Who was Nathan Bedford Forrest? (Part 1)

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Major General William T. Sherman, the officer who disemboweled the Confederacy with his marches across Georgia and through the Carolinas, understood the nature of total war. That uniquely qualified him to offer assessment of one of the most remarkable and yet controversial officers in all of the Confederacy.
During the war, Sherman spat out, “that devil must be hunted down and killed if it costs 10,000 lives and bankrupts the Federal Treasury!” Later, in reflection, he offered that that devil, militarily speaking, was the most remarkable man the Civil War produced on either side.
For this episode, part 1 of the man and officer who, particularly in these times, remains a lightning rod for knee-jerk-like reaction - both pro and con.
This is the story of The Wizard of the Saddle. This is the story of Nathan Bedford Forrest.
#civilwar #civilwarhistory #confederate
Narrated by Fred Kiger
Produced by Dan Irving
Published by Third Wheel Media
We're looking for sponsors for this channel. If you're interested in learning more about this limited opportunity, email: [e-mail]
____________________________________________________________________
Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode:
William T. Sherman
President Andrew Jackson
Gideon Pillow
Abel D. Streight
Emma Sansom
D. H. Hill

[@nealboswell8786]

I see nothing "controversial" about this great Southern Patriot. He fought all the way for his home land.

[@DIZELMADE]

Not even after the Fort Pillow Massacre?

[@samizdat113]

​@@DIZELMADE Don't care.

[@andywindes4968]

As I noted in the livestream, my ancestor, Col. Francis Marion Windes, fought under Forrest. He commanded the 4th Alabama Cavalry at Brice's Crossroads and later fought a delaying action at Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama, that allowed Forrest's command to escape across the Tennessee river to the south bank when the river was high. For this later action, he was personally commended by Forrest. The 4th Alabama fought under Wheeler as well, and I've tried to find out if Col. Windes Regiment was at Fort Pillow (I hope not). So far, I have been unable to find any clear evidence, one way or the other.

[@nanouli6511]

Don't believe the Yankee account of Fort Pillow. If interested, I will tell you the truthful account.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Where do you get your resources? I'm looking for some on Nathan Bedford Forest, hoping to discover any family journals, diaries, letters, and records, to gain a greater clarity of the man, his personality, vision of future, business expectations , desires for his children's opportunities, his expectations, pre and post Civil War. He doesn't feel like a man of tunnel vision, preoccupied with his Ego, and not as much with the black/white prejudicial attitude that so many were obsessed with. I may be wrong, but I just have a suspicion he was a man that could redefine his perspective. The Ft Pillow incident is one that I know a bit on both sides, but neither have I pursued for the greater facts. I suspect it was not an attractive military engagement on the part of the South. I live about 15 - 20 North of Ft Pillow. If you have a Public email address or contact method, let me know and I will share any Resources I might discover. Thanks, Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian

[@HeadFullaZombie]

​@bethbartlett5692 The guy was a slave trader who later had his troops massacre freed slaves fighting for the union that he had a hand in bringing to Memphis in the first place. That pretty much sums him up. No redemption.

[@Matthew-rr4de]

Wow! You sound as if you were there to witness it all yourself. Judge, jury, and hangman all in one. You might want to check your sissy emotional reactions before you play pretend history.

[@mikerichards7515]

Hot air is strong with this one

[@hw260]

Forrest was feral and fierce. Had no formal education. He was not sophisticated. He was resourceful and able to think-outside-the-box and pivot instinctually. He was a killing machine and was able to turn those in his command into loyal killing machines. He was a combat soldier who kept the enemy 'skeert'. He surely did.

[@creighton8069]

One of my distant ancestors fought under Forrest. It’s really crazy how my family fought on both sides against each other. Knowing this is what developed my interest in studying the war

[@bushranger51]

Actually that wasn't unique, many families had the same split, brother against brother, father against son.

[@brentinnes5151]

also Marylanders at Gettysburg killed each other....a unique war that

[@brentinnes5151]

@@cfcinilope thats why that war is so unique to humanity...will never happen again...literally brothers killing brothers...Johnny moves from Atlanta to work in NY, marries a yankee girl has children..conscripted to fight for Union..down in Georgia he is fighting family and old friends and killing them...then you have the border states and Eastern Tenn where counties are divided...human tragedy unprecidented...Mary Lincoln was a rabid Unionist and her step brothers killed were rebs..

[@JScottCee]

There's nothing more personal than a family feud. ⭐❌⭐

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Whatever you believe, love him or hate him, NBF was an American original and legend

[@Dracsmolar]

My great grandfather joined the cavalry under Forrest in 1862 at 16 and was a first sergeant when surrendered at citronelle Alabama in 1865.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

General Forrest was quite the man. He couldn’t have made it in today’s world. I am writing a book on General George Dibrell who served under Nate Bedford and also under General Wheeler after the battle of Chickamauga. Dibrell commanded the 8th Tennessee. He is from the town next to me. I was fortunate to interview his grand daughter before she died at over 100 years old.

[@randypick1]

Dibrell was part of the raid at Carroll Station on the early morning of Dec 18, 1862. My grandparents lived close to the tracks and where the block house was that was destroyed in Forrest early morning surprise attack. I use to find mini balls in that location at Carroll Station. How might i get a finished book on General Dibrell you are writing?

[@johnsowers254]

I can’t tell you enough how appreciative I am of the show, podcast and your efforts to help others enjoy the history that is the American civil war. Your narration is simply superb. Thank you for all you do.

[@cynikaleyes]

My great great grandfather was a "gentleman trader" from Helena across the river in Arkansas and worked with Mr Forrest.

[@BrianJohnson-bb2vi]

Brillant tactical mind, super bad ass warrior, his courage is mind boggling to me.

[@gib59er56]

The only way a soldier can do his job effectively is to recognize he is already dead so he can do his job. Lt. Ronald Spears--------Band of Brothers.

[@terryeustice5399]

Thanks for this documentary on General Forest Bedford. He was a piece of work for sure. Thank you! 💯👊👍💕

[@garypatrick7817]

Can’t wait for part 2

[@whodoobucrew2960]

This is really well done. I've been following your channel for a bit, and I feel you've really come into your own with this one. It felt like a hardcore history episode

[@nevereasy9501]

Yo fam i look forward to these videos so much im not even gonna lie - my wife hates stuff like this so I wait till she’s in bed - smoke my weed pen and easy away into the best page on KZbin. Thanks for all you do here.

[@catdaddy1358]

Such an outstanding video. Thank you for all of your research and hard work!

[@gregdiamond6023]

John Wyeth wrote the best biography of Forrest that I’ve read so far.

[@FryingTiger]

Mama just chases em off the back porch with a broom. 😂

[@jameslovelace8958]

My 3rd Great Grand Father was captured when Pillow surrendered Fort Donelson. Later released he rejoined his unit. Company C 27th Alabama Infantry from Florence Alabama.

[@barrycarroll1776]

..Wonderful history, I am reminded of the late historian Ed Bearss in your manner of narration. Thank you sir..!

[@gib59er56]

He is funny to listen to. Get Ken Burns series on the Civil War, he does some commenting .

[@KNOXHOLIDAY]

Been fascinated with this man since childhood, thank you for this

[@artwerksDallas]

Why?

[@chuckblackwell3860]

Read and learn instead of asking questions

[@user-ze6mh8fg1k]

Love this channel and the passion and the multi faceted tone it takes without imparting some liberal “progressive” dogma

[@foxyboiiyt3332]

The fact he was grand wizard of the KKK is so easily brushed under the carpet as liberal propaganda I suppose? He was a piece of crap

[@brentinnes5151]

like he was involved in fort pillow massacre and he was a big time slaveholder

[@neildaly2635]

It is intriguing to wonder what he could have accomplished commanding a larger force. He was an untaught military genius like Oliver Cromwell.

[@scottgoens7575]

He tried his hand at commanding a larger force at Chickamauga... he failed miserably. The command he asked for and received from Bragg was as big as he could handle.

[@Powerule23]

He wasn't a commanding field general. His expertise was raiding and causing episodic hell.

[@gib59er56]

@@Powerule23 Very well said. He could not have had a larger force to lead because as you said , his prowess was action, not directing others and standing by by.

[@leveraction3]

I live 20 minutes from Gadsden which there is a marker for this battle site

[@Bluegill_Boy]

Gadsden, Alabama, on the map during the video is my hometown in the valley of Sand Mountain. We have a school named after Emma Samson. She aided General Forrest & his Confederate calvary to cut off & catch the yankees off guard in Gadsden. They were successful, capturing yankees & taking their supply. We have a civil war reenactment every September of the battle. My family fought for the confederacy. I don't believe any were in Forrests' calvary. I find it baffling that Forrest isn't recognized or gets better recognition for the talented & ruthless general that he was. It's always "William T Sherman" but Forrest was the confederate version & just as ruthless. Hopefully, all of our fellow civil war nerds here can educate or bring light to how beastly & clever General Forrest truly was. I wouldn't want to be on the opposite side against him, that's for sure!

[@haroldharwell7078]

My great Aunt Daisy , was married to a man named Edgar Forrest. Who claimed to be a direct relative of Bedford Forrest. Many times I've had cousins, aunts & uncles say , did you know ..... Edgar , was as I remember, a very smart man , was bad to drink. He passed away in the '60s.

[@shforrister7453]

He had no direct descendants named “Forrest”. All from his direct line were descended from his daughters. My husband is related through a collateral line with a common ancestor, though he is a Forrister whose family name began as Forrest.

[@haroldharwell7078]

@@shforrister7453 I did not say , a direct descendant ...

[@shforrister7453]

@@haroldharwell7078 “Direct relative”. The direct part was the part that was misleading.

[@sheepdog1102]

Excellent work and well told!😊

[@manbearpig8971]

What great information and story telling. I have heard so much about him but nothing ever as good as the facts put it

[@int31cm]

well done, thank you for this history lesson

[@druballard8929]

I do so appreciate your productions. They have so much passion and are told so well. Please keep up the amazing work and if my current condition changes I will certainly become a member. Thank you!!!

[@katjo71367]

Me too! This is excellent.

[@AshleyDuncan-fx3oc]

You are AWESOME!!!

[@jb400years4]

The last few letters spell STORY.. can’t wait

[@Eriugena8]

best stuff on youtube even w/ some ads

[@stephenyouhanaie9524]

Awesome story telling!

[@alanmoffat4454]

SHOULDN'T THIS BE TAUGHTIN IN THE AMERICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM 🤔. 😮😊

[@wmschooley1234]

Of couse. As one of the worst human beings and traitors alive during and after the War of the Rebellion was concluded. Even bad examples of humanity have their teaching purposes for what children should avoid becoming.

[@HitManActual112]

You think?

[@theslimecrew4827]

For what reason?

[@jhosk]

This is the proper way to learn history.

[@alexmartin4772]

Nathan bedford forrest was a beast at warfare!!!

[@RailfanDownunder]

Superb work again sir .... Fascinating 😊

[@themillers2990]

Thank you Sir, and all of your helpers whomever they may be...Long Live The Confederacy! May the South Rise Again!

[@paulhusbands]

Amen Sir

[@davidspencer6384]

Excellent as ever. I know very little about NBF and this is very enlightening. (I always had my doubts about the tale of him lifting the Union soldier onto his saddle after Shiloh)

[@rainstone8762]

This was done very well!

[@HeavenWithouttheE]

I love all your content:) Are you going to offer Merch? A coffee cup would be an amazing addition to my A.M routine!!:)

[@lillybloom1590]

Forrest is still the only American general before the attacks on Iraq (which had no army, no navy, and no air force) who never lost a battle that he himself planned when he was in control of his own army. Hood pushed him into two losses. But never lost one on his plans.

[@ericwitt4586]

In my town were I was born in 1965 we have statues of Forrest and a big building named after him and several other tributes Georgia is my home and I love my State!

[@user-ju9cv9pr6f]

Outstanding!

[@gib59er56]

Hey it`s Forrest Gump`s grandad !

[@Minpingirl1958]

Love this

[@jackprarherjr7743]

God bless my CSA!

[@philliphelms6505]

My wife’s late uncle Dr. Lonnie Manus, who retired from the university of Martin, Tennessee wrote two books on general forest so it’s good to see this and you can find his books here crossroads Tennessee where I live at now at the visitor center exit 108 interstate 40 Parkers crossroads Tennessee.

[@upland20]

I don't yet know where your going with this. I have done some reading on the Man, the Legend, The Forrest. I do know this; I have never met the man that had half the sand to fill Forrest's boots. This was also a time when Men were Men. Oh how so badly we need them and Him today.

[@WhoGitDaBiscuit]

Worth listening to. Well done.

[@modoc852]

My great great grandpa wrote about marching to Corinth Mississippi to mostly guard against sabotage of railroads that were used for supply lines to fortify the union army. He mentioned “ole Forrest” several times in un flattering terms in his diary.

[@vcab6875]

Outstanding video. Delivered with passion and heart.

[@donaldjones3580]

Alumni N.B. Forrest H.S. 1968, Jacksonville, Fla. You him honor in this video.

[@leveraction3]

I had to look up blountsville living here in Alabama then I realized the pronunciation here in Alabama for that town is the O is silent, to be blunt ) just a little pun on the word, I live 1 hour south of it which I've been there many times,

[@anitaodom5155]

Correct. Thank you. My ears caught that, too.

[@gottmituns698]

Legendary Hero

[@PastorDanWhite]

Outstanding documentary. Thanks.

[@PastorDanWhite]

A great Confederate General. Bold. Daring. Smart.

[@susanwood5126]

Really appreciate the historical lessons. Thank you

[@mickknight6963]

My home county in Mississippi was named after him, Forrest County. My great, great grandfather joined and fought with the 7th Mississippi Battalion and was killed in Georgia in 1863. Horrible time in our country, but I reckon it had to happen. ☝️✌️

[@Snuffy03]

My favorite general. Get there first with the most men. The axiom of a winner.

[@Susan71105]

Thanks for the story

[@scottjunge5992]

Thanks again for the info 👍

[@gregorylittle1461]

Of the men that went with him into the War, forty-seven were his own slaves. He told them they would be freed by himself, if the South won, and by the enemy if the North won. Though controversial, this would have made an interesting observation in the report.

[@ArgoLupus]

Could the narrator and voice of TFtNT give us his name at the beginning and end of each episode? Thank you! Addictive history.

[@rolandmiller5456]

His name is Fred Kiger. He's from North Carolina.

[@terryhurlburt9113]

Would that we had such a fierce warrior today, our Southern Border would never have been so badly breached.

[@mikeable1376]

THANKS GREAT JOB

[@markrandle4368]

what a great voice. nicely done.

[@domnick7886]

Well done.

[@moxtr]

Great history lesson

[@KatherineShonebarger-y4g]

I did a college assignment on him , but could not grasp the concept emancipation on an assignment, got the degree though. I took a class on African American history and Native American history.

[@uwantsun]

Superb Fred. The wizard of the saddle, indeed.

[@foxyboiiyt3332]

And Grand Wizard of the KKK

[@Matthew-rr4de]

Arguably the best horse soldier of the war in all theaters, on either side

[@scottgoens7575]

Mosby did better in a smaller area, under more heat. Stuart was a better cavalryman.

[@dewjr]

Bravo 👏 bravo 👏

[@thomasmccrea8149]

Bravo 👏 ❤

[@user-jj4mb1vk4i]

Thanks!

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

This Narrator is cool 😎

[@paulhusbands]

He was the "Prince of the Saddle",,God rest his soul

[@ColKorn1965]

I'm related to him somehow

[@melodymakermark]

Shelby Foote told that fallen timbers embellishment as if it were gospel. I respected Shelby, but I think that was the novelist coming out in him.

[@LilRebelYell]

One of my ancestors, escaped fort donelson with Forrest and his men rather than surrender

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

.... rather than fight

[@timothydurkan]

A true Southern patriot.

[@brentinnes5151]

traitor is the word, he fought against the US, or maybe you too dumb to know that

[@BluMecker-ox6sx]

Where is pt 2

[@alanmoffat4454]

FROM A SCOTS MAN. 😮😊

[@OnlyMyPOV]

⚜️

[@user-rb8ew9iw8d]

What a GREAT MAN!!

[@kennethd9344]

My favorite MAN. GOD HAS Had to BLESS HIM ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brentinnes5151]

your not well..

[@Powerule23]

@@brentinnes5151 Not at all...

[@chrisbotelho7212]

Don't think so, Cletus.

[@stevehicks8944]

For WHAT? Authorizing the murder of unarmed Union POWs? Being the first Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan?

[@tylerdurden6208]

Bravo.

[@jyellowhammer]

Firstest with the mostest!

[@Lance.West4]

I'd hate to play poker with ole Forest...

[@johnanthonyalberola6252]

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANYONE UNTIL THAT WW2 HEREO THAT BECAME A COWBOY HERO

[@Lance.West4]

He was MOH winner Forest Gumps great grandfather.

[@samizdat113]

He was a great man

[@OctavioDelgado-ft8rd]

Part 2

[@user-rb8ew9iw8d]

We need men like General Forrest now, in today's military.

[@diggernash1]

War is about killing, how can any of it be looked at as controversial?

[@user-bc4tg3ys6w]

He was reincanated as Genersl George Patton.

[@murrayscott9546]

Just . . . woh. If there's a statue of this man, somewhere , may it never be torn down. We all have our faults yeti he was an example to us all.

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

Well, there is that one hideous statue of him, obviously made by the cheapest bidder during Jim Crow. 😂

[@garvinokipi5276]

He was a traitor and the architect of Americas first terrorist organization

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Too late....the "hideous one" was removed and taken away, and the good one in a park in I think Memphis

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

60-96,000 a year selling slaves. Yikes 😳

[@how3fish]

That was his yearly income combined , slaves, cotton, real estate etc.

[@darryljones6129]

Human trafficking !

[@helloworldRR]

Save America at all or Any cost ?

[@beetleridley299]

I think if he was running the southern army. Might have been a different outcome.

[@nagone11]

Don't think so..

[@marknewton6984]

Maybe not. But still a tough hombre.​@@nagone11

[@nagone11]

@@marknewton6984 A psychopath..

[@marknewton6984]

Maybe so. But a tough one..

[@nagone11]

@@marknewton6984 We should have never venerated the opponents of our union.