The enemy, confident of an easy victory, was waiting our approach, and expressed the most lively intention of destroying us all in the twinkling of an eye.
Experience had not then demonstrated that there is little difference in the bravery of Americans, when well officered.

Each side cherished the delusion that it had a monopoly of courage and endurance.

One Southern man was thought equal to five Northern men in a fair contest, and if the former were given the advantage of a defensive position, any odds of numbers would be taken.

There was nearly, though not quite, as much boasting on the part of our own press and people.
The first severe battles made an end of the greater part of this gasconading.
It is said the most trying moment on shipboard is when the deck, previous to an engagement, is sprinkled with saw-dust to receive the blood yet unshed.

No man can know whose blood will be first to moisten that dust, or whose life will be passed away before the action is over.