I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings. And have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.

To be a good soldier, you must love the army. To be a good commander, you must be willing to order the death of the thing you love.

The enemy is here, and if we do not whip him, he will whip us.

I am as willing to serve now as in the beginning in any capacity and at any post where I can do good. The lower the position, the more suitable to my ability and the more agreeable to my feelings.

I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.

I consider the proper education of our youths one of the most important objects now to be attained and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected.

A man may manifest and communicate his joy, but he should conceal and smother his grief as much as possible.