Charles Francis Adams, Sr.

"In this country … men seem to live for action as long as they can and sink into apathy when they retire."

"It would be superfluous in me to point out to your Lordship that this is war."

"More than all, and above all, Washington was master of himself. If there be one quality more than another in his character which may exercise a useful control over the men of the present hour, it is the total disregard of self when in the most elevated positions for influence and example."