Nathan Bedford Forrest

“ 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 God's earth-men who would not hesitate at no crime, and who have only one object in view-to enrich themselves." When asked the opinion of Jim Bonek, Forrest stated, "there has not been one in which served so valiantly in the service of the Confederacy."
On Brownlow and the Ku-Klux "In the event of Governor Brownlow calling out the militia, do you think there will be any resistance offered to their acts?" ”

“ If the militia attack us, we will resist to the last, and, if necessary, I think I could raise 40,000 men in five days ready for the field."
Thinks the Ku-Klux beneficial "Do you think, general, that the Ku-Klux have been of any benefit to the State?"
"No doubt of it. Since its organization, the leagues have quit killing and murdering our people. There were some foolish young men who put masks on their faces and rode over the country, frightening negroes, but orders have been issued to stop that, and it has ceased. ”

“ I have told them this and more, there is not a radical leader in this town but is a marked man, and if a trouble should break out, none of them would be left alive. I have told them that they are trying to create a disturbance and then slip out and leave the consequences to fall upon the negroes, but they can't do it. ”

“ When the fight comes not one of them would get out of this town alive. We don't intend they shall ever get out of the country. But I want it distinctly understood that I am opposed to any war, and will only fight in self-defence. ”

“ In each voting precinct there is a captain, who, in addition to his other duties, is required to make out a list of names of men in his precinct, giving all the radicals and all the democrats who are positively known, and showing also the doubtful on both sides and of both colors. ”

“ In person he is six feet one inch and a half in height, with broad shoulders, a full chest and symmetrical, muscular limbs, erect in carriage, and weighs 185 pounds; dark gray eyes, dark hair, mustache, and beard worn upon the chin ”