Although a soldier by profession, I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace.

It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of Chief Executive without any previous political training.

When news of the surrender first reached our lines our men commenced firing a salute of a hundred guns in honor of the victory. I at once sent word, however, to have it stopped. The Confederates were now our prisoners, and we did not want to exult over their downfall.

There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.

Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, accomplished.

Venice would be a fine city if it were only drained.

Quit thinking about what Bobby Lee's gonna do to us and start thinking about what we're going to do to him.