As a member of the Protestant British squirearchy ruling Ireland, he was touchy about his Irish origins. When in later life an enthusiastic Gael commended him as a famous Irishman, he replied "A man can be born in a stable, and yet not be an animal.

A great country can have no such thing as a little war.

The whole art of war consists in getting at what is on the other side of the hill.

What masks are these uniforms to hide cowards!

Extra interest signifies extra risk.

Next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.

Wise people learn when they can; fools learn when they must.