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

Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians.

A military life had no charms for me, and I had not the faintest idea of staying in the army even if I should be graduated, which I did not expect.

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.

Generally the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation [of Texas] was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory.

The theory of government changes with general progress.

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.