Then, as now, neatness in dress and form, with a strict conformity to the rules, were the qualifications required for office, and I suppose I was found not to excel in any of these.

Never give reasons for what you think or do until you must. Maybe after a while, a better reason will pop into your head.

You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will.

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

If forced to choose between the penitentiary and the White House for four years, I would say the penitentiary, thank you.

Grant stood by me when I was crazy...

War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.

I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of you to secure peace.

The scenes on this field would have cured anybody of war.

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.