Thank you Jerry for this moving and balanced bio of a great man. My ancestors were C.S.A. from Southern Alabama.Many perished at Perryville.General Forrest had his faults but he has been much maligned .
Forrest’s redemption arc from slave trader to essentially a civil rights activist that was way ahead of his time for a southerner is one of the most compelling stories of the era. Not to mention his brilliance as a military tactician. It’s sad that this complicated story gets whittled down to, “he’s a racist that started the KKK”. People today have no ability to think about things in the context of the times or to see nuance. It has to be good guys vs bad guys. No wonder idiotic comic movies are so popular and most Americans couldn’t pass a 5th grade history test.
People call it different names but I call it a bunch of leftist Marxist out to destroy America anyway possible. Destroying our history into a lie and making some really great men look bad by taking down there statues while painting the faces of lowlife felons on walls.
Forest had a change of heart late in life his wife encouraged him to attend church.I would not call him a civil rights activist.If blacks stay in there lane basically,I will support them.
All due respect, Rager, but he may have been your great uncle. His last living male direct descendant was Brig. General N.B. Forrest III. He was shot down over Germany and killed while flying a B-17 in WWII. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the raid on the submarine pens at Kiel. He is now buried at Arlington and was the first American general killed in that war. He died without children at the age of 38.
General Nathan Bedford Forrest gave an interview to a reporter in August of 1868. He spoke of the black men who erved 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."
Thanks for those words from the heart,by someone who was truly Loved by our country, for the 2 combatants to be Christian's was the biggest sin,mr foresstgave me a clue as he wrote he was fighting For his country, his side ,not nessasaryly for The reasion slavery. Thanks
You dudes are crazy. Dude was a slave trader, dude was brutal at times, it does not matter if he treated his slaves nice! He talked about being "brothers" but obviously he didn't mean his black brothers. I descend from 5 Confederate soldiers.. I love them as my forefathers but I don't celebrate their fighting against America. Most of the illeterate unassuming privates did not know what they were fighting for and so I do not critique them harshly, but men like Forrest did know what it was about and was an OWNER of human beings just as many others and there is no reasoning, no justification.. Not only was Forrest a slave owning, slave trading racist pig but also murderer of deserters and murderer of AMERICANS... And apparently most of you forget that these men committed treason against our nation.. Not for a just cause, but because wealthy land owners didn't want to give up their "black property". It was not about any other reason than slavery. Even myself, an ol' country boy Confederate descendent has the ability to see how ridiculous it is to celebrate him. Imagine being some black guy today and see his fellow Americans like you, celebrating this guy who owned his ancestors and traded them like cows.. Literally property.. And to see people like you celebrating this bastard.. You have the right of course, and even the right to worship that ridiculous statue of his as long as it isn't on public land.. But it is shameful that you actually celebrate him... It's sad, pathetic, anti-american, tragic. Myself, I look at the importance of wicked people, things they accomplished such as George Washington etc... But I don't celebrate these men, I just accept their historical relevance. But many of you worship these men and that is a tragedy....
@@greggwgiddensable thank you Gregg for that insite I was not sure how to think because of people who care like yourself I now have a better idea of what was really happening,please one thing that is great about utube is if people Care they can comment and obviously you do and I thank you for that heads up.sincerly roger
Nathan Bedford Forrest disbanded the KKK when their intentions were clearly not noble. He made a generous contribution to the Beale St. Baptist Church (a Black church to this day). He fought for his country like any partiot would have. Anti-Black sentiments were common even with Abraham Lincoln. Fort Pillow was an actof carrying out the orders of the Confederate congress, and the so-called "massacre" was an example of the adrenalin of battle. He was heroic.
In July of 1875, the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association (Forerunner of the NAACP) invited Nathan Bedford Forrest to speak to their organization. In his speech Forrest demonstrated his personal sentiments to the organization which differed from that of the Klan. Forrest was the first Caucasian to be invited to speak before the Association. Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech” Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races. Nathan Bedford Forrest espoused a radical agenda of quality and harmony between black and white Americans. Here is Nathan Bedford Forrest’s speech delivered to the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association: "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.) 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. 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. (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, that 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. Use your best judgement in selecting men for office and vote as you think right. 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." (Prolonged applause.)
Excellent post, in my opinion. Yet this work will fall into eyes of ignorant and unswayable minds. The same that support the removal of monuments in their support of erasing our countrys history. They can do more harm than good, in these actions. I do, quite frankly, believe that there will be another war between ourselves. It shall be for different purposes and reasons, but at the same cost. I shall sleep peacefully in my grave, for I was dead before I was born and never once felt inconvenienced.
@@shawnbowser9934 ignorant moron he helped the feds track down and arrest clan members after they became violent, and advocated for civil rights and for a former slave trader that was unheard of in those times, that's the problem not only do you know nothing of what your talking about you can't even think for yourself and just repeat the same old tied story as the test of the ignorant morons.
@@badmonkey2222 yeah knew all that..STILL HE STILL WAS A SLAVE TRADER AND PROBALY SOME MANUMISSION TOO.....if he was a proper human he never would have been a slaver
He didn't have to murder those black soldiers. But he did. You can worship him all you want, but that changes nothing. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Rev-20:12)
I don't believe anyone today really understands the history because it was a different era. ......you had to be there to understand. If you could time travel back....you would hear strange accents and vocabulary and those alive then would say the same about you.....it would be a foreign country in many ways.....the mistake is to judge by today's norms.
+dope Why all this hatred? Where mentioned in the Bible that a paradise for whites only? God created all human beings black east and west and White Abnormal thoughts? It is the work of Satan Hateful, racist
+Entidad-Biológica Then so was Washington and 40 other signers of The Declaration of Independence that were slaveholders.Thomas Jefferson alone owned 600.Slavery was legal for 80 years after the Revolutionary War.The US flag flew over slave ships.Who built Monticello and Mt.Vernon?Slaves.If you condemn Forrest for being a slaveholder then you must condemn all.Or do the founding fathers get a free pass?
This is the actions of liberals and Democrats who hate America, the greatest nation on earth, so much that the are offended by anything associated with America, even our flag. They call all things American racist, when in reality they are the most racist group in the entire country.
Forrest was a ferocious fighter and leader in the war. His enemies acknowledged his skill. He earned honor and respect in battle. He should have a monument in his honor. Its a shame the way he gets Disrespected in our culture today. He was a awesome military commander.
Disrespected? He was a bloody slave trader are you kidding. That right there is enough by itself to warrant his not being celebrated! Not to mention the fact that they all committed treason against America! They killed AMERICAN soldiers! You can appreciate the importance people had on American history without worshipping them. This was not some noble Godly man. I'm stunned that in 2019 people still are so blinded.
The irony is that some yankee historians deny that Forrest had black troopers that road with him the whole war. They argue that was impossible because that wasn't allowed until the end of the war. The same for the Union. Yet, the pull Ft. Pillow out of their asses regarding black troops. They also forget that there were dead white Union troops there. They refused to surrender prior to the engagement no different than the request made numerous times by Grant.
The people in the local towns near Pillow also complained to Forrest and his cavalry about the man there, who had been raping, robing and pillaging their villages. Forrest was a hero to the south, and to men of the black and white races.
Again you show your stupidity about the Confederacy. The Confederate Government was an organization of loosely aligned States. It DID NOT have the authority to tell any of the States what they could and could not do. You are equating The Confederate congress with the US Government congress. That is stupidity at its finest. I would strongly suggest that you study the Powers of the Confederate Government rather than making obviously idiotic statements. The primary premise of the Civil War was that the Federal Government did not have the authority to order the States around. Slavery was not an issue until The Emancipation of black slaves in 1863 that only freed the slaves in States in rebellion. 4 states that remained in the Union weren't forced to free their slaves until After the wars end. It comes down to the point that States had the power to do whatever they chose concerning using Black troops .
I have read about 10 great books on the Great General Forrest. Also one that didn't like him. Please stay proud and don't worry about the P.C. white guilt being spread these days. The pure hypocrisy of the haters fail to note that many of the Northern Officers and business people owned slaves as well. At the time, it was legal, so how has it become evil for one man and not all the rest who had slaves? Slaves are in the bible as well. It was not started in the South.
Huh? Patriot my ass, are you kidding? It's OK to not hate this guy maybe, but calling him a fine Patriot is anti-american and pretty damned wicked.... I descend directly from 5 Confederate soldiers, I respect them as my ancestors but they fought against America! It's not to be celebrated .... Especially not this slave trading thug Forrest. It's like saying Hitler was nice to his Jewish neighbour growing up, so slaughtering the Jews of Poland is OK, he is a "fine German Patriot". But likely you won't be able to see that.....
@@greggwgiddensable The Civil War had nothing to do with slavery. Lincoln never even broached the issue until the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a speech he gave thirteen months after the War of Northern Aggression began. Old Honest Abe also didn't make any Yankee states free their slaves. Nor did he make any of the southern, slave-holding, states that fought for the Union free theirs. He also didn't make the Native Americans free theirs lol. If you respect your ancestors, you should actually study their history.
3642130 Don't both flags represent fighting for the confederacy? Isn't this battle flag worse, as ANV soldiers shot Union soldiers dead directly under it?
"I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the southern states. 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? 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." Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest, 1875
If I am not mistaken those lines are from a speech given by Forrest @ a gathering of the Royal? Order of Pole Barrows which was an organization of Black people that was formed after the war. Forrest was invited to speak at this gathering and a Black Lady presented him with a wreath of flowers amid cheers from the black audience. For some of you who have already posted below this doesn't sound like a man that was hated by blacks in his day! As to his having black soldiers..... yes he most certainly did. He asked 45 of his slaves to fight with him during the war and promised them their freedom. Eight of these black men were in his personal escort and the rest in his cavalry. After the war he stated that he had never fought along-side better men than those. He didn't get the permission from anyone to do this..... he did it on his own and these men were willing to go with him because they trusted him. BTW, one did desert but the other 44 stayed fought with him through out the war. Yes, he was a slave trader but you remember one thing...... Those slaves were not brought to these shores by Confederate Ships nor under the Confederate Flag .... but by US Ships flying the US flag and were sold to Southerners by the yankees..... so what does that make a yankee but a slave trader.... the same thing you are shaming Forrest for. Read a book!
JohnieReb7... It’s so funny 😆, because it’s the uneducated ones like you who are quick to call other people uneducated. I’ve also noticed this trend with Confederate sympathizers; and they will never get it till they realize they’re on the wrong side...anyways, Did you know the ‘Clotilda’ was the last known slave ship to sail from the U.S.? It sailed from MOBILE, ALABAMA to the west coast of Africa and back to Mobile--> in 1860! ? Which is 53 years after the slave trade was abolished; so not only was the slave ship from the south, it was also embarking on a highly illegal act.
JohnieReb7...You sound like a complete idiot, defending the storied essence of the blacks with General Forrest. Because no matter what, they were still his slaves and were not in the battlefront by choice. So if people are shooting at you, what are you going to do? Probably shoot back(it’s either me or them). As if these enslaved men had a choice.....furthermore Forrest’s true sentiment toward black people is shown by him becoming the first Grand Wizard of the KKK In 1867-> just 2 years or less after the Civil War ended...Imagine someone saying to you, this is our land and then a year later, terrorizing you.............I almost want to laugh and then smack some sense into y’all, but I don’t; because it is sad. you retard Confederate sympathizers actually believe the sentimental stuff you write
I have a portrait of Nathan Bedford Forrest tattooed on my chest with two Confederate flags behind him. Plus I'm a Tennessee boy like Forrest is. Born and raised in Nashville Tennessee right here !!!
My great grandfather, Samuel T. Carnes, is the skunk who stained Forrest's memory. Sam sold General Electric to Thomas Edison and used some of the proceeds to build Forest Park on a small plot of industrial property. At the other end of the park is the bronze commemorating The Carnes Artillery. Forrest's 1890 speech to the Pollbearer's Union demonstrates where his heart lay, regarding the Black community. "To oppress none, and uplift all". All but one of his slaves rode at his side throughout the war. Forrest has rolled in is grave since 1890. My family ran The Klan as a dues collecting scam.
N. B. Forrest was the whole package. He was a great warrior. He was excellent at logistics, strategy, intelligence, and motivation. He was in about 30 battles....6 of the battles were as part of a larger Confederate force and about 24 were under Forrest's command....he really only lost one due to a few of his men not doing their job. I like the job he did at Murfreesboro but most regard Brices Crossroads as his best work. You really would not have liked to face this man in battle....the enemy got 29 of his horses and he dispatched 30 of the enemy. I believe it was S. D. Lee rather than R. E. Lee who said Forrest was the greatest General of the War Between the States.
General Sherman,General R.E.Lee and Jeff Davis all acknowledged his military genius.His battles and tactics were even recognized in Europe.Master of deception,fearless,fierce in battle,a complex and intriguing selfmade man.
He lost because he came up against someone who was better than he was -- in every respect! Someone better educated, professionally trained, and more experienced in battle against much more professional armies than Forest ever faced. - Józef Kargé. After the war Kargé taught at Princeton, founding the foreign language department.
@@johnbednarzjr.3089 Who? Forrest lost a battle because some men he sent to follow a Union cavalry brigade screwed up and allowed the cavalry to get between them and Forrest and the Union cavalry hit Forrest in his rear as he was about to rout another Union cavalry brigade - Forrest told his men to divide in 1/2 and each 1/2 charge in opposite directions....they all went back to camp in northern Mississippi after escaping a bad situation. Deo Vindice.
@@kingmiura8138 May 2, 1864, Forrest spent the late part of the day and the night running with his tail between his legs from Kargé in Bolivar Tennessee. You really ought to look things up before you try to rewrite history...
Say I really ought to? Listen, junior, you and farge sound like a couple of f's....knowwhaI'msayin'? The yankee army reminds me of Putey Putin's army and the Ukranian Army reminds me of the Confederate Army....Deo Vindice.
Confederate general Nathan Forrest was one of the greatest Confederate general s and was not raceist toward blacks.he helped blacks to get jobs and better thereselves.
HE STOLE THERE IDEAS AND MADE THEM HIS OWN. HE HAD 4TH GRADE EDUCATION WHO THE HELL. WAS HE HELPING DO ANYTHING BUT ENJOY RICHES U WERE 2 LAZY 2 EARN ON UR OWN. GODBLESS AMERICAN TRUTHS
The photo of Bedford's wife in this video isn't Mary. That photo is of Miriam Beck, his mother. I have a true photo of Mary Forrest if you want it. Nathan Bedford and Mary Forrest are my 2nd great grand uncle and aunt.
+Bridgett Russell-Holman Forrest was one of the riches men in the entire south his fortune was made selling black men, women and children as slaves. he had no problem selling a mother's 13 year old child into slavery If this is your moral hero you are one immoral son of a bitch. This is what Bedford was fighting for. 1.Fact 1 had the South won the war, the confederate constitution Guaranteed the right to own Blacks slaves. Fact 2 the confederate constitution prohibited any law from any state, that contradicted fact 1. *****So,so much for States rights.*****
The men behind the cause of this war were the same lineage that *Owns the Federal Reserve Bank Corporation and they are referred to as International Bankers and Financiers, not US Citizens or Residents.* They wanted our Money Management, Jefferson, thru Lincoln refused (they had Lincoln assassinated). They went to the Plantation Owners (these men owned upwards of a thousand slaves, free labor), they were the then, wealthiest men in the world, and these Bankers convinced them they would lose all if slavery was abolished. They rest is history. They got their desire under Woodrow Wilson, were to lose it under JFK - they resolved that ... We pay for their Ownership's of Money and Mainstream News Media and literally through their ownership of our birth certificates which they trade on M-F on the NYSE. FACTS verifiable Public Records. Also see: Balfour Declaration *Know the TRUTH.*
The "firstest with the mostest" quote attribution to Forrest is questionable. The quote that is not questionable, and best describes his tactics in war: "Get the skeer on 'em early and keep it on 'em." Indeed, as his reputation grew, the mere mention of his name was enough to strike terror in the hearts of his enemies -- officer and enlisted men alike. As for "the mostest men," being heavily outnumbered didn't seem to phase him, as a lot of his battles won were done so while being outnumbered.
That was so educational,your like a teacher,a history teacher, Now is that named after the USS Forester an aircraft carrier, if so you answered my long time question who was that aircraft carrier named after, thanks
@JAG thanks for the heads up on that,I got so Into believing that this gentleman was an ordinary guy, but he new how yo kick ass and take names war at the time was hand to hand combat, they didn't have A10 warthogs or a1 abram tank, the used, the Mighty sword, self loading guns we not invented yet,= you have to strangle, the opposite Combatants.
"In April 1864, in what has been called "one of the bleakest, saddest events of American military history",[5] troops under Forrest's command at the Battle of Fort Pillow massacred hundreds of troops, composed of black soldiers and white Tennessean Southern Loyalists fighting for the Union, who had already surrendered. Forrest was blamed for the slaughter in the Union press, and this news may have strengthened the North's resolve to win the war."......sounds like a wonderful guy...
Jerry I am a Canadian who has an interest in the American Civil War can you suggest a good book or two on the Conferderacy. I have read a couple on the Union and I am interested in an unbiased opinion of its origins, inner politics and political intrigue, it's economics, sociology, glories and blemishes. I am not really interested in a nuts and bolts military type book nor I am interested in reading something that either glorifies nor condemns the Confederacy just the basic facts man. Similar in content to the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich would be great.
General Forrest’s Account of his 45 Black Confederates: “Better Confederates Did Not Live” Both slaves and Free Men of Color served with Forrest's Escort, his Headquarters, and many other units under his command (Rollins, 1994). General Forrest took 45 slaves to war in 1861. He told a Congressional committee after the war: I said to 45 colored fellows on my plantation that I was going into the army; and if they would go with me, if we got whipped they would be free anyhow, and that if we succeeded and slavery was perpetrated, if they would act faithfully with me to the end of the war, I would set them free. Eighteen months before the war closed I was satisfied that we were going to be defeated, and I gave those 45, or 44 of them, their free papers for fear I might be called. In July of 1875, the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association (Forerunner of the NAACP) invited Nathan Bedford Forrest to speak to their organization. In his speech Forrest demonstrated his personal sentiments to the organization which differed from that of the Klan. Forrest was the first Caucasian to be invited to speak before the Association. Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech” Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races. Nathan Bedford Forrest espoused a radical agenda of quality and harmony between black and white Americans. Here is Nathan Bedford Forrest’s speech delivered to the independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association: "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.) 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. 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. (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, that 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. Use your best judgment in selecting men for office and vote as you think right. 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." (Prolonged applause.)
You do realize that, while this entire post may be true, it is unbalanced. Such a man should be sainted, but this is a man who did hold slaves, who did fight a war to defend a country founded on white supremacy, who did join the Klan in its formative years, who did kill many Americans including blacks. The great story of Forrest is not one of being a great general or a Klansman or a slave holder or even the man you portray in this post, but that he did have the epiphany that told him how he was living was wrong, what he stood for was wrong, and he devoted the remainder of his life undoing what he conspired to do. That's called redemption, and this country lacks the empathy to see stories of redemption for what they are.
Upon addressing the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association; Forrest was mocked at by some Caucasian people for addressing the association but addressed the assembly in love and compassion. “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. I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. 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.” Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech” Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races.
Thank you for this video. The park was renamed to health sciences park in 2013. In 2015 the city council voted to have his remains removed. I'm not sure if it was done or not. Even if they try to erase our history by taking down memorials and monuments we will still have video documentary done by people like you, thanks.
"It was the South's publicly stated position that slaves firing on whites would be killed on the spot, along with Southern whites that fought for the Union, whom the Confederacy considered traitors.". Interesting about southern whites. Apparently Lee's conundrum didn't apply.
+Emo Chicken Prove it.He was found innocent by Congress of any involvement with the kkk.General Sherman investigated Ft.Pillow and recommended no charges.General Forrest was never convicted of anything.All of the "evidence"Is circumstantial at best and not proven,or hearsay."A friend that was there told me"isn't evidence.
The KKK was a righteous organisation in the 19th century. What are men who've been stripped of their right to vote to do? Sit back and take it? These were real men, ex-Confederates who weren't exactly known for taking shit from anyone. I don't think there was a massacre at Fort Pillow, and I really don't care. It was garrisoned by traitors, black and white..homegrown Yankees is what Forrest's men called them.
I did not Understand why Shelby Foot said his two central figures in the Civil War era Abraham Lincoln (he is mine too!) and Nathan Bedford Forrest. And I understood when I found his way founding KKK to fight for racial equality this was huge change. I think this is enough for holding his statue!
We were born on the same soil breathe the same air and live on the same ground then why can't we live as brothers and sisters General Nathan B Forrest Confederate Cavalry
Nothing was said of Nathan Forrest about getting save and becoming a believer of Jesus. In his latter years Forrest fought against slavery and prejudism.
Jerry, my great grand father was a Baptist preacher in Mississippi, named after him. With all the death of this war , the good news is that anyone can be saved from their sins and judgement by grace through faith in the shed precious blood of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for our sins and hell. Salvation is free gift of Almighty God and it's all about what Jesus Christ did and not anything that we can do to earn salvation from our sins and hell. Jesus Christ paid it all for us. 1COR 15:1-4. Come to Almighty God with a repentant heart and trust on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for our sins and judgement. Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Living God and He is the Way and the Truth and the Life and only through Jesus Christ can anyone come to the Father ( not allah or pope)! Perilous times and judgement soon 🙏. King James Bible wonderful and perfect.
Stupid statement.Your ancestors only built mud huts with a bone thru their nose.Read if you can about Forrest and find out your dumb-ass self what he did.
I understand Forrest nearly lost the colors of his retreating troops and thus kind of whipped by Robert H. Milroy at the Third Battle of Murfreesboro. Painful but humorous way to wind up his military career. On occasion, ole stonewall did not have tremendous luck with Milroy either so relatively speaking no big deal I suppose.
I never knew the General died of diabetes. Actually had a great aunt who died from diabetes >> she went in for amputation, ended up dying of shock a couple days later. Not the Sepsis kind.
I was names after Nathan Bedford Forrest and he started this club called the KY loud klan and they liked to wear bed sheets and pretend they was ghost or spooks or something they even put sheets on their horses
Yes! We need more positive stories on the Ku Klux klan. Nathan Bedford was the first Grand Wizard of the Klan. When black Union soldiers tried to surrender, they were put like dogs! He was a great American! Make this video go viral!
He disbanded the klan but it continued.Maybe you should read about him.But these days nobody reads or cares about history only their precious feelings.Forrest was on good terms with blacks (history agian).He was a converted christian also if your a christian you must forgive anyone who repents and God does.There is no evidence he was ever in the klan.
Forrest was one of the greatest warriors this country ever produced. It is to Memphis, and Tennessee 's shame as to the treatment and desecration of his memory. But Hell dwells where Satan sells. Just look around downtown. Godspeed pilgrims.
"[A] major component of the Republican resurgence in the Old Confederacy was a racist reaction to the civil rights changes that were coming to the South. Not just a racist reaction that Republicans, in the right place at the right time, could take advantage of, but often a reaction consciously encouraged -- no, fanned -- by the GOP itself." Hastings Wyman, fromer Republican Party activist in South Carolina and now editor of the "Southern Political Report"
Great job Jerry, as always. Forrest had 30 horses shot out from under him - in 4 years - and killed 29 Yankees in hand to hand combat, and he said: "...and I was one horse ahead".
"I do know he was a slavetrader... whatever that meant." - What? Are you saying you don't know the term? Or are you trying to insinuate that you don't agree with the term?
Well Jerry,this video has gotten a bit of activity lately. You got yourself a genuine historical document here. You should charge people to view it. Has Memphis set a date for the removal of the statue?I heard today they are also going to move the bodies of Forrest and his wife. To be honest,Ive always wondered *when* this statue was coming down.
+David Forrest Read some of the many books on this man. I did. The unbiased, unanimous view is he was a brave patriot that gave his health and wealth generously. He was 10 times the soldier of Robert E. Lee. ( Who stupidly lost many men with stupid orders ) Lee, a Northerner, who is accepted by the Libs.
Thank you Jerry for this moving and balanced bio of a great man. My ancestors were C.S.A. from Southern Alabama.Many perished at Perryville.General Forrest had his faults but he has been much maligned .
Forrest’s redemption arc from slave trader to essentially a civil rights activist that was way ahead of his time for a southerner is one of the most compelling stories of the era. Not to mention his brilliance as a military tactician. It’s sad that this complicated story gets whittled down to, “he’s a racist that started the KKK”. People today have no ability to think about things in the context of the times or to see nuance. It has to be good guys vs bad guys. No wonder idiotic comic movies are so popular and most Americans couldn’t pass a 5th grade history test.
Truer words were never spoken sir.
It’s called presentism
People call it different names but I call it a bunch of leftist Marxist out to destroy America anyway possible. Destroying our history into a lie and making some really great men look bad by taking down there statues while painting the faces of lowlife felons on walls.
Forest had a change of heart late in life his wife encouraged him to attend church.I would not call him a civil rights activist.If blacks stay in there lane basically,I will support them.
"People today have no ability to think about things ...."...but you are a person of the present day, so....
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
William Blake
Outstanding presentation. I attended Yankee schools. Never was taught any of this! Thank you!
All due respect, Rager, but he may have been your great uncle. His last living male direct descendant was Brig. General N.B. Forrest III. He was shot down over Germany and killed while flying a B-17 in WWII. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the raid on the submarine pens at Kiel. He is now buried at Arlington and was the first American general killed in that war. He died without children at the age of 38.
I'm more than a lil embarrassed to say I am a direct descendant of this guy. My mom's name is A_____a Forrest. And we know he's our relative. 😅
General Nathan Bedford Forrest gave an interview to a reporter in August of 1868. He spoke of the black men who erved 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."
Jim Allen looks as though we have us one of those commie history changers here. Just as honest as that Smollette character I see.
@@TheSlowbosambo are you a WHITE SUPREMACIST sir?
Thanks for those words from the heart,by someone who was truly
Loved by our country, for the 2 combatants to be Christian's was the biggest sin,mr foresstgave me a clue as he wrote he was fighting
For his country, his side ,not nessasaryly for
The reasion slavery. Thanks
You dudes are crazy. Dude was a slave trader, dude was brutal at times, it does not matter if he treated his slaves nice! He talked about being "brothers" but obviously he didn't mean his black brothers.
I descend from 5 Confederate soldiers.. I love them as my forefathers but I don't celebrate their fighting against America. Most of the illeterate unassuming privates did not know what they were fighting for and so I do not critique them harshly, but men like Forrest did know what it was about and was an OWNER of human beings just as many others and there is no reasoning, no justification..
Not only was Forrest a slave owning, slave trading racist pig but also murderer of deserters and murderer of AMERICANS... And apparently most of you forget that these men committed treason against our nation.. Not for a just cause, but because wealthy land owners didn't want to give up their "black property".
It was not about any other reason than slavery.
Even myself, an ol' country boy Confederate descendent has the ability to see how ridiculous it is to celebrate him.
Imagine being some black guy today and see his fellow Americans like you, celebrating this guy who owned his ancestors and traded them like cows.. Literally property.. And to see people like you celebrating this bastard..
You have the right of course, and even the right to worship that ridiculous statue of his as long as it isn't on public land..
But it is shameful that you actually celebrate him... It's sad, pathetic, anti-american, tragic.
Myself, I look at the importance of wicked people, things they accomplished such as George Washington etc... But I don't celebrate these men, I just accept their historical relevance. But many of you worship these men and that is a tragedy....
@@greggwgiddensable thank you Gregg for that insite I was not sure how to think because of people who care like yourself I now have a better idea of what was really happening,please one thing that is great about utube is if people
Care they can comment and obviously you do and I thank you for that heads up.sincerly roger
Nathan Bedford Forrest disbanded the KKK when their intentions were clearly not noble. He made a generous contribution to the Beale St. Baptist Church (a Black church to this day). He fought for his country like any partiot would have. Anti-Black sentiments were common even with Abraham Lincoln. Fort Pillow was an actof carrying out the orders of the Confederate congress, and the so-called "massacre" was an example of the adrenalin of battle. He was heroic.
In July of 1875, the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association (Forerunner of the NAACP) invited Nathan Bedford Forrest to speak to their organization. In his speech Forrest demonstrated his personal sentiments to the organization which differed from that of the Klan. Forrest was the first Caucasian to be invited to speak before the Association.
Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech” Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races.
Nathan Bedford Forrest espoused a radical agenda of quality and harmony between black and white Americans. Here is Nathan Bedford Forrest’s speech delivered to the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association:
"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.) 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.
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. (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, that 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. Use your best judgement in selecting men for office and vote as you think right.
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." (Prolonged applause.)
If he was that great he could've stopped the Klan ,John birch society,what happened
Excellent post, in my opinion. Yet this work will fall into eyes of ignorant and unswayable minds. The same that support the removal of monuments in their support of erasing our countrys history. They can do more harm than good, in these actions. I do, quite frankly, believe that there will be another war between ourselves. It shall be for different purposes and reasons, but at the same cost.
I shall sleep peacefully in my grave, for I was dead before I was born and never once felt inconvenienced.
This is a man I can follow
@@shawnbowser9934 ignorant moron he helped the feds track down and arrest clan members after they became violent, and advocated for civil rights and for a former slave trader that was unheard of in those times, that's the problem not only do you know nothing of what your talking about you can't even think for yourself and just repeat the same old tied story as the test of the ignorant morons.
@@badmonkey2222 yeah knew all that..STILL HE STILL WAS A SLAVE TRADER AND PROBALY SOME MANUMISSION TOO.....if he was a proper human he never would have been a slaver
Thank you, I need to do a video on relatives of these well known people. That might be interesting. Thanks Jerry
Amazing that YT has let this video stand! In this day and age the truth must take a back seat to political correctness or be buried altogether.
Fine accounting of one of America's greatest warriors.
Never forget your mother gives great head!
@@PTC61 must be a Democrat party lawyer who can't even respect other people's opinions and history anymore
@@PTC61 so much for unity and respect for other people's history
Good video and well thought out narration.
Perhaps the greatest general of the Civil War. We won't forget!
40 years old in 1861. No prior military experience. By the end of the war general. Man showed no fear& was a born leader.
He didn't have to murder those black soldiers. But he did. You can worship him all you want, but that changes nothing. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Rev-20:12)
I would of gave the same order as he did
Outstanding video. Thank you !!
I don't believe anyone today really understands the history because it was a different era. ......you had to be there to understand. If you could time travel back....you would hear strange accents and vocabulary and those alive then would say the same about you.....it would be a foreign country in many ways.....the mistake is to judge by today's norms.
Or read a book.
Another most interesting documentary thank you jerry
Great video! Thanks!
True American Hero.
+dope Why all this hatred?
Where mentioned in the Bible that a paradise for whites only?
God created all human beings black east and west and White
Abnormal thoughts?
It is the work of Satan
Hateful, racist
+Entidad-Biológica Then so was Washington and 40 other signers of The Declaration of Independence that were slaveholders.Thomas Jefferson alone owned 600.Slavery was legal for 80 years after the Revolutionary War.The US flag flew over slave ships.Who built Monticello and Mt.Vernon?Slaves.If you condemn Forrest for being a slaveholder then you must condemn all.Or do the founding fathers get a free pass?
No. You are.
Nice job on that! Thanks for sharing!
This is the actions of liberals and Democrats who hate America, the greatest nation on earth, so much that the are offended by anything associated with America, even our flag. They call all things American racist, when in reality they are the most racist group in the entire country.
The CSA were enemies of the US. Their flag isn't our flag.
Forrest was a ferocious fighter and leader in the war. His enemies acknowledged his skill. He earned honor and respect in battle. He should have a monument in his honor. Its a shame the way he gets Disrespected in our culture today. He was a awesome military commander.
Disrespected? He was a bloody slave trader are you kidding. That right there is enough by itself to warrant his not being celebrated! Not to mention the fact that they all committed treason against America! They killed AMERICAN soldiers!
You can appreciate the importance people had on American history without worshipping them. This was not some noble Godly man. I'm stunned that in 2019 people still are so blinded.
@@greggwgiddensable you say nothing about Jane fanda then
The irony is that some yankee historians deny that Forrest had black troopers that road with him the whole war. They argue that was impossible because that wasn't allowed until the end of the war. The same for the Union. Yet, the pull Ft. Pillow out of their asses regarding black troops. They also forget that there were dead white Union troops there. They refused to surrender prior to the engagement no different than the request made numerous times by Grant.
Thank you, Jess James!
The people in the local towns near Pillow also complained to Forrest and his cavalry about the man there, who had been raping, robing and pillaging their villages. Forrest was a hero to the south, and to men of the black and white races.
You need to bone up on Black Confederate Soldiers.
+ProudChatRat You can call them soldiers all you want, But the Confederate Congress would not.
Again you show your stupidity about the Confederacy.
The Confederate Government was an organization of loosely aligned States. It DID NOT have the authority to tell any of the States what they could and could not do. You are equating The Confederate congress with the US Government congress. That is stupidity at its finest.
I would strongly suggest that you study the Powers of the Confederate Government rather than making obviously idiotic statements.
The primary premise of the Civil War was that the Federal Government did not have the authority to order the States around. Slavery was not an issue until The Emancipation of black slaves in 1863 that only freed the slaves in States in rebellion. 4 states that remained in the Union weren't forced to free their slaves until After the wars end.
It comes down to the point that States had the power to do whatever they chose concerning using Black troops .
Nathaniel Bedford Forrest is my great,great,great,great,grandfather
I have read about 10 great books on the Great General Forrest. Also one that didn't like him. Please stay proud and don't worry about the P.C. white guilt being spread these days. The pure hypocrisy of the haters fail to note that many of the Northern Officers and business people owned slaves as well. At the time, it was legal, so how has it become evil for one man and not all the rest who had slaves? Slaves are in the bible as well. It was not started in the South.
Cane also murdered Able. Does that make it right?
Yeah an they wanted to keep their old ways which was slavery
Nathan Bedford Forrester's racists an slave owner that's for sure
@@bencaseyconner939 Trying to read what you typed gave me a headache.
Thank You Mr. Skinner.
The wizard of the saddle; fine patriot
Huh? Patriot my ass, are you kidding? It's OK to not hate this guy maybe, but calling him a fine Patriot is anti-american and pretty damned wicked.... I descend directly from 5 Confederate soldiers, I respect them as my ancestors but they fought against America! It's not to be celebrated .... Especially not this slave trading thug Forrest. It's like saying Hitler was nice to his Jewish neighbour growing up, so slaughtering the Jews of Poland is OK, he is a "fine German Patriot". But likely you won't be able to see that.....
@@greggwgiddensable The Civil War had nothing to do with slavery. Lincoln never even broached the issue until the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a speech he gave thirteen months after the War of Northern Aggression began. Old Honest Abe also didn't make any Yankee states free their slaves. Nor did he make any of the southern, slave-holding, states that fought for the Union free theirs. He also didn't make the Native Americans free theirs lol. If you respect your ancestors, you should actually study their history.
@@cultfilmvideo6936 liar.
@@tedosmond413 US Civil War was fought to uphold , " State Rights ".
@@lorenzoalbertomedina6753 sure....ok...yup....
I still think it funny that most Americans have no damn idea what the Real Confederate Flag looks like! It is Not Lee's battle flag.
3642130 it's the stars and bars it kinda look like the Union flag but has three strips and 13 or 7 stars
3642130 Don't both flags represent fighting for the confederacy? Isn't this battle flag worse, as ANV soldiers shot Union soldiers dead directly under it?
Lack of education and too much schooling.
my father liver 82 years and believed to his dying day the south did not lose the war.
he was still pissed about it too. dad was a nut.
The North raped, murdered, and looted civilians before burning entire cities to the ground. Seems like a good reason to be upset.
"I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the southern states. 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?
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."
Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest, 1875
If I am not mistaken those lines are from a speech given by Forrest @ a gathering of the Royal? Order of Pole Barrows which was an organization of Black people that was formed after the war. Forrest was invited to speak at this gathering and a Black Lady presented him with a wreath of flowers amid cheers from the black audience. For some of you who have already posted below this doesn't sound like a man that was hated by blacks in his day! As to his having black soldiers..... yes he most certainly did. He asked 45 of his slaves to fight with him during the war and promised them their freedom. Eight of these black men were in his personal escort and the rest in his cavalry. After the war he stated that he had never fought along-side better men than those. He didn't get the permission from anyone to do this..... he did it on his own and these men were willing to go with him because they trusted him. BTW, one did desert but the other 44 stayed fought with him through out the war. Yes, he was a slave trader but you remember one thing...... Those slaves were not brought to these shores by Confederate Ships nor under the Confederate Flag .... but by US Ships flying the US flag and were sold to Southerners by the yankees..... so what does that make a yankee but a slave trader.... the same thing you are shaming Forrest for. Read a book!
JohnieReb7 You are very right my friend, keep spreading the truth!
JohnieReb7... It’s so funny 😆, because it’s the uneducated ones like you who are quick to call other people uneducated. I’ve also noticed this trend with Confederate sympathizers; and they will never get it till they realize they’re on the wrong side...anyways, Did you know the ‘Clotilda’ was the last known slave ship to sail from the U.S.? It sailed from MOBILE, ALABAMA to the west coast of Africa and back to Mobile--> in 1860! ? Which is 53 years after the slave trade was abolished; so not only was the slave ship from the south, it was also embarking on a highly illegal act.
JohnieReb7...You sound like a complete idiot, defending the storied essence of the blacks with General Forrest. Because no matter what, they were still his slaves and were not in the battlefront by choice. So if people are shooting at you, what are you going to do? Probably shoot back(it’s either me or them). As if these enslaved men had a choice.....furthermore Forrest’s true sentiment toward black people is shown by him becoming the first Grand Wizard of the KKK In 1867-> just 2 years or less after the Civil War ended...Imagine someone saying to you, this is our land and then a year later, terrorizing you.............I almost want to laugh and then smack some sense into y’all, but I don’t; because it is sad. you retard Confederate sympathizers actually believe the sentimental stuff you write
@@jbreymers8346 nothing about the burn loot murder hypocrisy they don't even give money to people of color
I have a portrait of Nathan Bedford Forrest tattooed on my chest with two Confederate flags behind him. Plus I'm a Tennessee boy like Forrest is. Born and raised in Nashville Tennessee right here !!!
He was the greatest racist slaver to ever live! What a hero!
What a Badass General!!!!
My great grandfather, Samuel T. Carnes, is the skunk who stained Forrest's memory. Sam sold General Electric to Thomas Edison and used some of the proceeds to build Forest Park on a small plot of industrial property. At the other end of the park is the bronze commemorating The Carnes Artillery. Forrest's 1890 speech to the Pollbearer's Union demonstrates where his heart lay, regarding the Black community. "To oppress none, and uplift all". All but one of his slaves rode at his side throughout the war. Forrest has rolled in is grave since 1890. My family ran The Klan as a dues collecting scam.
D,A, Interesting.I knew that the "klan"of the post WW1 era really had nothing to do with the original circle.If it existed.But I wasn't aware of this.
With all the monuments being torn down these days I'd think his would be the first to go. Are any of his still standing?
Nothing done in the last few years cannot be undone, even if the taking up of arms should prove necessary to carry it out.
I will defend this statue with my life.
N. B. Forrest was the whole package. He was a great warrior. He was excellent at logistics, strategy, intelligence, and motivation. He was in about 30 battles....6 of the battles were as part of a larger Confederate force and about 24 were under Forrest's command....he really only lost one due to a few of his men not doing their job. I like the job he did at Murfreesboro but most regard Brices Crossroads as his best work. You really would not have liked to face this man in battle....the enemy got 29 of his horses and he dispatched 30 of the enemy. I believe it was S. D. Lee rather than R. E. Lee who said Forrest was the greatest General of the War Between the States.
General Sherman,General R.E.Lee and Jeff Davis all acknowledged his military genius.His battles and tactics were even recognized in Europe.Master of deception,fearless,fierce in battle,a complex and intriguing selfmade man.
He lost because he came up against someone who was better than he was -- in every respect! Someone better educated, professionally trained, and more experienced in battle against much more professional armies than Forest ever faced. - Józef Kargé. After the war Kargé taught at Princeton, founding the foreign language department.
@@johnbednarzjr.3089 Who? Forrest lost a battle because some men he sent to follow a Union cavalry brigade screwed up and allowed the cavalry to get between them and Forrest and the Union cavalry hit Forrest in his rear as he was about to rout another Union cavalry brigade - Forrest told his men to divide in 1/2 and each 1/2 charge in opposite directions....they all went back to camp in northern Mississippi after escaping a bad situation. Deo Vindice.
@@kingmiura8138 May 2, 1864, Forrest spent the late part of the day and the night running with his tail between his legs from Kargé in Bolivar Tennessee.
You really ought to look things up before you try to rewrite history...
Say I really ought to? Listen, junior, you and farge sound like a couple of f's....knowwhaI'msayin'? The yankee army reminds me of Putey Putin's army and the Ukranian Army reminds me of the Confederate Army....Deo Vindice.
Confederate general Nathan Forrest was one of the greatest Confederate general s and was not raceist toward blacks.he helped blacks to get jobs and better thereselves.
HE STOLE THERE IDEAS AND MADE THEM HIS OWN. HE HAD 4TH GRADE EDUCATION WHO THE HELL. WAS HE HELPING DO ANYTHING BUT ENJOY RICHES U WERE 2 LAZY 2 EARN ON UR OWN. GODBLESS AMERICAN TRUTHS
The photo of Bedford's wife in this video isn't Mary. That photo is of Miriam Beck, his mother. I have a true photo of Mary Forrest if you want it. Nathan Bedford and Mary Forrest are my 2nd great grand uncle and aunt.
VyperVenom Venom, Thank you for the informotion. I will take note. Thank you again. Jerry
+Bridgett Russell-Holman
Forrest was one of the riches men in the entire south his fortune was made selling black men, women and children as slaves. he had no problem selling a mother's 13 year old child into slavery
If this is your moral hero you are one immoral son of a bitch.
This is what Bedford was fighting for.
1.Fact 1 had the South won the war, the confederate constitution Guaranteed the right to own Blacks slaves.
Fact 2 the confederate constitution prohibited any law from any state, that contradicted fact 1.
*****So,so much for States rights.*****
The South is over rated, the land of low IQ's and trailer parks.
*****
Do you have pictures to prove it?
Urban myths die hard.
+All Things Southern Actually we all should start fighting corporate Banksters slavery.
Jerry you need to reset the date on your camera I know those leaves don't grow like that in January.
In the south they do sometimes
Enjoyed ❤
Very enjoyable. Thanks
The men behind the cause of this war were the same lineage that *Owns the Federal Reserve Bank Corporation and they are referred to as International Bankers and Financiers, not US Citizens or Residents.*
They wanted our Money Management, Jefferson, thru Lincoln refused (they had Lincoln assassinated). They went to the Plantation Owners (these men owned upwards of a thousand slaves, free labor), they were the then, wealthiest men in the world, and these Bankers convinced them they would lose all if slavery was abolished.
They rest is history.
They got their desire under Woodrow Wilson, were to lose it under JFK - they resolved that ...
We pay for their Ownership's of Money and Mainstream News Media and literally through their ownership of our birth certificates which they trade on M-F on the NYSE.
FACTS verifiable Public Records. Also see: Balfour Declaration
*Know the TRUTH.*
Another great video
They asked him what was his stadegy in war
Get there with the firstest
with the mostest
The "firstest with the mostest" quote attribution to Forrest is questionable. The quote that is not questionable, and best describes his tactics in war: "Get the skeer on 'em early and keep it on 'em." Indeed, as his reputation grew, the mere mention of his name was enough to strike terror in the hearts of his enemies -- officer and enlisted men alike.
As for "the mostest men," being heavily outnumbered didn't seem to phase him, as a lot of his battles won were done so while being outnumbered.
@Sue Taft really...so what actions did he take that your such a scholar on?
Very good 5*****
That was so educational,your like a teacher,a history teacher,
Now is that named after the USS Forester an aircraft carrier, if so you answered my long time question who was that aircraft carrier named after, thanks
@JAG to jag thanks I allways wonder about that.
@JAG thanks for the heads up on that,I got so
Into believing that this gentleman was an ordinary guy, but he new how yo kick ass and take names war at the time was hand to hand combat, they didn't have
A10 warthogs or a1 abram tank, the used, the
Mighty sword, self loading guns we not invented yet,= you have to strangle, the opposite
Combatants.
Forest evidently understood the meaning of War
Everyone is a racist. Few have the guts to admit it.
Race is false classification.
"In April 1864, in what has been called "one of the bleakest, saddest events of American military history",[5] troops under Forrest's command at the Battle of Fort Pillow massacred hundreds of troops, composed of black soldiers and white Tennessean Southern Loyalists fighting for the Union, who had already surrendered. Forrest was blamed for the slaughter in the Union press, and this news may have strengthened the North's resolve to win the war."......sounds like a wonderful guy...
Many years ago, I had bumper sticker on the front of my Thunderbird that read: "I ride with Forrest".
What further information do you have on Rommel's visit to America in 1937?
Jerry I am a Canadian who has an interest in the American Civil War can you suggest a good book or two on the Conferderacy. I have read a couple on the Union and I am interested in an unbiased opinion of its origins, inner politics and political intrigue, it's economics, sociology, glories and blemishes. I am not really interested in a nuts and bolts military type book nor I am interested in reading something that either glorifies nor condemns the Confederacy just the basic facts man. Similar in content to the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich would be great.
He was exonerated for the his so called role at fort Pillow he did so much to defeat and had so many successful pride they are ruining his name
General Forrest’s Account of his 45 Black
Confederates: “Better Confederates Did Not Live”
Both slaves and Free Men of Color served with Forrest's Escort, his Headquarters, and
many other units under his command (Rollins, 1994). General Forrest took 45 slaves to war
in 1861. He told a Congressional committee after the war:
I said to 45 colored fellows on my plantation that I was going into the army; and if they would go with me, if we got whipped they would be free anyhow, and that if we succeeded and slavery was perpetrated, if they would act faithfully with me to the end of the war, I would set them free.
Eighteen months before the war closed I was satisfied that we were going to be defeated,
and I gave those 45, or 44 of them, their free papers for fear I might be called.
In July of 1875, the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association (Forerunner of the
NAACP) invited Nathan Bedford Forrest to speak to their organization. In his speech Forrest demonstrated his personal sentiments to the organization which differed from that
of the Klan. Forrest was the first Caucasian to be invited to speak before the Association.
Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech” Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races.
Nathan Bedford Forrest espoused a radical agenda of quality and harmony between black
and white Americans. Here is Nathan Bedford Forrest’s speech delivered to the independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association:
"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.) 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.
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. (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, that 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. Use your best judgment in selecting men for office and vote as you think right.
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." (Prolonged applause.)
You do realize that, while this entire post may be true, it is unbalanced. Such a man should be sainted, but this is a man who did hold slaves, who did fight a war to defend a country founded on white supremacy, who did join the Klan in its formative years, who did kill many Americans including blacks. The great story of Forrest is not one of being a great general or a Klansman or a slave holder or even the man you portray in this post, but that he did have the epiphany that told him how he was living was wrong, what he stood for was wrong, and he devoted the remainder of his life undoing what he conspired to do. That's called redemption, and this country lacks the empathy to see stories of redemption for what they are.
Upon addressing the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association; Forrest was mocked at by some Caucasian people for addressing the association but addressed the assembly in love and compassion.
“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. I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. 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.”
Forrest advocated racial reconciliation through his personal sentiments which he shared with the Association. In this his last public speech which the New York Times described as a “friendly speech”
Forrest was offered a bouquet of flowers by a black woman. He cordially received the flowers as a token of reconciliation between black and Caucasian races.
Thank you for accurate accounts recorded in history. The haters love to hate and blame everybody else for their sad lives.
I'm sure Elvis stood before this great man's monument in awe. May you rest in peace general . From Ireland.
You guys worship racist slavers in Ireland too? Do you put up statues of British soldiers who subjugated Ireland also?
Thank you
ALL HAIL GENERAL NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST. HERO OF TBE SOUTH. SAVIOUR OF IT DURING RECONSTRUCTION. I RIDE WIRG FORREST A K I A
A real hero. RIP
Forest from the brave Tennessee
Thank you for this video. The park was renamed to health sciences park in 2013. In 2015 the city council voted to have his remains removed. I'm not sure if it was done or not. Even if they try to erase our history by taking down memorials and monuments we will still have video documentary done by people like you, thanks.
Forrest Gump's great great uncle.
"It was the South's publicly stated position that slaves firing on whites would be killed on the spot, along with Southern whites that fought for the Union, whom the Confederacy considered traitors.". Interesting about southern whites. Apparently Lee's conundrum didn't apply.
Forrest was never in the KKK. This is important to understand his role in the Massacre at Fort Pillow. There was no massacre at Fort Pillow.
***** Why don't you save us all time and cite a source (primary) that ties Forrest to the KKK?
+Robby From TX He started the KKK
Incorrect Emo
+Emo Chicken Prove it.He was found innocent by Congress of any involvement with the kkk.General Sherman investigated Ft.Pillow and recommended no charges.General Forrest was never convicted of anything.All of the "evidence"Is circumstantial at best and not proven,or hearsay."A friend that was there told me"isn't evidence.
The KKK was a righteous organisation in the 19th century. What are men who've been stripped of their right to vote to do? Sit back and take it? These were real men, ex-Confederates who weren't exactly known for taking shit from anyone.
I don't think there was a massacre at Fort Pillow, and I really don't care. It was garrisoned by traitors, black and white..homegrown Yankees is what Forrest's men called them.
I live on a street named Bedford in Long Island NY
Absolutely right! Let's also decommission all those monuments to those other terrible slave traders like Washington, Jefferson, etc.
Already joined and my son joined.
I did not Understand why Shelby Foot said his two central figures in the Civil War era Abraham Lincoln (he is mine too!) and Nathan Bedford Forrest. And I understood when I found his way founding KKK to fight for racial equality this was huge change. I think this is enough for holding his statue!
It sure would be nice if teachers would teach the whole truth of the Civil War. The South wasn't traitors and didn't start the war. Lincoln did.
He sure was a good looking man!
so in 1904 The KKK of that state had a statue made to intimidate the Africans near that area
he really was a hero to people.
@@rickyj5547 to people who held racist beliefs do. And should we really care who is there hero? No no we should not
WAs it a snake?
We were born on the same soil breathe the same air and live on the same ground then why can't we live as brothers and sisters
General Nathan B Forrest
Confederate Cavalry
What happened to his monument indicates the plight of American cities. The North has always played the race card.
Nothing was said of Nathan Forrest about getting save and becoming a believer of Jesus. In his latter years Forrest fought against slavery and prejudism.
Dang, he began his military career at 40 years old. BEGAN.
Thats called WAR!!!
Jerry, my great grand father was a Baptist preacher in Mississippi, named after him. With all the death of this war , the good news is that anyone can be saved from their sins and judgement by grace through faith in the shed precious blood of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for our sins and hell. Salvation is free gift of Almighty God and it's all about what Jesus Christ did and not anything that we can do to earn salvation from our sins and hell. Jesus Christ paid it all for us. 1COR 15:1-4. Come to Almighty God with a repentant heart and trust on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for our sins and judgement. Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Living God and He is the Way and the Truth and the Life and only through Jesus Christ can anyone come to the Father ( not allah or pope)! Perilous times and judgement soon 🙏. King James Bible wonderful and perfect.
randall whitten AMEN
The Marxists hate this man...lol
Guess it’s not personal, they hate all racists.
they are all crap and can't even respect history
im a forrest im related
Cool, we can disown you too. Change your name to anything else.
Olivia Forrest great name one to be proud of
I live in a Forrest am i related?
My ancestors built pyramids mapped the stars grow crops and food other than cotton and pork. What did this man do ?
Stupid statement.Your ancestors only built mud huts with a bone thru their nose.Read if you can about Forrest and find out your dumb-ass self what he did.
I understand Forrest nearly lost the colors of his retreating troops and thus kind of whipped by Robert H. Milroy at the Third Battle of Murfreesboro. Painful but humorous way to wind up his military career. On occasion, ole stonewall did not have tremendous luck with Milroy either so relatively speaking no big deal I suppose.
They took off with his statue trying to change history
Jerry can you do James earl jones he is from my home town of arkabutla Mississippi
the Democrat party who behaving like the American isls.
It's too bad they had the movie Nathan Bedford Forrest out of the crime ridden city he is in a better place now the devil has took over Memphis
"I knew he was a slave trader, whatever that meant."...Yes, so hard to know...
I never knew the General died of diabetes. Actually had a great aunt who died from diabetes >> she went in for amputation, ended up dying of shock a couple days later. Not the Sepsis kind.
he is a great man
All white racist think so.
Hasn't that park been sold and statues removed? I read that in wiki.
Is that how the forest got its name 🤔
Did they take it down?
Did the demcacat red guard remove his remove his remains.
Union flag on a conferderate monument.See how they insult us?
I was names after Nathan Bedford Forrest and he started this club called the KY loud klan and they liked to wear bed sheets and pretend they was ghost or spooks or something they even put sheets on their horses
Funny movie, wrong on the history
In 1905 Africans weren't considered human beings in the US so that is the reason for the statue.
nothing about the civil war then
Yes! We need more positive stories on the Ku
Klux klan. Nathan Bedford was the first Grand Wizard of the Klan. When black Union soldiers tried to surrender, they were put like dogs! He was a great American! Make this video go viral!
He disbanded the klan but it continued.Maybe you should read about him.But these days nobody reads or cares about history only their precious feelings.Forrest was on good terms with blacks (history agian).He was a converted christian also if your a christian you must forgive anyone who repents and God does.There is no evidence he was ever in the klan.
can you cite your information
Forrest was one of the greatest warriors this country ever produced. It is to Memphis, and Tennessee 's shame as to the treatment and desecration of his memory. But Hell dwells where Satan sells. Just look around downtown. Godspeed pilgrims.
"[A] major component of the Republican resurgence in the Old Confederacy was a racist reaction to the civil rights changes that were coming to the South. Not just a racist reaction that Republicans, in the right place at the right time, could take advantage of, but often a reaction consciously encouraged -- no, fanned -- by the GOP itself." Hastings Wyman, fromer Republican Party activist in South Carolina and now editor of the "Southern Political Report"
Me too haha
Great job Jerry, as always. Forrest had 30 horses shot out from under him - in 4 years - and killed 29 Yankees in hand to hand combat, and he said: "...and I was one horse ahead".
"I do know he was a slavetrader... whatever that meant." - What? Are you saying you don't know the term? Or are you trying to insinuate that you don't agree with the term?
Good question ...lol
Well Jerry,this video has gotten a bit of activity lately. You got yourself a genuine historical document here. You should charge people to view it. Has Memphis set a date for the removal of the statue?I heard today they are also going to move the bodies of Forrest and his wife. To be honest,Ive always wondered *when* this statue was coming down.
ehrldawg Thanks ehridawg, wonder what they will do with the horse. Would love to have it. Thanks. Jerry
Jerry Skinner Are you going to film the removal of the statue?
because they can't even respect history anymore like the American isls
And I truly hate that fact
Didn’t he start up the KKK?
Yes.
No proof he did.
I might be related to him.
+David Forrest Read some of the many books on this man. I did. The unbiased, unanimous view is he was a brave patriot that gave his health and wealth generously. He was 10 times the soldier of Robert E. Lee. ( Who stupidly lost many men with stupid orders ) Lee, a Northerner, who is accepted by the Libs.
Z06Doug I like both of them
David Forrest
Z06Doug : That remark about Lee has to be the most stupid thing I've read in many years. Read an "old school " history book ya numb skull.