Nathan Bedford Forrest War Quotations

Abolish the Loyal League and the Ku Klux Klan; let us come together and stand together.

I am not here to pass civilities or compliments with you, but on other business. I have stood your meanness as long as I intend to. You have played the part of a damned scoundrel, and are a coward, and if you were any part of a man I would slap your jaws and force you to resent it. You may as well not issue any more orders to me, for I will not obey them... and as I say to you that if you ever again try to interfere with me or cross my path it will be at the peril of your life.

War means fighting, and fighting means killing.

I loved the old government in 1861. I loved the old Constitution yet. I think it is the best government in the world, if administered as it was before the war. I do not hate it; I am opposing now only the radical revolutionists who are trying to destroy it. I believe that party to be composed, as I know it is in Tennessee, of the worst men on Gods earth - men who would not hesitate at no crime, and who have only one object in view - to enrich themselves.

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.

I have stood your meanness as long as I intend to. You have played the part of a damn scoundrel, and if you were any part of a man I would slap your jaws and force you to resent it...

I done told you twice already goddammit no!

If you surrender you shall be treated as prisoners of war, but if I haveto storm your works you may expect no quarter.

I will be in my coffin before I will fight again under your command.

What I desire most of you, my son, is never to gamble or swear. These are baneful vices.

Forward, men, and mix with them.

I did not come here for the purpose of surrendering my command.

Men, do as I say and I will always lead you to victory.