Battle of Brice's Crossroads - Forrest's Greatest Victory (Lecture)

Join National Park Ranger Matt Atkinson as he explores the controversial Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest entered the service as a private and surrendered as a Lieutenant General. Along the way, this uneducated backwoods fellow learned the art of war, culminating in the year 1864 with the controversey at Fort Pillow, his greatest victory at Brice's Crossroads, and an all-out effort by General William T. Sherman to thwart "that devil Forrest."

[@FerretMasterXX]

Whatever this man (Matt Atkinson) is paid....quickly double it! He is THE most entertaining and also well informed historian I have had the privilege to listen to, not to mention my High School history instructor, Arthur Ash. A fountain of knowledge in a desert of ignorance! I am 71 years old and have had the privilege to hear many lecturers. Top Shelf stuff right here!

[@shiningstaer]

Probably cash.

[@curtishuggins661]

That c********* wasn't even part of the war you're a damn liar and your ancestors is full of s***

[@richardtucker8382]

I'm 71 also. I ride a big motorcycle 1,916 CC's. I'm new to this history thing or for anything to do with KZbin for that matters. Great Programming, Thank you all so much.

[@billmckinley9600]

My great great Grandfather rode with General Forrest, his b name was John! Coreyelle Langston.

[@billmckinley9600]

Salute General Forrest

[@petercolichidas7484]

Matt never gets old, he is a great presenter and funny! Because of him I have renewed my interest in The Civil War. Great job Matt!

[@KennethMachnica-vj3hf]

Actually, Civil War, is a misnomer. It was two different countries. History is written by the victors. That's why they like to bring up that slavery nonsense. But they don't tell you that Grant, Lincoln's main general, owned slaves with his wife. He had the distinction of being the last slave-holding President. Lincoln also imprisoned Maryland reps so that they couldn't vote to join the Confederacy. So Maryland was basically Lincoln's little bitch.

[@user-dd2gn1ij9l]

He’s the best of the best, I really don’t watch anyone else. Because of the way he explains it. I meet him quite a few times. And his wife and children, he better not retire

[@FoundingFathers-hb4tj]

Need more content from Matt. He's the best presenter the NPS has.

[@user-vo2sm1gd8f]

Test

[@lespangen]

@@user-vo2sm1gd8f : agree heartily 😬👏🏼👍🏼he’s fabulous

[@CCassiusLonginus]

Matt Atkinson is a scholar and a gentleman, the James Bond of park rangers.

[@canadadelendaest8687]

Yeah, this is one of the better lectures because of him. Funny and entertaining guy

[@springfield03sniper]

@@canadadelendaest8687 forrest is a touchy subject because of the KKK connection.....Matt did a great job here with keep it focused on the topic at hand....I have bad the privilege of taking 2 walling tours with Matt, and they are great...highly recommend.

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

Lol He is most compulsive, charismatic and wonderfully southern. Very witty too.

[@johnqpublic2718]

And yet he mispronounces "Cavalry"

[@lespangen]

@@canadadelendaest8687 fabulous narrator 😬👍🏼👏🏼

[@krisinsaigon]

this Park Ranger is a hell of a great story teller

[@alexmitchell400]

@@Eris123451 you tried to sound intelligent but you really just sound pretentious. Dude is speaking to a crowd which requires charisma. Not something expected in a KZbin response. Get lost

[@carywest9256]

@@Eris123451 if you were paying attention, this park Ranger is from the State of Mississippi. He knows all about his State's history!

[@Westcoastjazzer]

I can't to get enough of Ranger Matt Atkinson's lectures. He has taught thousands of people the many stories of the Civil War and continues on. Thank You Sir!

[@alysonbiscamp4702]

I Love Matts lectures .. he makes them so interesting and relatable and has an amazing personality ❤

[@jasoneyopp9744]

Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the best generals to ever go to war!

[@eddiemeskony3551]

He was a truly outstanding man gifted with a rare talent that was as lethal as a cobra. A true warriors warrior! Rest in peace Nathan Bedford Forrest.

[@lewisdavis6357]

@@rumy6871 nah not really. No more so than Jefferson or many of the Founding Fathers.

[@jamesrobison3]

Probably the best general

[@stevencooper4422]

Jackson was better imo

[@eddiemeskony3551]

@@lewisdavis6357 Nathan Bedford Forrest was not a founding father. And most of the founding fathers were not military men.

[@davidhay3924]

Matt you are by far my favourite lecturer and battlefield guide. you are always entertaining. You always add a few funny or unique stories in your talks! keep them coming

[@Mike-ec5cz]

I’m from Memphis and Forrest was and is my hero!

[@billydurham4143]

Forest was about the only guy who understood modern warfare.

[@tylersmity3845]

@ is that a question?

[@tylersmity3845]

@ then yes he's a hero

[@tylersmity3845]

@ he didn't help find shit the klan was already made when he joined

[@tylersmity3845]

@ he didn't gleefully butchered shit he gave the poor basterds of fort pillow 4 chances to surrender and they refuse and mocked him

[@fuferito]

The best part of the story about Bedford Forrest whipping the behind of a runaway soldier with brushwood and sending him roughly back to the fight was that, all along, it was a runaway Union soldier.

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

Another great lecture ! This channel is pure gold !!!

[@maxcorder2211]

Growing up in Tupelo, MS on Forrest Street in the 1960’s, this is my backyard. Great presentation. My grandfather served in the Mississippi regiment in the war.

[@1960BobD]

I am sorry there is such shame in your family. Your family took up arms against the USA to keep a race of people enslaved.

[@tlivingston001]

This park ranger is great! I found him to be both knowledgeable and engaging.

[@scottriley1913]

Times were tough and very complicated and all of every action needs to be taken into its complete CONTEXT, Forrest remains to me one of the greatest American soldiers to ever exist on American soil.

[@rafaelcruz3001]

"american"

[@danielwhittaker695]

AHMEN IM BRITISH AND I AGREE 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cmzeman]

Traitor punk

[@williammaples7599]

@@cmzeman Your ancestors wet their pants when they heard he was in the area. Pussy...

[@joepetto9488]

@@cmzeman My ancestors all fought with the Union on both sides, I am proud of their illustrious warrior lineage, and I we, we yankees, will be taking up the mantle of the South, we will remove the markedly 'unamerican' types from our nation, including yourself. A knee to the back will be seen as merciful, this is a land bought by the blood of Northern Europe, and you will fall like wheat to the scythe for the sake of our heathen blood.

[@mikephillips8538]

Great job Ranger Atkinson. Respect from San Antonio Texas. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a great southerner a great Confederate military man in battle in planning and execution.

[@jonathankenton7182]

I grew up in West Tennessee just like Forrest. My grandfather, much like Forrest was uneducated man but rest assured, I learned more than you can imagine from this “uneducated “ man.

[@marknewton6984]

A cool guy not used in the West. Brilliant!

[@barrygarner6125]

I really enjoy hearing Matt share historic stories from the Civil War!

[@charlesfritz7131]

Matt Atkinson is an extremely well versed and humorous lecturer with an uncanny knack of garnering your attention and instilling your hunger for learning.

[@tiamatxvxianash9202]

Much appreciated Mr. Atkinson. 1st class presentation as always.

[@detsportsfan18]

Forrest & Sherman, to me, two of my ultimate favorites to learn about. Fantastic soldiers, they were, indeed.

[@michaelhenriksen4909]

I think that this was a good documentary about lieutenant general Forrest, that covered a great deal of details about him and his role in the war, and had a balanced sense of humor that did´t felt out of place. Good video.

[@patriciajollie9687]

This guy is pretty funny he has a nice manner fairly typically southern nice

[@doshutokeshi3877]

This is quite possibly, the most entertaining talk I have ever seen on KZbin. I only wish I was there to see it in person.

[@mnpd3]

Forrest had a poor formal education, but was not illiterate or "uneducated." He routinely wrote correspondence even if the grammar wasn't correct. Neither was he "backwoods" by the standards of the day. My Great-Grandfather was under Forrest's command, Co G, 4th TN Cav. who died in 1912 and left many family stories.

[@Whidbey4570]

I thoroughly enjoyed Matt's presentation. Even the digressions were entertaining. I hope he'll be doing more of them.

[@lawrencekirwin9665]

Ranger Matt is the best. Totally in command of subject matter audience and painting alternative thinking on every subject lectured. Thank you Ranger. Rangers Lead The Way! HooRah!

[@rockbrown4421]

Well done Matt.

[@majcorbin]

listened to and enjoyed your annecdote filled lecture. GREAT JOB MATT

[@skyjammer]

I’ve watched this lecture three times before, but this fourth time around was more meaningful having just visited Okolona and Brice’s Crossroads. Great lecture, Ranger!

[@lancegardner8560]

If they'd been 5 Forrest's the South would have won. Even with pickets foolish charge

[@denisestrickland2976]

I’ll be watching again. I love all history. I like “true “ history. Once you research, find all the facts that are available, then I form my opinion. So far in my opinion this man was great.

[@oldmanfunky4909]

This Park Ranger is a National Treasure.

[@dr.jamespizzadili8833]

Great lecture. I grew up 10 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line, and left there 50 years ago. Ever since I have occasionally used the term "skeered" or "askeered" and I've never heard anyone else say it until now.

[@GreatFish]

Atkinson is a brilliant speaker. Very interesting.

[@chrisdavern9482]

Matt Atkinson lectures are absolute quality

[@Billbothebear14]

That was outstanding. No lecture I have ever attended, EVER.. has previously kept me so entertained and so amused. Well done that man.. You can come again. Perhaps we are just lucky to live in more peace-able [?] times. Great post.. thank you. WF [an Anglo who lurves the southern drawl..]

[@rc3082]

Another superb Civil War history presentation by Ranger Atkinson. Thoroughly enjoyed his outline and captivating familial conclusion.

[@revmo37]

Mr. Atkinson is amazing ! Thank you so much for this great lecture

[@scottyb68]

I've been to Gettysburg 2 times. I would love to go on Matt's tours or lectures like this one. I like the way he crafts his stories and occasionally wanders off much like my father does when talking about supper and ending up in the 3rd grade a hour later. I learn a lot from those sidetrackes too.

[@catdaddy3302]

One of my (paternal ) 2x grandfathers was with Jeffrey Forrest when he was killed. He was in the 2nd Mississippi Cavalry. After his death, the 2nd merged in with Forrest’s 5th Cavalry.

[@tsimmons121]

thank you Matt...good stuff

[@NeilFLiversidge]

Terrific lecture - many thanks.

[@saunders06516]

Once again with Matt a great amount of knowledge and a great amount of entertainment.

[@leesanders6490]

Thanks Matt, that was great!

[@lorigoodwin269]

Another great lecture Matt. Very well done. :)

[@paulwallis7586]

Who would think of the weather? Saladin, during the Crusades. Destroyed an entire Crusader army by cooking them in the desert heat. The quote from Sherman is pretty right. Easy to see why, too.Great presentation.

[@virgiljohnson7504]

Yes this Park ranger is the best that I've ever seen Great Job Matthew 😊😊😊

[@robpayne3801]

Matt needs to do more of these

[@RobbyHouseIV]

Just curious, are you still with Cornwallis or have you gone on to other endeavors? ;o)

[@robpayne3801]

Robby House Nah, I left that loser a long time ago... He was too soft for me.

[@robpayne3801]

***** pretty great, I was branded a strategic genius for the rest of history. IMMORTALITY!!!!

[@robpayne3801]

***** Yes I have. I was most certainly disappointed in the CSA losing the Civil War.

[@RobbyHouseIV]

Banastre Tarelton I made Savannah my home for 5 years until I was forced to leave to find better employment opportunities in Atlanta. I hated to go but did and I've missed it every since. Can't believe it's been 15 year now since I moved. I really miss all the apartment locations I lived in all throughout the downtown historic district. Good stuff. Robby

[@richardw3052]

This is a fascinating presentation. I saw a video with quotes from generals on each side talking about generals on the other and was very curious about Forrest after hearing what Sherman said about Forrest, specifically about his time in the military, so this is the exact right video.

[@martinstiastny7679]

A wonderful storyteller. Throughly enjoyed this video

[@robinculver4154]

Yes Sir, you are right about Gen. Forest being loved much in North MS. He was the man who stood at times with few men, yet he managed to out-fox the Yankees. He stood and protected the ppl of North MS. Someone should come to North MS and do a documentary on the stories handed down through the families here. In war, he was a brilliant diamond. There is a reason the Yankees had a bounty on his head.

[@guerrierodelgiaguaro]

Great Matt! It has been a pleasure to listen to you :)

[@londonforrest2339]

that's my great great great grandfather

[@brendawysong4466]

He was the finest field commander in American history. All combat commanders should be thoroughly schooled in his resourcefulness, strategy, tactics, courage, and leadership.

[@plowboysghost]

Well then, you come from exceptional stock.

[@deankruger2612]

@London forest. I'll have to go back and look it up but I am pretty sure your great grandfather had captured my great grandfather . my great grandfather had been sent to Andersonville in 1862. I know he was there for at lest a year Intel he was moved somewhere else. on the way there the train had derailed and killed almost 1/3 of the pow's in his box car. I am not sure where he ended up going but I know he stayed there Intel the end of the war. I will say this. your grandfather was a fascinating man and I believe he was fighting for a just cause. I often wonder what it would be like if the C.S.A. had won. for I am a big supporter of the 10th. amendment and states rights.

[@deankruger2612]

London Forrest ok my bad on a few things. I was talking to my mom about Andersonville pow camp. the train derailment was on the way there and it was there is where he stayed until the end of the war. and she thinks it wasn't until 1863 that got captured. she's not sure who they surrendered to but she did think it was in Tennessee. so giving that I wouldn't be surprised if it was your great grandfather.

[@johnbernard7280]

London Forrest You must be very pleased to have such an ancestor.

[@stephanwolfhunter]

Growing up in Virginia in the 1960s and 70s, history classes concentrated more on Gen Lee and his army. However, we did hear a bit about Nathan. Many people are disgusted with him due to his affiliation with the klan, and they have good reason to be. They would rather forget he existed. But history is history, good or bad. And Matt Atkinson needs to do more lectures! I really enjoyed this one.

[@wayneschumacher130]

I think the concept of the Lost Cause fits into the conversation here. ..

[@beckweth]

Stephan Smith - Study up on Reconstruction Governor Brownlow of Tennessee to understand why the KKK was formed at all.

[@karenbartlett1307]

Stephan Smith They called him Bedford.

[@bleueyeddevl]

+beck-weth beckweth Can you recommend any good books?

[@beckweth]

+bleueyeddevl - all I"ve read has been on the internet. Some indepth information on Nathan Bedford Forrest I've read on the internet. Nathan was not what people believe about him. He was one of the most remarkable people who ever lived. Its a propaganda campaign against him.

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

He is the most interesting and witty of civil war lecturers. Southern authenticity and charm.

[@tonystoakley5816]

I love watching Ranger Mat he is so engaging and interesting

[@terrygp1]

Wow, this guy (the lecturer is great), he tells the story so well, so entertaining ...

[@ML-fm1xs]

Matt I never watched you until now. I’m a fan. You are for real just like Nathan Bedford Forrest.

[@michaeloconnell8779]

Another amazing job. This US Park Ranger is an amazing historian.

[@b1laxson]

Thanks for the presentation. Allow me to say as a Canadian I can view the material in much the same way one might Rommel or Guderian of World War 2: The methods of leadership and tactics without agreeing nor partaking of their "cause".

[@tommytodd9073]

Great presentation Matt, you rock!

[@StephenPaulTroup]

Great presentation Matt! One wonders what might Forrest have been able to accomplish with an army of 30-40,000 or even a Corp under his command?

[@tomcockburn653]

Will Outlaw, don't you have a liquor store to rob?

[@denisestrickland2976]

Or if more generals had the brains and nerve to fight like he did.

[@normanlathrop6533]

Thank you for this awesome and informative presentation!

[@brianx8550]

Great lecture thanks for sharing !

[@harleyd9857]

Very good narration. You’ve done your research. Much obliged.

[@oldnovocastrianbarry8703]

He would make an excellent after dinner speaker and he has a good sense of humour cheers Barry from England

[@zackmaxklein]

I watch these Matt reruns and see something new each time!

[@carywest9256]

Miss Janet, would you be from Texas?

[@murrayangus]

A great presentation - entertaining and very informative.

[@paulmc9203]

The weather also helped defeat Napoleon at Waterloo (also month of June). Weather is a huge factor throughout history.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Thanks for this video. Well done Matt Atkinson. I was once a "Southern" (USM) General", Hattiesburg, and Ole Miss Rebel. The CSA had great soldiers and leaders. Forrest was an exemplary leader, still studied. It hurts to see how easily Southern heritage has been dismantled, relinquished without discussion. Alabama was smart to protect its monuments and statues. Hope Mississippi has done the same.

[@HermanLabuschagne]

Outstanding delivery. My compliments!

[@david6532]

absolutely brilliant and matt is a natural.

[@timothyspearman9347]

I like this guy. Nice work.

[@andrewsilverstein6186]

Who doesn't enjoy Mr. Atkinson completely!

[@dobypilgrim6160]

My GG Grandfather was there. Commander (1LT) James Minor Edmondson. 11th Tenn Cavalry

[@mwchestnut1]

Ranger Matt is ALWAYS the Best.

[@chloroxbleach8561]

I love forrest. He was such a great general of the confederacy and is so underated.

[@Keith52188]

Another great lecture Matt. Thanks

[@cindyponn2373]

Very interesting material. Learned quite a bit.

[@RossBlankinship-mf1sp]

What a talented speaker and a wonderful presentation

[@joshualeclair9729]

I loved this presentation!!! I wish kids these days could understand that you can preserve all history even the stuff you don’t agree with. If you destroy the history we may forget and be doomed to repeat it. Preserve all History, the good, the bad, and the ugly!!!

[@johnwood738]

This ranger ranks right up at the top of story tellers!

[@johningram1920]

Well worth the time to watch.

[@robertpayne2717]

He was a Man of his Time and to judge him by today's standards are not right. He was a brilliant tactician no matter the time "Get there first with the Most"

[@jrjohnryanjr]

Forrest was a founder of the KKK

[@mnpd3]

I got pissed at a newspaper editorial which was titled, "Civil War General was a Racist." And, I wrote the goofy editor about it. If you have to hold 19th Century people to 21st Century standards, go ahead ... but apply it to ALL 18th Century people. That of course includes "Honest" Abe Lincoln, whose plan was to ship all "Africans back to their native clime." And, had the not been assassinated, would have done it. Imagine Abe Lincoln being the greatest hero to today's radical blacks. Of course the truth about such things is always the first casualty.

[@jrjohnryanjr]

mnpd3 look he was the first head of the Klan When that abhorrent organization was formed most Americans ( admittedly racist) believed that the Klan was NOT an organization to be admired What is your personal view on the Klan?

[@historicus146]

Yep. And why did the KKK begin? In response to Reconstruction and the taking of property by carpetbaggers. What it then evolved into prompted Forrest to leave its ranks.@@jrjohnryanjr

[@historicus146]

To your point.. www.abraham-lincoln-history.org/lincoln-douglas-4th-debate-charleston-illinois/ @@mnpd3

[@SeattleRex]

This guy is awesome. Love his stuff.

[@robertzelin9713]

excellent well researched and fair n balanced great presentor

[@georgebethos7890]

Sorry Matt. Forrest was NOT illiterate!There are numerous examples of his written business dealings IN HIS OWN HAND His personal fortune was in EXCESS of one million dollars making him one of the richest men in the South at the time. An excellent talk overall though,thanks much!!☯️🕉🙀

[@bps5891]

George Bethos I agree. I’m not sure how he came to that conclusion. There are many examples of his writing.

[@killcancer6499]

There are degrees of illiteracy. The only example of NBF's handwriting I have ever seen was his signature. It looked very much like that of a 6 year old. In fact, it looked almost exactly like my grandfather's signature who was illiterate.

[@RobbyHouseIV]

I agree with Banastre Tarelton regarding the need for more Matt Atkinson video clips! He's by far my favorite park ranger at Gettysburg. Regarding the subject matter, I've really become quite intrigued with Nathan Bedford Forrest only becoming familiar with him after watching this particular video some months ago. He was quite a character, that's for sure.

[@RobbyHouseIV]

***** Probably. He was however, a brilliant general whose natural talents for war probably wasn't put to best use by the Confederate hierarchy.

[@karenbartlett1307]

Robby House Nathan Bedford Forrest was the greatest cavalry General of the Civil War.

[@RobbyHouseIV]

***** So you're using a battle he loses during the same month that the entire Confederacy comes crashing down and the Civil War ends as some sort of proof he's not a very good general? I don't think many out there would give him a hard time for this battlefield loss. And your comments about his performance at the Battle of Chickamauga really fail to make that big an impression on me. While Chickamauga was a Confederate victory, the whole affair can be described by both sides as a bit of a train wreck. I myself don't view or think of him as this invincible figure of the war. Indeed I always caution against giving somebody either past or present the invincible label as it simply doesn't last for long. While far from invincible I think his overall performance during the war show him to be an extremely effective commander, possessing a sense about his mind to quickly survey the terrian to use it to his advantage which gave in the edge in many battles.

[@karenbartlett1307]

He also did not fight the War by himself, but there were other generals who had a bearing on how battles turned out. General Forrest was also not at every battle. Sometimes other cavalry and their generals were engaged in some campaigns, and made decisions which were not as effective. Only in hindsight did the Confederates realize Gen. Forrest's worth.

[@karenbartlett1307]

***** Even Pres. Davis said that he did not utilize the ability of Nathan Bedford Forrest fully and should have let him do more. General Forrest should have led an army instead of merely leading a cavalry.

[@noahrichardson466]

I'm not sure how many times I've listened to this but it's still good.

[@georgschmidt494]

General George Patton JR had a Grandfather who was a Lt. Col in the confederated army. Patton was like Forest attack attack attack.

[@tarsitano66]

Great lecture about Forrest...!

[@ddjay1363]

Good lecture, I like that. As an Engish historian I would really like to visit 'Civil War Country', from Manassas to Brice's. It'd be a good 'holiday' fer me I think. ;-)

[@arfermcarfer1369]

great presentation.......right there...

[@lanesmith4420]

great job matt

[@curacaokidd]

excellent job!!!!

[@annechildress2721]

Love it! Great great great! And grinning at Gideon Pillow - that was my ancestor! MATT ROCKS!

[@jacobmasters438]

Crazy how close we are to the past. Shows how far we have came as a Nation as well. My 5x great grandfather fought for the 1st KY. Cavalry. Union

[@annechildress2721]

@@jacobmasters438 I have both Union and Confederate in my Kentucky story. Including, the Orphan Brigade.

[@jacobmasters438]

@@annechildress2721That's amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

very well done sir

[@carolbell8008]

Gen. Forrest ‘s tactics and strategy are exactly the same as Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Use the element of surprise and attack fast and hard. The strategy MacArthur used in the war in Korea, to attack the most heavily defended harbor because they never believed that anyone would even attempt, MacArthur did and was very successful with the cooperation of the US Navy. I’ve studied The war of Northern Aggression but this is the first time learning about General Nathan B. Forrest. What a great warrior and simply fascinating. Thanks for the excellent lecture Matthew Park Ranger. How about one of Gen. A.P. Hill?

[@sleeperawake9818]

Love Matt Atkinson's lectures. Is there more from GettysburgNPS or any other NPS from Matt besides whats already on KZbin???

[@deegigidaugherty1578]

Fabulous presentation! ‘Fustest with the Mostest!’

[@Artsartisan]

General Nathan Bedford Forrest gave an interview to a reporter in August of 1868. He spoke of the black men who served with him: "...these boys stayed with me...and Confederates did not live" "I will say to you and to the colored race that men who bore arms and followed the flag of the Confederacy are, with very few exceptions, your friends. I have an opportunity of saying what I have always felt - that I am your friend, for my interests are your interests, and your interests are my interests. We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, and live in the same land. Why, then, can we not live as brothers? I will say that when the war broke out I felt it my duty to stand by my people. When the time came I did the best I could, and I don't believe I flickered. I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe that I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to bring about peace. It has always been my motto to elevate every man- to depress none." "Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. I have been in the heat of battle when colored men, asked me to protect them. I have placed myself between them and the bullets of my men, and told them they should be kept unharmed. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand."

[@josephcockburn1402]

@Brian Glover lies

[@killcancer6499]

@Brian Glover Well, the version of Hurst's biography of Forrest that I read depicted a much more complex man than you portray here. For instance, he told of Forrest punishing his own men for selling black Union soldiers back into slavery when he felt they should be treated as prisoners of war. There were thousands of tabloid newspapers all over the North and South publishing greatly exaggerated tales and outright lies. You are right about one thing though. Forrest was no Robert E. Lee. If Forrest had been in Lee's position the Confederacy would have won. So, Forrest used the white flag to "illegal" improve his position, without firing a shot? Of course the commander in the fort was buying time in hopes of Union gunboat support. You are a purveyor of half truths and outright lies. No one who has read as much about the man as you could come away with an honest opinion of the man which is as simplistic as yours. Just sayin'. There is no point in debating you. Have a nice day.

[@killcancer6499]

@Brian Glover Okay, I will respond to you this one more time. Your quote: Forrest's dispatch stated: The river was dyed with the blood of the slaughtered for two hundred yards. The approximate loss was upward of five hundred killed, but few of the officers escaping. My loss was about twenty killed. It is hoped that these facts will demonstrate to the Northern people that negro soldiers cannot cope with Southerners. The only source for that quote I know of is the autobiography of Ulysses S. Grant, hardly an unbiased source. It is inconsistent with the fact that black men served in Forrest's personal escort. The man's actions are a far more reliable indicator of his character than a questionable quote. As I said previously, your portrayal of the man's actions are deliberately filled with half truths, whole lies, and significant omissions of pertinent facts. The only thing clear about the events at Fort Pillow is that what happened is unclear. There are too many conflicting reports. Certainly William Tecumseh Sherman did not agree with your version of events following the investigation. I have never tried to whitewash the man's record. He was far from perfect, but he was far from the villain you go out of your way to portray him as. He was a man with a capacity for violence in a violent time. He also made his great personal fortune buying and selling human beings. He would also express far more respect for the capabilities of Black Americans than the vast majority of people of his time, including Abraham Lincoln. Ironically, this respect was likely borne of his personal experience with Blacks as a slave owner and trader. A long line of thousands of Black Americans paid their respects at the time of his death. Will they do the same for you?

[@killcancer6499]

@Brian Glover Do you really expect me to try and convince you of things you already believe to be true? We both know you are simply a troll here to stir the shit. By the way, Forrest had very little formal education. While he was a very good speaker (albeit often in plain language), he preferred to write as little as possible. He often had his reports written by others. An example of his signature in Jack Hurst's book looks very childlike. This is the first I have ever heard that he kept a diary. I have heard that he did write letters to his loved ones, including a slave wife. Goodbye, again.

[@killcancer6499]

@Brian Glover Now you are guilty of putting words in my mouth. I did not use the word "illiterate". I said he had little formal education, which is true. In fact, I pointed out that he did write letters and some of his own reports. Illiterate is a matter of definition and degree which is why I specifically avoided that word. But hey, what should I expect from you? Certainly not the truth. You know what the "Good Book" says, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." As I understand it, approximately 45-60 of Forrest's slaves served with him during the war for the promise of freedom. One or two left service prior to the end of the war. Many of them served as teamsters. Some served as calvary. Some served in his Personal Escort, which was specifically chosen for loyalty , courage, and performance under fire. Some of these men can be seen in photographs of the Personal Escort reunions. As I understand it, Forrest freed the slaves who served prior to the war's end because he was afraid he might not survive to keep his promise of freedom. Still, nearly all of them continued to serve until end of the war despite receiving their freedom. I am well aware of the types of sources used to reconstruct history. I only have a problem with your selective and sometimes inventive use of such sources--real and imagined. Yes, I said I was done responding. I will do my best to allow you the luxury of the last--albeit less than honest-word. I am confident you will give it your best. Have a nice day.