Nelson A. Miles Quotes

Powerful Nelson A. Miles for Daily Growth

About Nelson A. Miles

Nelson Appleton Miles (1839-1925), an eminent American military officer, was born on October 4, 1839, in Poultney, Vermont. Known for his strategic brilliance during the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War, Miles's military career spanned over five decades. Miles joined the U.S. Army as a private in 1856 at age 17. Showing potential, he rapidly rose through the ranks, attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation in 1862, Miles served under General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War. Post-Civil War, Miles was involved in several significant campaigns against Native American tribes in the western territories, including the Nez Perce War and the Red River War. His strategic approach to dealing with Native Americans earned him a reputation as an effective leader and peacekeeper. In 1895, Miles was promoted to Commanding General of the U.S. Army, a position he held until his retirement in 1903. During this period, he oversaw the modernization of the American military, introducing advanced tactics and equipment such as the Krag-Jørgensen rifle. Miles played a crucial role during the Spanish-American War, leading the assault on San Juan Hill, Cuba, alongside Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. His leadership and strategy proved instrumental in securing victory for the U.S. Army. Post-retirement, Miles continued to advocate for military reform and served as a consultant during the Philippine-American War. He died on April 15, 1925, remembered not only for his significant contributions to American military history but also for his commitment to peacekeeping and strategic military leadership. Quotes from Nelson A. Miles reflect his military ethos: "A good tactician does not concern himself with the likelihood of victory or defeat. He turns his mind to the possibilities of both, until a way can be found to avoid the unavoidable." His legacy endures in the annals of American history and continues to influence future generations of military leaders.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I do not say this boastingly, but I would rather have my men under me than those of any army in the world."

This quote from General Nelson A. Miles expresses a strong sense of confidence and pride in his soldiers. He believes that the troops under his command are exceptional, and he values them highly compared to other armies. It demonstrates his leadership, trust in his men, and a desire to lead them into battle. The "not boastfully" part indicates humility despite his strong convictions.

"In any great army there will always be a good many cowards, but no soldier who is worth anything ever allows a coward to influence him."

This quote highlights the resilience and mental fortitude expected of soldiers in the face of adversity. It implies that while every large military force will have individuals who lack courage, true soldiers, those of value, do not allow fearful or cowardly individuals to control or negatively impact their own actions and decisions. Instead, they remain steadfast, focusing on fulfilling their duty with integrity and determination.

"I never had a man under my command who did not fear something, but I have never seen a man under my command who could not overcome his fear."

This quote by General Nelson A. Miles suggests that every person, whether in a military or any other context, experiences fear at some point. However, the key to success lies in overcoming this fear rather than being paralyzed by it. It implies that courage and resilience can prevail when an individual faces their fears head-on, ultimately leading to personal growth and achievement.

"The only safe thing in war is to get your opponent to the point where he will quit because he thinks you are going to whip him."

This quote by General Nelson A. Miles emphasizes the strategic goal in war, which is not just about winning battles, but also about forcing an adversary to surrender due to perceived superiority or inevitable defeat. The focus should be on weakening the enemy's resolve, undermining their confidence, and making them believe they cannot prevail – thus achieving victory without the need for direct confrontation in every instance. In essence, the quote underscores that psychological warfare plays a crucial role in military strategy and that effective persuasion can be as powerful as brute force.

"Win or lose, soldiers die; and that makes civilian life a matter of indifference to the soldier."

This quote by General Nelson A. Miles highlights the stark reality of war, where regardless of the outcome, lives are lost, particularly those of soldiers. The statement underscores the profound sacrifice made by military personnel and suggests that civilians' concerns, while important in their own right, may seem less significant to soldiers given their direct involvement in fighting and risking their lives. In essence, the quote serves as a somber reminder of the gravity of war and the immense debt of gratitude owed to those who serve in the military.

These are hallowed moments, when every American has reason to express his gratitude to Almighty God that it has been our good fortune to witness the light of this auspicious morn.

- Nelson A. Miles

Reason, Been, Almighty, Almighty God

To illustrate to the Indians the advantages the white race had in the telephone I divided a body of warriors from Sitting Bull's camp into two parties and had them talk to each other over the telephone line.

- Nelson A. Miles

Race, Other, Over, Warriors

No administration could stop the tidal wave of immigration that swept over the land; no political party could restrain or control the enterprise of our people, and no reasonable man could desire to check the march of civilization.

- Nelson A. Miles

Desire, Immigration, Over, Our People

Looking at the purpose of our government toward the Indians, we find that after subjugating them it has been our policy to collect the different tribes on reservations and support them at the expense of our people.

- Nelson A. Miles

Purpose, Indians, Been, Our People

The tide of immigration in Canada has not been as great as along our frontier. They have been able to allow the Indians to live as Indians, which we have not, and do not attempt to force upon them the customs which are distasteful to them.

- Nelson A. Miles

Tide, Allow, Which, Distasteful

The Indians, however, could not migrate from one part of the United States to another; neither could they obtain employment as readily as white people, either upon or beyond the Indian reservations.

- Nelson A. Miles

United, However, Obtain, Employment

One hundred years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, the Spanish government issued a decree authorizing the enslavement of the American Indian as in accord with the law of God and man.

- Nelson A. Miles

Law, Spanish, Hundred, Accord

If the graves of the thousands of victims who have fallen in the terrible wars of the two races had been placed in line the philanthropist might travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Lakes to the Gulf, and be constantly in sight of green mounds.

- Nelson A. Miles

Line, Been, Placed, Gulf

The more we study the Indian's character the more we appreciate the marked distinction between the civilized being and the real savage.

- Nelson A. Miles

Character, Study, Marked, Indian

Whether or not our system of Indian management has been a success during the past ten, fifty, or hundred years is almost answered in the asking.

- Nelson A. Miles

Been, Hundred, Answered, Indian

A Christian people who have for two hundred years kept a race in bondage, deprived of the advantages of civilization and religion, owe them a debt of gratitude which it would seem ungenerous to withhold.

- Nelson A. Miles

Race, Which, Hundred, Hundred Years

Step by step a powerful and enterprising race has driven them back from the Atlantic to the West until at last there is scarcely a spot of ground upon which the Indians have any certainty of maintaining a permanent abode.

- Nelson A. Miles

Race, Last, Which, Maintaining

Our relations with the Indians have been governed chiefly by treaties and trade, or war and subjugation.

- Nelson A. Miles

Trade, Been, Treaties, Relations

The troops were occasionally occupied in pursuing scattered bands going north or south, and on three occasions the large camp of Sitting Bull ventured south of the Canadian border, and important expeditions were sent against them.

- Nelson A. Miles

Border, Pursuing, Large, Camp

For a time during the early settlement of this country peace and goodwill prevailed, only to be followed later by violent and relentless warfare.

- Nelson A. Miles

Country, Goodwill, Prevailed, Settlement

The intrusions of the white race and the non- compliance with treaty obligations have been followed by atrocities that could alone satisfy a savage and revengeful spirit.

- Nelson A. Miles

Race, Been, Atrocities, Savage

On the contrary, if they are treated with justice and humanity, proper example and the advantages of education given them, the coming years will be as bright and prosperous to the unfortunate race as the past has been dark and painful.

- Nelson A. Miles

Treated, Given, Unfortunate, On The Contrary

If we dismiss from our minds the prejudice we may have against the Indians we shall be able to more clearly understand the impulses that govern both races.

- Nelson A. Miles

Against, May, Govern, Dismiss

It is unfair to suppose that one party has invariably acted rightly, and that the other is responsible for every wrong that has been committed.

- Nelson A. Miles

Other, Committed, Been, Acted

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