Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest, called Bedford Forrest in his lifetime, was a lieutenant general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered as a self-educated, brutal, and innovative cavalry leader during the war and as a leading Southern advocate in the postwar years. He was a pledged delegate from Tennessee to the New York Democratic national convention of 4 July 1868. He served as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, but later distanced himself...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth13 July 1821
CountryUnited States of America
I loved the old government in 1861. I loved the old Constitution yet. I think it is the best government in the world, if administered as it was before the war. I do not hate it; I am opposing now only the radical revolutionists who are trying to destroy it. I believe that party to be composed, as I know it is in Tennessee, of the worst men on Gods earth - men who would not hesitate at no crime, and who have only one object in view - to enrich themselves.
I am not an enemy of the Negro. We want him here among us; he is the only laboring class we have.
Men, do as I say and I will always lead you to victory.
I did not come here for the purpose of surrendering my command.
Forward, men, and mix with them.
I've got no respect for any young man who won't join the colors.
What I desire most of you, my son, is never to gamble or swear. These are baneful vices.
No damn man kills me and lives.
I will be in my coffin before I will fight again under your command.
If you surrender you shall be treated as prisoners of war, but if I haveto storm your works you may expect no quarter.
I done told you twice already goddammit no!
Attack in all directions!
If one road led to hell and the other to Mexico, I would be indifferent which to take.
We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment.