To secure the safety of the navigation of the Mississippi River I would slay millions. On that point I am not only insane, but mad... I think I see one or two quick blows that will astonish the natives of the South and will convince them that, though to stand behind a big cottonwood and shoot at a passing boat is good sport and safe, it may still reach and kill their friends and families hundreds of miles off. For every bullet shot at a steamboat, I would shoot a thousand 30-pounder Parrots into even helpless towns on Red, Ouachita, Yazoo, or wherever a boat can float or soldier march.

War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.

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

If you don't have my army supplied, and keep it supplied, we'll eat your mules up, sir.

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

At first you will make headway, but as your limited resources begin to fail, shut out from the markets of Europe as you will be, your cause will begin to wane. If your people will but stop and think, they must see that in the end you will surely fail.

You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about. War is a terrible thing!