John Sherman: “No better material for soldiers, and no better soldiers in fact, ever enlisted in any cause or any service.”

If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.

The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.

The events of the future are beyond the vision of mankind, but I hope our people will be content with internal growth, and avoid the complications of foreign acquisitions.

What I have written is no doubt clouded with partisanship, but I would not be honest if I did not express my attachment to my party.