86 quotes
It is preposterous to suppose that the people of one generation can lay down the best and only rules of government for all who are to come after them, and under unforeseen contingencies.
Personal Memoirs of General U. S. Grant (1885)
There had to be an end of slavery. Then we were fighting an enemy with whom we could not make a peace. We had to destroy him. No convention, no treaty was possible. Only destruction.
Around the World with General Grant (1879)
Pete, let us have another game of brag, to recall the days that were so pleasant.
One of my superstitions had always been when I started to go any where, or to do anything, not to turn back, or stop until the thing intended was accomplished.
With a soldier the flag is paramount.
I rise only to say that I do not intend to say anything. I thank you for your hearty welcomes and good cheers.
I would never stultify my opinion for the sake of a little security.
Letter to his father (1861)
I have given the subject of arming the negro my hearty support. This, with the emancipation of the negro, is the heavyest blow yet given the Confederacy. The South rave a greatdeel about it and profess to be very angry.
Letter to Abraham Lincoln (1863)
I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse.
Personal Memoirs of General U. S. Grant (1885)
But any people or part of a people who resort to this remedy, stake their lives, their property, and every claim for protection given by citizenship — on the issue. Victory, or the conditions imposed by the conqueror — must be the result.
Personal Memoirs of General U. S. Grant (1885)
I leave comparisons to history, claiming only that I have acted in every instance from a conscientious desire to do what was right, constitutional, within the law, and for the very best interests of the whole people. Failures have been errors of judgment, not of intent.
Eighth State of the Union Address (1876)
Well, if you see the President, tell him from me that, whatever happens, there will be no turning back.
You can violate the law. The banks may violate the law and be sustained in doing so. But the President of the United States cannot violate the law.
There is nothing more I should do to it now, and therefore I am not likely to be more ready to go than at this moment.
The will of the people is the best law.
The Lonely Quest: The Evolution of Presidential Leadership (1966)
In the early days of the country, before we had railroads, telegraphs and steamboats—in a word, rapid transit of any sort—the States were each almost a separate nationality.
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant (1885)
Our liberties remain unimpaired; the bondmen have been freed from slavery; we have become possessed of the respect, if not the friendship, of all civilized nations.
Seventh State of the Union Address (1875)
With a soldier the flag is paramount... I had taken an oath to serve eight years, unless sooner discharged, and I considered my supreme duty was to my flag.
It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of Chief Executive without any previous political training.
Eighth State of the Union Address (1876)
My lord, I have heard that your father was a military man. Was that the case?