Gideon Welles

“It is a great misfortune that the people of the North are not so well prepared for the great struggle for the preservation of the Union and constitutional government as the people of the South are for its destruction.”

“The President was in a singularly gentle and happy mood.”

“The Navy has been and is the right arm of the government in this war.”

“Party is an association of men for a principle; it is a combination to maintain that principle.”

“The subject of emancipation was brought up. There was a difference of opinion.”

“These are the days of strong men.”

“Of all the Cabinet, the Secretary of War is the most garrulous. He is a poor and superficial man, a creature of mere accident.”

“Seward is a man of expedients, not of principles.”

“Honest and well-meaning men are too often swayed by the dishonest and designing.”

“I have performed my duty to the best of my ability.”

“No one who has not been an actor in the events of the last few years can conceive of the subtle and potent influence of military organizations.”

“We have submitted to robbery and wrong from the English until the English seem to believe we are willing to submit to anything.”