Civil War Quotes

"If I thought this war was to abolish slavery, I would resign my commission, and offer my sword to the other side."    --Ulysses S. Grant

"I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."    --Abraham Lincoln. March 4, 1861

"The Union now subsisting between South Carolina and the other States, under the name of The United States of America, is hereby dissolved."
-- An Ordinance of the South Carolina Secession Convention

"We only wish to be left in peace." [Or words to that effect]
-- CSA President J. Davis

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."
-- Lee to Lt. Gen. Longstreet at Battle of Fredericksburg

"There is Jackson, standing like a stone wall!  Rally behind the
Virginians, boys!"    -- General B.E. Bea, minutes before his death

"No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be
accepted."    -- Grant at Fort Donelson

"I beg to present to you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns, and about 25,000 bales of cotton."    -- Sherman, to President Lincoln