- Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard: And what about you, Dixon? What did you lose in this war besides a good chunk of your leg? Your wife. I do not wish to be... indiscreet, but I have heard the story. She was on a ferry boat that went down in the Tennessee River - hit by a torpedo... that drifted in from God knows where. How can you bear that?
- Lt. George Dixon: I read you lost your wife, sir. I'm sure it pains you to talk about that.
- Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard: On the contrary. It helped me to get rid of the trappings of sentiment. She died... giving birth to my daughter. Now, there's a test for you - a test for the strength of one's heart. There is this beautiful child - and she cost you the woman you love. Whatever you do... from that moment onwards, you are really just... marking time. Isn't that right, Dixon?
- Lt. George Dixon: Yes, sir.
- Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard: You know something, Dixon? You and I... we are... somewhat alike.
- Lt. George Dixon: Yeah, in what way, sir?
- Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard: We are both romantics... in an age of barbarians.