Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions.

I don't underrate the value of military knowledge, but if men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail.

Lee's army will be your objective point. Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.

All secret oath-bound political parties are dangerous to any nation, no matter how pure or how patriotic the motives and principles which first bring them together.

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.

In politics I am growing indifferent - I would like it, if I could now return to my planting and books at home

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.