But it was always useless, and we were compelled to return without having accomplished our purpose; we merely inflicted additional pain on ourselves.
I now come to what is possibly the most painful episode of my career, and one which I find it impossible to discuss, or write about, without very real pain.

Even at this distance of time I cannot recall that tragic day without bitter tears coming into my eyes, and being afflicted with a gnawing remorse which can never completely die in my heart.

Do not, I beg of you, in considering my actions, ask me why I did not do this, or that, or the other.

In terrible crises I believe we become almost mechanical, and are not responsible for what we do.

I have often thought that, apart from our own volition, each set of nerves and fibres in our being has a will of its own.
Well, one gloriously fine day we sighted a ship going very slowly across the gulf, several miles away.