Meaning: The quote is attributed to John Byng, a British admiral who served in the Royal Navy during the 18th century. The quote reflects Byng's sense of urgency in reporting a significant event to his superiors, even though he acknowledges that providing detailed information about losses and damages would take considerable time. Byng's words demonstrate a strong sense of duty and responsibility, as well as a clear understanding of the importance of timely communication in matters of consequence.

John Byng is best known for his involvement in the Seven Years' War, particularly for his controversial court-martial and execution following the Battle of Minorca in 1756. The quote is likely related to this event, as it reflects the challenging circumstances and difficult decisions faced by military leaders during times of conflict.

Byng's decision not to provide detailed particulars of losses and damages in his communication to his superiors can be viewed in the context of the immediate need to inform them about the significant event. In military operations, time is often of the essence, and quick communication of important developments can be crucial for making strategic decisions and taking appropriate action.

The quote also sheds light on the complexities of leadership in the military and the difficult choices that commanders like Byng have to make. In the midst of a conflict, leaders must balance the need for thorough reporting and accountability with the necessity of swift and decisive communication. Byng's words encapsulate the tension between these competing demands and reflect the weight of responsibility that he felt in conveying the gravity of the situation to his superiors.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the inherent challenges of conveying the full scope of losses and damages in the midst of a significant event. Byng's acknowledgment of the time and effort required to provide such particulars highlights the practical constraints faced by military leaders in the midst of active operations. This aspect of the quote offers insight into the logistical and administrative complexities of managing and reporting on military engagements.

In summary, John Byng's quote captures the urgency, responsibility, and difficult choices faced by military leaders in communicating significant events to their superiors. It also provides a glimpse into the practical challenges of reporting losses and damages during times of conflict. Byng's words resonate with the timeless complexities of military leadership and the delicate balance between thorough reporting and timely communication in moments of consequence.