Wars are not all evil, they are part of the grand machinery by which this world is governed. William Tecumseh Sherman More Quotes by William Tecumseh Sherman More Quotes From William Tecumseh Sherman I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected. William Tecumseh Sherman politicsmilitaryrunning I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers. William Tecumseh Sherman militarynamesthinking The carping and bickering of political factions in the nation's capital reminds me of two pelicans quarreling over a dead fish. William Tecumseh Sherman pelicanspoliticaltwo Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster. William Tecumseh Sherman safeeasywar If forced to choose between the penitentiary and the White House for four years, I would say the penitentiary, thank you. William Tecumseh Sherman thanksgivingthank-youyears The whole army is burning with an insatiable desire to wreak violence upon South Carolina. I almost tremble for her fate. William Tecumseh Sherman fatearmywar You mistake, too, the people of the North. They are a peaceable people but an earnest people, and they will fight, too. They are not going to let this country be destroyed without a mighty effort to save it. Besides, where are your men and appliances of war to contend against them? William Tecumseh Sherman mistakewarcountry This war differs from other wars, in this particular. We are not fighting armies but a hostile people, and must make old and young, rich and poor, feel the hard hand of war. William Tecumseh Sherman armyfightingwar I confess, without shame, that I am sick and tired of fighting — its glory is all moonshine; even success the most brilliant is over dead and mangled bodies, with the anguish and lamentations of distant families, appealing to me for sons, husbands, and fathers ... it is only those who have never heard a shot, never heard the shriek and groans of the wounded and lacerated ... that cry aloud for more blood, more vengeance, more desolation. William Tecumseh Sherman tiredhusbandfather There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell. You can bear this warning voice to generations yet to come. I look upon war with horror. William Tecumseh Sherman boyswarpeace There's many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory but it is all hell. William Tecumseh Sherman militaryboyswar To secure the safety of the navigation of the Mississippi River I would slay millions. On that point I am not only insane, but mad... I think I see one or two quick blows that will astonish the natives of the South and will convince them that, though to stand behind a big cottonwood and shoot at a passing boat is good sport and safe, it may still reach and kill their friends and families hundreds of miles off. For every bullet shot at a steamboat, I would shoot a thousand 30-pounder Parrots into even helpless towns on Red, Ouachita, Yazoo, or wherever a boat can float or soldier march. William Tecumseh Sherman blowsportsthinking I would make this war as severe as possible, and show no symptoms of tiring till the South begs for mercy. William Tecumseh Sherman tirefiercewar In our Country... one class of men makes war and leaves another to fight it out. William Tecumseh Sherman fightingwarcountry I make up my opinions from facts and reasoning, and not to suit any body but myself. If people don't like my opinions, it makes little difference as I don't solicit their opinions or votes. William Tecumseh Sherman differencesbodypeople But, my dear sirs, when peace does come, you may call on me for any thing. Then will I share with you the last cracker, and watch with you to shield your homes and families against danger from every quarter. William Tecumseh Sherman doehomepeace It's a disagreeable thing to be whipped. William Tecumseh Sherman disagreeablecivil-warwar You might as well appeal against the thunder-storm as against these terrible hardships of war. They are inevitable, and the only way the people of Atlanta can hope once more to live in peace and quiet at home, is to stop the war, which can only be done by admitting that it began in error and is perpetuated in pride. William Tecumseh Sherman pridehomewar I'm a damned sight smarter than Grant; I know more about organization, supply and administration and about everything else than he does; but I'll tell you where he beats me and where he beats the world. He don't care a damn for what the enemy does out of his sight but it scares me like hell. William Tecumseh Sherman organizationsightwar I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah. William Tecumseh Sherman civil-warchristmascities
