Nathan Bedford Forrest Quotes

19 Sourced Quotes

However much we differed with them while public enemies, and were at war, we must admit that they fought gallantly for the preservation of the government which we fought to destroy, which is now ours, was that of our fathers, and must be that of our children. Though our love for that government was for a while supplanted by the exasperation springing out of a sense of violated rights and the conflict of battle, yet our love for free government, justly administered, has not perished, and must grow strong in the hearts of brave men who have learned to appreciate the noble qualities of the true soldier.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
I have never, on the field of battle, sent you where I was unwilling to go myself; nor would I now advise you to a course which I felt myself unwilling to pursue. You have been good soldiers, you can be good citizens. Obey the laws, preserve your honor, and the Government to which you have surrendered can afford to be, and will be, magnanimous.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
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.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
That we are beaten is a self-evident fact, and any further resistance on our part would be justly regarded as the very height of folly and rashness.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
This day is a day that is proud to me, having occupied the position that I did for the past twelve years, and been misunderstood by your race. This is the first opportunity I have had during that time to say that I am your friend. I am here a representative of the southern people, one more slandered and maligned than any man in the nation.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Boys, do you hear that musketry and that artillery? It means that our friends are falling by the hundreds at the hands of the enemy, and here we are guarding a damned creek! Let's go and help them. What do you say?

Nathan Bedford Forrest
There is no doubt we could soon wipe old Sherman off the face of the earth, John, if they'd give me enough men and you enough guns.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Does the damned fool want to be blown up? Well, blow him up then. Give him hell, Captain Morton- as hot as you've got it, too.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Every moment lost is worth the life of a thousand men.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
I've got no respect for a young man who won't join the colors.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
If you surrender, you shall be treated as prisoners of war, but if I have to storm your works, you may expect no quarter.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
I am opposed to it under any and all circumstances, and in our convention urged our party not to commit themselves at all upon the subject.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
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.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Men, you may all do as you damn please, but I'm a-goin' home.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
This fight is against slavery; if we lose it, you will be made free.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Preserve untarnished the reputation you have so nobly won.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
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.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going.

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Civil war, such as you have just passed through naturally engenders feelings of animosity, hatred, and revenge. It is our duty to divest ourselves of all such feelings; and as far as it is in our power to do so, to cultivate friendly feelings towards those with whom we have so long contended, and heretofore so widely, but honestly, differed. Neighborhood feuds, personal animosities, and private differences should be blotted out; and, when you return home, a manly, straightforward course of conduct will secure the respect of your enemies. Whatever your responsibilities may be to Government, to society, or to individuals meet them like men.

Nathan Bedford Forrest