We have only one rule here – to act like a gentleman at all times.
You cannot barter manhood for peace.
My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.
What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar His gifts...
I endeavored to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all his mercies to me, for his preservation of me through all the dangers I have passed, and all the blessings which he has bestowed upon me, for I know I fall far short of my obligations.
Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.
I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony.
There are things in the Old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible Word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience.
My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health.
Ideas are easy to conceive, less easy to execute.
I should NOT be trading on the blood of my men.
All I ever wanted was a Virginia farm, no end of cream and fresh butter and fried chicken – not one fried chicken, or two, but unlimited fried chicken.
The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.
Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage.
The biggest mistake of my life was taking a military education.
As a general principle you should not force young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and thereby develop their characters.
I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.
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.