- [the construction crew hired to build the canal is late]
- Joshua Walcek: I wouldn't worry about it, Captain. If they show up, I'll take charge of 'em for ya.
- Captain Grey Holden: You'll take charge?
- Joshua Walcek: Who do you think built the Erie Canal?
- Captain Grey Holden: Oh, for cryin' out... who did?
- Joshua Walcek: [pause] Oh, it was a man named Shannon, I think.
- Tracy Paxton: You staring at anything in particular, Captain?
- Captain Grey Holden: Yes, ma'am. I like to look at a pretty woman.
- Tracy Paxton: You are a sailor, aren't you? Don't tell me - you've been away at sea for five long years and you haven't seen a woman.
- Captain Grey Holden: Mm-hmm. Five long weeks.
- Tracy Paxton: Will you be here long?
- Captain Grey Holden: Indefinitely, ma'am. Indefinitely.
- Tracy Paxton: I hope to see you again soon.
- Captain Grey Holden: I hope so, too.
- [Tracy holds out her hand for Holden to kiss and he pauses]
- Captain Grey Holden: But I don't think we'd better... that looks an awful lot like a wedding ring to me.
- [last lines]
- Captain Grey Holden: Hey, Chip! What are you doin' there, boy?
- Chip Kessler: I'm writin' a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Paxton.
- Captain Grey Holden: You're writin' a letter? Why, son, you can't even spell yet.
- Chip Kessler: I can, too!
- Captain Grey Holden: All right, spell 'Philadelphia'.
- Chip Kessler: Capital P-h-i-l-a... d-e-l... f-i-a.
- Captain Grey Holden: That's right! See what you get from book learnin', huh? Huh?