"As Lord Chesterfield said of the generals of his day, 'I only hope that when the enemy reads the list of their names, he trembles as I do.'"
- Duke of Wellington
About this Quote
The Duke of Wellington was referring to the generals of his day in this quote. He was revealing his hope that the opponent would be intimidated by the list of names of the generals. He was indicating that the enemy would be so intimidated by the list of names that they would be filled with worry and fear. He was also implying that he himself was filled with worry and fear when he checked out the list of names. This quote is a testament to the Duke of Wellington's regard for the generals of his day and his belief in their capability to lead and secure their country. It likewise acts as a pointer of the value of having strong and capable leaders in times of war. The Duke of Wellington's words are a suggestion of the power of leadership and the significance of having strong and capable leaders in times of war.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"