I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.

There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths.

We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.

Any victory would be dear at such a price.

My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.

What a glorious world Almighty God has given us. How thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labor to mar his gifts.

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.