A general of ordinary talent, occupying a bad position and surprised by a superior force, seeks his safety in retreat; but a great captain supplies all deficiencies by his courage, and marches boldly to meet the attack. By this means he disconcerts his adversary, and if this last shows any irresolution in his movements, a skilful leader, profiting by his indecision, may even hope for victory.

A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of coloured ribbon.

You have won battles without cannon, crossed rivers without bridges, made forced marches without shoes, camped without brandy and often without bread. Soldiers of liberty, only republican phalanxes [infantry troops] could have endured what you have endured.

It would be a joke if the conduct of the victor had to be justified to the vanquished.

It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory.

In war it is not men, but the man who counts.