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At nearly every point of naval career coincidence, Stockton made different choices than did DuPont and Perry but, in many instances, made choices similar to those made by Levy. By comparing the decisions at these coinciding points, one can infer some of the intentions behind Stockton's choices.
He Could Not Be a Common Man
At the end of his life, Stockton summarized what he thought would be his place in history:
There is a monitor within my breast which assures me that, whatever may be the views of any of my fellow citizens in relation to me now, however harsh their judgment, however unrelenting and unforgiving their enmity, the time will come when, after my poor remains shall repose beneath the sod of New Jersey with those of my ancestors, that my memory will be cherished with respect, and that my name will stand on the page of New Jersey's history