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.

The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.

I would rather die a thousand deaths than surrender.

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.

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

The time is not come for impartial history. If the truth were told just now, it would not be credited.

Keep steady in the view of the great principles for which you contend. The safety of your homes and the lives of all you hold dear depend upon your courage and exertions. Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the right of self government, liberty and peace shall find him a defender.