John Sherman: “If so, then comes civil war, a fearful subject for Americans to think of.”

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 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.

It was settled by this war that we have a country limited in its powers by the constitution of the United States fairly construed.

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.