James Richard Dacres was a good man. A gallant opponent. A skilled sailor. And quite funny.
When I asked if he was prepared to surrender he said, " Well, Sir, I don't know. Our mizzen mast is gone, our fore and main masts are gone-I think on the whole you might say we have struck our flag."
After he came aboard, I believe my exact words were, “Dacres, give me your hand. I know you are hurt,” and when he offered his sword, I replied: “No, no, I will not take a sword from a man who knows so well how to use it; but I’ll trouble you for that hat.”
Later I was pleased to hear that he was e honourably acquitted of all blame for the loss of his ship and he was given command of several vessels over time and retired as a vice admirable.
A most capital fellow.