It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.
We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of anyone. It is not only best as a matter of principle, but it is the path to peace and honor.
I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
Do your duty in all things, like the old Puritan. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.
You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage.
A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none.
The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.
I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and I have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.
I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.
What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.
In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution is a moral & political evil in any country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages.
