John Buford Quotes

• We entered Gettysburg in the afternoon, just in time to meet the enemy entering the town, and in good season to drive him back before his getting a foothold.

  John Buford

• There was splendid fighting on the part of the division on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. There was no faltering or hesitation. Each man went to work determined to carry anything in reason.

  John Buford

• The zeal, bravery, and good behavior of the officers and men on the night of June 30, and during July 1, was commendable in the extreme.

  John Buford

• Shortly after this, I placed my command on our extreme left, to watch and fight the enemy should he make another attack, and went to Cemetary Hill for observation.

  John Buford

• It is too late; now I wish I could live.

  John Buford

• If the regulars are to be put together, I believe they would prefer me to the other Cavalry Commanders.

  John Buford

• If I have any choice I would prefer Western Troops.

  John Buford

• I have not been able to get any grain yet. It is all in the country, and the people talk instead of working.

  John Buford

• I can do nothing with the enemy save observe him.

  John Buford

• Iam willing to serve my country, but do not wish to sacrifice the brave men under my command.

  John Buford

• I am disgusted and worn out with the system that seems to prevail.

  John Buford

• General: I attempted to take Williamsport yesterday, but found too large a force of infantry and artillery. After a long fight, I withdrew to this place.

  John Buford

• Found everybody in a terrible state of excitement on account of the enemy’s advance upon this place.

  John Buford

• During the whole campaign, from June 27 to July 31, there has been no shirking or hesitation, to tiring on the part of a single man so far as I have seen; the brigade commanders reported none.

  John Buford

John Buford (14)

Birth:	4th March, 1826
Death:	16th December, 1863
Nationality:	American
Profession:	Army Officer

About

John Buford, Jr. was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, USA. He was an American Army cavalry officer. He fought for the Union as a brigadier general during the American Civil War. He graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1848. Buford was given his first position in 1862, under Major General John Pope. He is best known for having played a major role in the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863 while in command of a division. In 1895, a bronze statue of Buford designed by artist James E. Kelly was dedicated on the Gettysburg Battlefield. In 1992, the M8 Buford light tank was produced and named after him.

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