Posted on 02/24/2011 2:05:32 PM PST by BigReb555
"After all, I think Forrest as the most remarkable man our 'Civil War' produced on either side.”
(Excerpt) Read more at canadafreepress.com ...
"After all, I think Forrest as the most remarkable man our 'Civil War' produced on either side.”
It’s been reported that the Mississippi Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans wants to sponsor a series of state-issued license plates to mark the 150th anniversary of the "War Between the States" including one honoring Gen. Forrest.
Some are urging Governor Barbour to deny this request because they believe Forrest led the Ku Klux Klan after the War Between the States. General Forrest not only denied being a member but was in fact responsible for getting the KKK disbanded.
Some even falsely blame Forrest for the Fort Pillow Massacre even though a Union investigation cleared him. Forrest's speech during a meeting of the "Jubilee of Pole Bearers" is a story that should be told. Gen. Forrest was the first white man to be invited by this group which was a forerunner of today's Civil Right's group. A reporter of the Memphis Avalanche newspaper was sent to cover the event that included a Southern barbeque supper.
Miss Lou Lewis, daughter of a Pole Bearer member, was introduced to Forrest and she presented the former general a bouquet of flowers as a token of reconciliation, peace and good will. On July 5, 1875, Nathan Bedford Forrest delivered this speech:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the Southern states. I accept it more particularly as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God's earth who loves the ladies I believe it is myself. (Immense applause and laughter.) I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man, to depress none. (Applause.)
I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I have not said anything about politics today. I don't propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to us. When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. 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. 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." (Prolonged applause.)
End of speech.
Nathan Bedford Forrest again thanked Miss Lewis for the bouquet and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Such a kiss was unheard of in the society of those days, in 1875, but it showed a token of respect and friendship between the general and the black community and did much to promote harmony among the citizens of Memphis.
The State of Mississippi should approve the Forrest plate.
PC will not allow any honor towards Nathan Bedford Forres to go further, The governor is afraid that this will be used as ammunition against him as racist rhetoric.
General “Git thar fustest wid tha mostest” Forrest.
ping
Hasn't Barbour come out recently saying that he would veto the legislation authorizing the plate?
“Hasn’t Barbour come out recently saying that he would veto the legislation authorizing the plate?”
Yes-
Tue Feb 22, 9:26 am ET
Haley Barbour pledges to veto license plate honoring KKK leader
Sounds like some education as to the true facts would disarm that ammunition.
This is an issue drawn up by the liberal MSM to smear Haley Barbour. Forrest was a TENNESSEAN. The plate would have to be approved by the Mississippi Senate and House before it gets near the governor. The SCV has not stated that Forrest would be one honored. The proceeds will go to maintain and repair Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis’ home. The entire thing was cooked up by liberals to put Barbour between a rock and a hard place.
Bottom line - Barbour said he doesn't think Mississippi legislators will approve the Forrest license plate but declines to denounce it.
“keep up the skeer” is my favorite. I wonder if a person from Pa. could purchase one of these plates.
LtGen Forrest will always remain in the hearts of those who love freedom and the Constitution. Shiloh, Fallen Timbers, Brice’s Crossroads, Chickamauga, Fort Donelson. Freedom was dear to him and he paid the price a thousand times. It is heartening that in these darkling times we now confront, we can look to Forrest and his kind.
“War is about fightin’, and fightin’ means killin’.” The essence of war distilled in one sentence. One of the greatest self-taught soldiers in history.
Non Sequitur, you can do better than that. We all know how much you like authentic southern cuisine. Now here you go, get your silverware ready,, for old times sake.
While we're at it.. let's remind ourselves of your least favorite living human
And your favorite
“Non Sequitur, you can do better than that.”
If I’m not mistaken, Non Sequitur was bounced off the FR turnip cart and is a-molderin’ in the Zot grave.
“Non Sequitur was bounced off the FR turnip cart and is a-molderin’ in the Zot grave.”
Oops! Allow me to correct my mis-statement: Non Sequitur was bounced off the Yankee turnip cart and is a-molderin’ in the Zot grave.
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