Quotes

If men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail.

I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.

If you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens there will be no turning back.

Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future.

Let us have peace.

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.

Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions.

No other terms than unconditional and immediate surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of Chief Executive without any previous political training.

I have made it a rule of my life to trust a man long after other people gave him up, but I don't see how I can ever trust any human being again.

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.

The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.

I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.

In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.

My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent.

I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.

Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, accomplished.

There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.

I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally.

Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.

Although a soldier by profession, I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace.

I know only two tunes: one of them is "Yankee Doodle" and the other isn't.

[after accompanying President Andrew Johnson on a disastrous speaking tour] I am disgusted at hearing a man make speeches on the way to his funeral.