William L. Marcy Quotes

United States, Politician
December 12, 1786 – July, 4, 1857.

William Learned Marcy was an American lawyer, politician, and judge who served as U.S. Senator, Governor of New York, U.S. Secretary of War and U.S. Secretary of State. In the latter office, he negotiated the Gadsden Purchase, the last major acquisition of land in the continental United States.

Also known as Lawyer, Judge

To the victor belong the spoils of the enemy.

William L. Marcy
- Enemy
- Spoil
The politicians of New York as not so fastidious as some gentlemen are, as to disclosing the principles on which they act. They boldly preach what they practice...if they are defeated, they expect to retire from office. If they are successful, they claim, as a matter of right, the advantages of success. They see nothing wrong in the rule that to the victor belongs the spoils of the enemy.

William L. Marcy