War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.

The voice of the people is the voice of humbug.

I'm a damned sight smarter than Grant; I know more about organization, supply and administration and about everything else than he does; but I'll tell you where he beats me and where he beats the world. He don't care a damn for what the enemy does out of his sight but it scares me like hell.

But, my dear sirs, when peace does come, you may call on me for any thing. Then will I share with you the last cracker, and watch with you to shield your homes and families against danger from every quarter.

If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.

The carping and bickering of political factions in the nation's capital reminds me of two pelicans quarreling over a dead fish.

You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm.