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

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

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

No blame can be attached to the army for its failure to accomplish what was projected by me... I alone am to blame, in perhaps expecting too much of its prowess and valor... could I have foreseen that the attack on the last day would fail, I should certainly have tried some other course... but I do not know what better course I could have pursued.

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune.

What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.