John Hay Quotes (1838-1905)

“He were n't no saint—but at jedgment I'd run my chance with Jim. 'Longside of some pious gentlemen That wouldn't shook hands with him. He seen his duty, a dead-sure thing— And went for it thar and then; And Christ ain't a-going to be too hard On a man that died for men.”

“O grandly flowing river! O silver-gliding river! Thy springing willows shiver   In the sunset as of old... O gay, oblivious river! O sunset-kindled river! Do you remember ever   The eyes and skies so blue... O stern impassive river! O still unanswering river! The shivering willows quiver   As the night-winds moan and rave.”

“It was no longer a question of the Union as it was, that was to be reestablished. It was the Union as it should be, that is to say, washed clean from its original sin. We were no longer merely the Soldiers of a political controversy, we were now the missionaries of a great work of redemption, the armed liberators of millions. The war was ennobled, the object was higher.”