Riou's hard discipline and preventive cleanliness

Riou's record combines compassion, severity, and proven seamanship. His effort to obtain pardons for convicts who stayed aboard Guardian sits beside repeated punishments aboard Amazon that exceeded the nominal twelve-lash limit without court martial. His almost fanatical cleanliness had a practical medical purpose: without antibiotics or effective treatment, prevention was the crew's main defense against disease. His demanding style may have contributed to rapid lieutenant turnover early in the commission. Bravery, skill, and a reputation for luck still helped him retain authority, and the three lieutenants appointed in April 1800 remained much longer.