"I failed, I failed, and that is about all that can be said about it."
- Abraham Lincoln's self-criticism of his famous "Gettysburg Address"

"The time for compromise has now passed, and the South is determined to maintain her
 position, and make all who oppose her smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel"
- Jefferson Davis used these words in his inaugural speech on February 16, 1861

We talked the matter over and could have settled the war in thirty minutes if left to us."
- A common Rebel soldier made this statement after fraternizing with a Union soldier
between the lines.

"Boys, he's not much for looks, but if we'd had him we wouldn't be caught in this trap"
- A captured Union soldier described Stonewall Jackson in this way

Standards
8.9:  Early attempts to abolish slavery and to realize
the ideals of Declaration of Independence
8.10:  Multiple causes, key events and complex consequences
8.11:  Character and lasting consequences of Reconstruction