Considering Hornblower doesn't drink except when heavily prompted (or barely prompted by the right person), Jack might wish to consider this carefully.

Kennedy gives a dry laugh. "I'm supposed to tell how he later stood at the wrong end of the man's pistol and insisted the doctor relieve him of command. Didn't know the captain had already fired his gun and he stood his ground nevertheless. That's more the ilk of story you mean, isn't it?"