Thoreau writes in his journal:
It would not be hard for some quiet brave man to leap into the saddle to-day and eclipse Napoleon’s career by a grander,—show men at length the meaning of war. One reproaches himself with supineness, that he too has sat quiet in his chamber, and not treated the world to the sound of the trumpet; that the indignation which has so long rankled in his breast does not take to Horse and to the field. The bravest warrior will have to fight his battles in his dreams, and no earthly war note can arouse him.
