Top 15 Ulysses S. Grant Quotes

The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who have helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.

If we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon's but between patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and superstition, ambition and ignorance on the other.

But my later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticised.

I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly

In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten. Then he who continues the attack wins.

I have never advocated war except as means of peace, so seek peace, but prepare for war. Because war... War never changes. War is like winter and winter is coming.

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.

There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.

The great bulk of the legal voters of the South were men who owned no slaves; their homes were generally in the hills and poor country; their facilities for educating their children, even up to the point of reading and writing, were very limited; their interest in the contest was very meagre — what there was, if they had been capable of seeing it, was with the North; they too needed emancipation. Under the old regime they were looked down upon by those who controlled all the affairs in the interest of slave-owners, as poor white trash who were allowed the ballot so long as they cast it according to direction.

I know only two tunes. One of them is 'Yankee Doodle' the other isn't.

I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar the church and the private school supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.

There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.

The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.

I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.