We made a great mistake in the beginning of our struggle, and I fear, in spite of all we can do, it will prove to be a fatal mistake. We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle.

You see what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy to possess what was given me; for that reason it has been taken away.

No day should be lived unless it was begun with a prayer of thankfulness and an intercession for guidance.

Everyone should do all in his power to collect and disseminate the truth, in the hope that it may find a place in history and descend to posterity. History is not the relation of campaigns and battles and generals or other individuals, but that which shows the principles for which the South contended and which justified her struggle for those principles.

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

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.