Some quotes from the wizard of the saddle:
"I did all in my power to break up the government, but I have found it a useless undertaking, and am now resolved to stand by the government as earnestly and as honestly as I fought." - NBF, after the war
"I went into the army worth a million and a half dollars and came out a beggar."-NBF
"I came out of the war pretty well wrecked...completely used up, shot all to pieces, crippled up...a beggar."-NBF
"This is my country. I am hard at work upon my plantation and carefully observing the obligations of my parole. If the Federal government does not regard it they will be sorry. I shall not go away."-Forrest, responding to a suggestion that he should leave the country to avoid being arrested and tried for treason.
"We have already lost all but honor by the last war and I must say, that in order to be men, we must protect our honor at all hazards and we must also protect our homes and families. -Nathan Bedford Forrest
"We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, live on the same land, and why should we not be brothers and sisters?" - NBF, addressing the African-American community of Memphis at the city fairgrounds, July 5, 1875.
"I want our country quiet once more, amd I want to see our people united and working together harmoniously."-NBF
"Abolish the Loyal League and the Ku Klux Klan; let us come together and stand together."-Nathan Bedford Forrest, calling for and end to civil unrest.
These quotes came from the booklet May I Quote You, General Forrest edited by Randall Bedwell, published by Cumberland House, 1997.
To put some perspective on General Nathan Bedford Forrest
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a38beb39216af.htm
Morning stainlessbanner.
I can't think of many men who started as a private and ended up an effective general in the length of one war.
Thanks.