Ulysses S. Grant Quotes & Sayings

It will be all right if it turns out all right. — Ulysses S. Grant

The Jews are a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department, and also department orders and are herein expelled from the department within 24 hours from receipt of this order. — Ulysses S. Grant

I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution. — Ulysses S. Grant

It is men who wait to be selected, and not those who seek, from whom we may expect the most efficient service. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

It is possible that the question of a conflict between races may come up in the future, as did that between freedom and slavery before. The condition of the colored man within our borders may become a source of anxiety, to say the least. But he was brought to our shores by compulsion, and he now should be considered as having as good a right to remain here as any other class of our citizens. — Ulysses S. Grant

Once initiated there were but few public men who would have the courage to oppose it. Experience proves that the man who obstructs a war in which his nation is engaged, no matter whether right or wrong, occupies no enviable place in life or history. Better for him, individually, to advocate "war, pestilence, and famine," than to act as obstructionist to a war already begun. — Ulysses S. Grant

If men make war in slavish observance of rules, they will fail. No rules will apply to conditions of war as different as those which exist in Europe and America ... War is progressive, because all the instruments and elements of war are progressive. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

The theory of government changes with general progress. — Ulysses S. Grant

My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent. — Ulysses S. Grant

As time passes, people, even of the South, will begin to wonder how it was possible that their ancestors ever fought for or justified institutions which acknowledged the right of property in man. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally. — Ulysses S. Grant

A military life had no charms for me, and I had not the faintest idea of staying in the army even if I should be graduated, which I did not expect, — Ulysses S. Grant

Our great modern Republic. May those who seek the blessings of its institutions and the protection of its flag remember the obligations they impose. — Ulysses S. Grant

Village, and it was a long time before I heard the last of it. Boys enjoy the misery of their companions, at least village boys in that day did, and in later life I have found that all adults are not free from the peculiarity. — Ulysses S. Grant

I desire the good-will of all, whether hitherto my friends or not. — Ulysses S. Grant

Anything is better than indecision. We must decide. If I am wrong, we shall soon find out and can do the other thing. But not to decide wastes both time and money and may ruin everything. — Ulysses S. Grant

Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. — Ulysses S. Grant

The colored man has been accustomed all his life to lean on the white man, and if a good officer is placed over him, he will learn readily and make a good soldier. — Ulysses S. Grant

Jesse has a new dog. You may have noticed that his former pets have been peculiarly unfortunate. When this dog dies every employee in the White House will be at once discharged. — Ulysses S. Grant

If you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens there will be no turning back. — Ulysses S. Grant

Retreat? NO. I propose to attach at daylight and whip them. — Ulysses S. Grant

I never wanted to get out of a place as much as I did to get out of the presidency. — Ulysses S. Grant

Venice would be a fine city if it were only drained. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

I thought how little interest the men before me had in the results of the war, and how little knowledge they had of "what it was all about. — Ulysses S. Grant

The long-continued and useful public service and eminent purity of character of the deceased ex-President will be remembered. — Ulysses S. Grant

The line between the Rebel and Union element in Georgetown was so marked that it led to divisions even in the churches. There were churches in that part of Ohio where treason was preached regularly, and where, to secure membership, hostility to the government, to the war and to the liberation of the slaves, was far more essential than a belief in the authenticity or credibility of the Bible. There were men in Georgetown who filled all the requirements for membership in these churches. — Ulysses S. Grant

There are many men who would have done better than I did under the circumstances in which I found myself. If I had never held command, if I had fallen, there were 10,000 behind who would have followed the contest to the end and never surrendered the Union. — Ulysses S. Grant

The problem for us was to move forward to a decisive victory, or our cause was lost. — Ulysses S. Grant

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

War is progressive because all instruments of war are progressive. — Ulysses S. Grant

No theory of my own will ever stand in the way of my executing, in good faith, any order I may receive from those in authority over me. — Ulysses S. Grant

He preferred yielding his own wish to gratify others, rather than to insist upon having his own way. — Ulysses S. Grant

Two commanders on the same field are always one too many. — Ulysses S. Grant

I knew the enemy were ready to break and only wanted a little encouragement from us to go quickly and join their friends who had started earlier. — Ulysses S. Grant

Wars produce many stories of fiction, some of which are told until they are believed to be true. — Ulysses S. Grant

Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, accomplished. — Ulysses S. Grant

The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of oppression, if they are strong enough, whether by withdrawal from it, or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable. — Ulysses S. Grant

There are but two parties now: traitors and patriots. And I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter and, I trust, the stronger party. — Ulysses S. Grant

A hero does for others. He would do anything for people he loves, because he knows it would make their lives better. I am not that kind of person, but I want you to be. You could give something to her, to me, to those children in the quarter. You could give something I never could ... The white people out there are saying you don't have it-that you're a hog, not a man. But I know they are wrong. — Ulysses S. Grant

As soon as slavery fired upon the flag it was felt, we all felt, even those who did not object to slaves, that slavery must be destroyed. We felt that it was a stain to the Union that men should be bought and sold like cattle. — Ulysses S. Grant

No political party can or ought to exist when one of its corner-stones is opposition to freedom of thought and to the right to worship God "according to the dictate of one's own conscience," or according to the creed of any religious denomination whatever. — Ulysses S. Grant

In politics I am growing indifferent - I would like it, if I could now return to my planting and books at home — Ulysses S. Grant

So vast a sum, receiving all the protection and benefits of the government, without bearing its proportion of the burdens and expenses of the same, will not be looked upon acquiescently by those who have to pay the taxes ... I would suggest the taxation of all property equally. — Ulysses S. Grant

Generally the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation [of Texas] was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

The natural disposition of most people is to clothe a commander of a large army whom they do not know, with almost superhuman abilities. A large part of the National army, for instance, and most of the press of the country, clothed General Lee with just such qualities, but I had known him personally, and knew that he was mortal; and it was just as well that I felt this. — Ulysses S. Grant

I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in His own good time, to become one nation, speaking one language, and when armies and navies will be no longer required. — Ulysses S. Grant

Ah, you know my weaknesses
my children and my horses. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

Lee's army will be your objective point. Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also. — Ulysses S. Grant

he had sixty thousand as good soldiers as ever trod the earth; better than any European soldiers, because they not only worked like a machine but the machine thought. European armies know very little what they are fighting for, and care less. — Ulysses S. Grant

Nothing could be more dishonorable than to accept high rank and command in war and then betray the trust. — Ulysses S. Grant

I feel that we are on the eve of a new era, when there is to be great harmony between the Federal and Confederate. I cannot stay to be a living witness to the correctness of this prophecy; but I feel it within me that it is to be so. — Ulysses S. Grant

I do not believe I ever would have the courage to fight a duel. If any man should wrong me to the extent of my being willing to kill him, I would not be willing to give him the choice of weapons with which it should be done, and of the time, place and distance separating us, when I executed him. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of Chief Executive without any previous political training. — Ulysses S. Grant

Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor. — Ulysses S. Grant

We're teachers, and we have a commitment." "Commitment to what-to live and die in this hellhole, when we can leave and live like other people? — Ulysses S. Grant

When I first went on deck I entered the captain's room adjoining the pilot-house, and threw myself on a sofa. I did not keep that position a moment, but rose to go out on the deck to observe what was going on. I had scarcely left when a musket ball entered the room, struck the head of the sofa, passed through it and lodged in the foot. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

The one thing I never want to see again is a military parade. When I resigned from the army and went to a farm I was happy. When the rebellion came, I returned to the service because it was a duty. I had no thought of rank; all I did was try and make. — Ulysses S. Grant

The enemy had been much demoralized by his defeats at Champion's Hill and the Big Black, and I believed he would not make much effort to hold Vicksburg. — Ulysses S. Grant

I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly — Ulysses S. Grant

In 1856 ... I preferred the success of a candidate whose election would prevent or postpone secession, to seeing the country plunged into a war the end of which no man could foretell. With a Democrat elected by the unanimous vote of the Slave States, there could be no pretext for secession for four years ... I therefore voted for James Buchanan as President. — Ulysses S. Grant

I have made it a rule of my life to trust a man long after other people gave him up, but I don't see how I can ever trust any human being again. — Ulysses S. Grant

On several occasions during the war he came to the relief of the Union army by means of his SUPERIOR MILITARY GENIUS. — Ulysses S. Grant

Declare Church and State forever separate and distinct, but each free within their proper spheres, and that all church property shall bear its own proportion of taxation. — Ulysses S. Grant

In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten then he who continues the attack wins. — Ulysses S. Grant

Let no guilty man escape, if it can he avoided ... No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty. — Ulysses S. Grant

While a battle is raging one can see his enemy mowed down by the thousand, or the ten thousand, with great composure; but after the battle these scenes are distressing, and one is naturally disposed to do as much to alleviate the suffering of an enemy as a friend. — Ulysses S. Grant

Quit thinking about what Bobby Lee's gonna do to us and start thinking about what we're going to do to him. — Ulysses S. Grant

Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians. — Ulysses S. Grant

Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what are we going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do. — Ulysses S. Grant

I read the story and reread the story, but I still could not find the universality that the little Irishman had spoken of. All I saw in the story was some Irishmen meeting in a room and talking politics. What had that to do with America, especially with my people? It was not until years later that I saw what he meant ... I began to listen, to listen closely to how they talked about their heroes, to how they talked about the dead and how great the dead had once been. I heard it everywhere. — Ulysses S. Grant

I never heard him abuse an enemy. Some of the cruel things said about President Lincoln, particularly in the North, used to pierce him to the heart; but never in my presence did he evince a revengeful disposition. — Ulysses S. Grant

I will raid the arsenal and start a war to end slavery. — Ulysses S. Grant

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

I felt that 15,000 men on the 8th would be more effective than 50,000 a month later. — Ulysses S. Grant

Whatever there is of greatness in the United States, or indeed in any other country, is due to labor. The laborer is the author of all greatness and wealth. Without labor there would be no government, no leading class, and nothing to preserve. — Ulysses S. Grant

England and the United States are natural allies, and should be the best of friends. — Ulysses S. Grant

God gave us Lincoln and Liberty, let us fight for both. — Ulysses S. Grant

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. — Ulysses S. Grant

The Southern rebellion was largely the outgrowth of the Mexican war. Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions. We got our punishment in the most sanguinary and expensive war of modern times. — Ulysses S. Grant

I gave up all idea of saving the Union except by complete conquest. Up to that time it had been the policy of our army, certainly of that portion commanded by me, to protect the property of the citizens whose territory was invaded, without regard to their sentiments, whether Union or Secession. — Ulysses S. Grant

But the Nation had already become restless and discouraged at the prolongation of the war, and many believed that it would never terminate except by compromise. — Ulysses S. Grant

I have never advocated war except as a mean of peace — Ulysses S. Grant

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

No other terms than unconditional and immediate surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works. — Ulysses S. Grant

The darkest day of my life was the day I heard of Lincoln's assassination. I did not know what it meant. Here was the rebellion put down in the field, and starting up in the gutters... — Ulysses S. Grant

One of my superstitions had always been when I started to go anywhere or do anything, not to turn back, or stop until the thing intended was accomplished. I have frequently started to go places where I had never been and to which I did not know the way, depending upon making inquiries on the road, and if I got past the place without knowing it, instead of turning back, I would go until a road was found turning in the right direction, take that, and come in by the other side. — Ulysses S. Grant

I never was an Abolitionest, not even what could be called anti slavery, but I try to judge farely and honestly and it become patent to my mind early in the rebellion that the North and South could never live at peace with each other except as one nation, and that without Slavery. — Ulysses S. Grant

I would suggest the taxation of all property equally, whether church or corporation, exempting only the last resting place of the dead and possibly, with proper restrictions, church edifices. — Ulysses S. Grant

The fact is I think I am a verb instead of a personal pronoun. A verb is anything that signifies to be; to do; or to suffer. I signify all three. — Ulysses S. Grant

If men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail. — Ulysses S. Grant

The United States, knowing no distinction of her own citizens on account of religion or nationality, naturally believes in a civilization the world over which will secure the same universal laws. — Ulysses S. Grant