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.

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.

The biggest mistake of my life was taking a military education.

There is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.

With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army.

Life processes take place in an aqueous medium. All organisms are composed mostly of water, whether they dwell in the oceans, lakes, and rivers, or on the land. Because the physical and chemical properties of water are well suited to the requirements of life, it is no accident that life is a water-based phenomenon.

I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony.