I will accept no commission that would tend to create a rivalry with Grant. I want him to hold what he has earned and got. I have all the rank I want.

War is the remedy that our enemies have chosen, and I say let us give them all they want.

Some of you young men think that war is all glamour and glory, but let me tell you, boys, it is all hell!

Though I never ordered it, and never wished for it, I have never shed any tears over the event, because I believe that it hastened what we all fought for, the end of the war.

The whole army is burning with an insatiable desire to wreak violence upon South Carolina. I almost tremble for her fate.

I see every chance of a long, confused and disorganizing civil war, and I feel no desire to take a hand therein.

I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected.