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.

I have thought from the time of the cessation of the hostilities, that silence and patience on the part of the South was the true course; and I think so still. Controversy of all kinds will, in my opinion, only serve to continue excitement and passion, and will prevent the public mind from the acknowledgement and acceptance of the truth.

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.

The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.

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

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.

I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.