William Tecumseh Sherman

You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will. War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it. (letter, 1864)

The legitimate object of war is a more perfect peace. (speech, 1865)

I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected. (message to Republican National Committee, 1884)

Jestem zmęczony i chory w wojnie. Jego chwała to bimber. Tylko ci, którzy nie strzelili ani nie usłyszeli krzyków i jęków rannych, którzy głośno wołają o krew, więcej zemsty, więcej pustki. Wojna to piekło. (przemówienie, 1879)

I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengance, more desolation. War is hell. (speech, 1879)