I'm not disputing leading from the front in action, people like Nelson, Broke (of the Shannon) and many others leading boarding parties was quite the normal thing and often costly. Also in saving life, examples abound.

What I am saying is it is quite ridiculous for a captain to do an ordinary seaman's job. He loses dignity in the eyes of the crew, and if a wind does spring up he is in the wrong place. I have read extensively about this period and I have never encountered such a case. If anyone can point me in that direction, I would certainly be interested.