He calculated they had food and water enough to last for three months, even with liberal provisioning.

Going among the crew, he realized there was no depression among them; that they seemed to care little where they were going.

It was, however, quite clear they wished to fight--to fight the foes of England.
He knew his task was a hard one, and that all efforts at discipline would have dangers.

He knew, also, that he could have no authority, save personality and success.

He set himself, therefore, to win the confidence of Greenock and the crew, and he began discipline at once.
He knew that a reaction must come; that the crew, loose upon their own trail, would come to regret the absence of official command.