers and men have so well performed their task, I trust you will consider that I ought not, as I feel that I could not, refrain from offering my testimony as to their merit. ”