There was not a word of censure upon his course.

Out of 108 vessels engaged in the illegal trade he captured 98 and of the several hundred seals unlawfully killed he captured every one.

Like all the other officers and sailors who took part in the destruction of Cervera's fleet, he was energetic, skilful, brave and chivalrous, for when Captain Eulate, of the captured _Vizcaya_, offered his sword to the Captain of the _Iowa_ that gentleman kindly waved him back and told him to keep the weapon he had used so well.
Captain Evans does not like the name "Fighting Bob", for he feels he has no more claim to the distinction than the rest of his associates.

Many of the stories told of his roughness of speech and profanity are not true, though it cannot be denied that he has a habit of expressing himself very vigorously when his feelings are stirred.

By his own request, Captain Evans was relieved, September 15, 1898, of the command of the _Iowa_, he having served more than his regular term of sea service.