Bust Hell Wide Open: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest

by Samuel W. Mitcham Jr.

At fourteen he became the head of his impoverished family, responsible for feeding eleven on the rough American frontier. By thirty-nine he had established himself as a successful plantation owner worth over $1 million. And at forty years old, Nathan Bedford Forrest enlisted in a Tennessee cavalry regiment—and became a controversial Civil War legend.

The legacy of General Nathan Bedford Forrest is deeply divisive. Best known for being accused of war crimes at the Battle of Fort Pillow and for his role as first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan—an organization he later denounced—Forrest has often been studied as a military figure, but never before studied as a fascinating individual who wrestled with the complex issues of his violent times. Bust Hell Wide Open is a comprehensive portrait of Nathan Bedford Forrest as a his achievements, failings, reflections, and regrets.

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, Nonfiction, Audiobook, War, American Civil War

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2016

Reviews

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about one of the most controversial figures of the Confederacy, Nathan Bedford Forrest. Known as a genius in the field, he was also infamous for his Grand Wizardry of the KKK , and leading the Fort Pillow massacre, and characatured in the Movie Forrest Gump.

Now I need to read more than one book on the figure, but this one seems very favorable toward Forrest and defending his character. Three major areas are in debate that make him notorious:
* his pre-war career of a very successful SLAVE TRADER makes anything he does suspect thereafter. The author contends Forrest treated his slaves very good (no whipping, well fed, clothed, housed, and educated to read/write) counting it all as improvements to his assets. Some 60 slaves went with Him to war and fought with him throughout the war. Ok, ok …. BUT HE WAS A SLAVE TRADER!!!
* his war time career as a leader is known as a strategic genius and charismatic leader. But he also was the leader of the confederate side of the FORT PILLOW MASSACRE, where black soldiers appeared to be shot down after surrendering. The author defends Forrest through this as not directing the deaths, etc, but he WAS in charge. From this episodes, he became notorious in the northern press and the symbol of southern oppression (fairly or unfairly).
* key to point out 22 of his former slaves, who fought with him through the war, once freed, went back to work for Forrest at his farm after the war.
* His post-war life seemed to be trying to become a new business man farming and wood mill owner. But he was pulled into Reconstruction tensions and the formation of the KKK and elected GRAND WIZARD of the organization. The author again excuses Forrest’s participation by claiming the early KKK was “different” from the later KKK of the early 1900’s (I have no clue, but that excuse sounded fishy, I need to research more on that subject.) I also didn’t know Forrest’s nickname in the field was “The Wizard of the Battlefield” which is where the “Wizard”designation came from prior to the creation of the KKK.
* the author provides a few late in life speeches and reconciliations, donations, etc with blacks to rehabilitate his reputation, even claiming 3000 blacks attended his funeral. And claiming the blacks that knew him loved & respected him.

Overall I thought the book was good. Though, very pro-Forrest. But as with all these Confederate leaders, there is good, and there is bad. The author contends Forrest became an available easy target for the northern newspapers and politicians for everything wrong with the south. Whether right or wrong, I’m not sure Forrest’s reputation can ever be rehabilitated to respectability.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this book is correct in saying that Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the greatest generals of the Confederacy, which was known for its great generals. Perhaps only Stonewall Jackson was better. I had thought of Forrest mostly as a daring raider, like John Hunt Morgan, but the other sources I checked agreed that he was also a brilliant tactician and innovator, using stealth, deception, surprise and rapid movement to overwhelm his opponents. He was aggressive, and fearless, a tough but inspirational leader of men. He combined cavalry with artillery and had his horse soldiers dismount and fight as infantry when it was to his advantage. His men were almost always well fed and well supplied thanks to the spoils they captured from the Yankees.

There are so many true good things that can be said about Forrest. It's a shame that Mr. Mitcham feels compelled to go a couple of steps further in his breathless praise of Forrest to the point that he begins to lose credibility. In Mr. Mitcham's telling Forrest could do no wrong, and he was also a brilliant big picture strategist whose advice would have won the war for the South if he had only been heeded. Mr. Mitcham would have us believe that Forrest's difficulties with his superiors were always the fault of the other guy, though I'd wager that Forrest's insolence and fiery temper also had something to do with it. Mr. Mitcham makes excuses for Forrest's role in the shameful Fort Pillow massacre and his position as the leader of the Ku Klux Klan. The claim that the early Klan was not a racist organization doesn't hold water for me. Forrest was as flawed as he was brilliant. A more balanced book that didn't try to gloss over his flaws would have been more interesting and closer to the truth.

[Christopher Blosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a review of The Myth of Nathan Bedford Forrest , Peter Pratt writes:

In the years since Forrest’s death in 1877 the Confederate general has been said to have either been a vile, barbarian slave-trader and racist murderer of surrendered colored troops and ex-slaves, and hooded devil of white supremacy; or conversely a beleaguered hero of southern nationalism, one with great skill who was denied the resources and credit to save the lost cause, and an untutored symbol of the common man’s pride over presumptive aristocracy. The Nathan Bedford Forrest that any American knows depends on which myth that person believes – the overly simplistic Unionist view of Forrest, or the lost-cause view of the supposed saint of Southern pride.

Shelby Foote, much to the consternation of many, claimed the Civil War produced two great geniuses, Abraham Lincoln and Nathan Bedford Forrest. Some take umbrage at Foote's comparison of Forrest to the Great Emancipator. Foote attribution of genius was shared by another journalist and reknowned Civil War historian Bruce Catton. Moreover, Forrest was referred to as "the only Confederate cavalryman of whom Grant stood in much dread"; Sherman called him "the greatest cavalryman America ever produced", and his campaigns would be studied by the British during World War II as well as Germany's own "Desert Fox", Erwin Rommel.

To make such a claim, one must certainly admit the possibility of recognizing or crediting Forrest for his military prowess, while acknowledging and deservedly condemning, from a moral standpoint, other indisputable facts of his life -- not least of which that he made his fortune prior to the war trafficking in human cargo. (The best that can be said was that he reportedly made a point not to separate families or spouses, never beat them, and maintained a list of vicious slave dealers to whom he would not sell).

Bust Hell Wide Open: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest deals chiefly with Forrest's wartime career and military exploits, which are both numerous and impressive. Dubbed "The Wizard in the Saddle" from early on, he was a genuine master of stealth and evasion. According to Mitcham, "Not only did the Confederate raider burn or make off with Sherman’s wagon trains, rout his cavalry, spread terror in rear areas, cut his communications, smash his railroads, burn his warehouses, blow up his bridges, steal his horses, sink his boats, destroy his supply depots, raise entire cavalry divisions behind Yankee lines, overrun his forts, spread destruction and disorganization everywhere he went, and crush Union general after general who was sent to suppress him, and then disappear like a ghost so that he could do it all again later, he almost managed to kill Sherman personally" -- describing one occasion where Forrest came within a few yards of Sherman in a skirmish.

Forrest was known for his courageousness in battle -- by the end of his career he had more than 30 horses shot out from under him while leading his men. He was also a good shot, killing more than 30 men at close range with a revolver or double-edged saber. Standing over 6 feet, he was a intimidating and formidable foe in combat -- undergoing a physical change in countenance where his face would become dark and inflamed ("a striking resemblance to a painted Indian"), his eyes blazing and his ordinarily-soft voice "penetrating you through and through."

Unlike his devout wife, Forrest was not a Christian ("he thought Christianity was a fine religion—for women"); he cursed, fought and gambled right up until his conversion in the last years of his life. Nonetheless, he also adhered to a puritan-like code of ethics, having no tolerance for drunkenness, womanizing and adultery.

He was steadfastly loyal to his men, Forrest asked literally nothing of them that he wouldn't do himself. According to numerous instances in the book, the quickest way to warrant a sound thrashing from Forrest (besides cowardice in battle) was to proclaim yourself absolved of physical labor on account of being an officer.

Consequently, Forrest earned the respect and commitment of those who fought under him, to the degree that he had little difficulty recruiting even among those who refused to fight under other generals. What may come as a surprise is the discovery that a number of his slaves fought with him throughout the war. He is reputed to have said:

“When I entered the army, I took forty-seven negroes into the army with me, and forty-five were surrendered with me. I told these boys that this war was about slavery, and if we lose, you will be made free. If we whip the fight and you stay with me you will be made free. Either way, you will be freed. These boys stayed with me, drove my teams, and better Confederates never lived.”

(See also: Black Confederate in Gen. Forrest’s raid Murfresboro Post 07/12/12).

No biography of Forrest can be written without addressing the infamous "Fort Pillow Massacre," howbeit there are many complexities to the account and it is little wonder that it is still fiercely debated to this day. The fort itself had no military value, abandoned in January 1864 by Sheridan and reoccupied by General Stephen A. Hurlbut without his knowledge. The Fort was home to two battalions of colored troops and another unit, the "Thirteenth Tennessee Calvary", consisting of "outlaws, renegades, Confederate deserters, and assorted rapists and pillagers," who along with Hurlbut were renowned for corruption and war profiteering. Enraged by their refusal to surrender, Forrest had ordered his men to "Shoot everything blue betwixt the wind and water, until their flag comes down!" -- curiously, this was one occasion where he did not lead the attack inside the fort, but remained on the bluff, preoccupied with warding off Union gunboats in the river. Had he done so, he might have well averted what would occur. According to the Mitcham,

It seems clear from the subsequent testimony that Forrest tried to stop the unnecessary slaughter once he entered the fort. At one point, sword drawn, he rode between a group of African-Americans who were trying to surrender and some of his men, who were about to shoot them. He also popped several of his men on the back with the flat of his sword, to stop them from shooting. Whether he was complicit in the earlier killings is a matter of speculation.

Nonetheless, the conclusion is rendered:

... there was no massacre. In military terminology, a massacre is when all or nearly all of the defenders are deliberately killed—such as at the Alamo, Thermopylae or Little Big Horn. Forrest clearly could have killed all of the Yankees had he wished, but he took dozens of prisoners, so Fort Pillow does not fit that definition. There is no doubt, however, that atrocities were committed. Several men who asked for quarter were not granted it, and others were put to death after they surrendered. There were also incidents of wounded African-Americans being bayoneted or beaten to death.

That might seem a difference without a distinction, seeing as the men were under Forrest’s command. But the fact remains that Forrest did not order these acts to be performed and that he stopped many similar acts from occurring as soon as he got into the fort. [...]

In view of the uproar, and not trusting the Congressional probe, General Sherman ordered his own investigation, to determine if retaliation was in order. After he received the report, he did nothing. William T. Sherman was not the kind of man to shrink from retaliation if he considered it justified. He obviously concluded the Congressional investigation had little merit.

The last chapter, "After the War" was undoubtedly the most interesting for me as a reader. “I went into the army worth a million and a half dollars,” Forrest recalled. “I came out of the war pretty well wrecked, completely used up, shot all to pieces, crippled, a beggar.” He ended up opening up a sawmill and renting out his plantation to veterans (both Union and Confederate) as well as 200 black farmers with the approval of the Freedman's Bureau.

Contrary to modern claims, Forrest did not found the Klu Klux Klan -- this was done by a small number of former Confederates "in the law offices of Judge Thomas Jones on Christmas Eve, 1865, in Pulaski, Tennessee" with Forrest being inducted as "Wizard" (a tribute to his wartime nickname) the following year. Labeled as a "protective political military organization," the early Klan militarized itself in response to the perceived threat of William G. Brownlow, governor of Tennessee, who believed "the war ended to soon" and called for a second war to resume the literal "extermination" of the Rebel population. When the threat posed by Brownlow ended with the election of the comparatively more conciliatory successor DeWitt Senter, Forrest ordered the original KKK to disband.

Forrest also extended him efforts to the cause of racial reconciliation far beyond his peers -- contributing financially to a black Baptist Church in Memphis; employing some 400 blacks as foremen, conductors, architects and engineers in a railroad company, and by 1875 -- a year in which he was converted and baptized into the Presbyterian Church -- declaring that blacks should be free to enter any profession they chose and advocated the right to vote. Invited to speak before an early civil rights organization (and meriting the disapproval and condemnation of postwar Confederate organizations), he would say:

I came here with jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and did much to assist people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man and to depress none. I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farm, and wherever you are capable of doing. 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; but vote for the man you think best . . . Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office.

I do 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.

Suffice to say it's these later redemptive aspects of Forrest's postwar life that are probably not well known and suppressed by those who wish to elevate and emphasize his early life and career as a Confederate general.

From what I understand this period far more extensively in another book, Nathan Bedford Forrest's Redemption (Pelican Publishing, July 2010), by Shane Kastler, who remarks:

My hope is that one day the story of Forrest’s Christian conversion and his defense of racial equality will be as well-known as his former sins of slave-trading and racism. This transformation was what fascinated me when I researched his life for my book. Ultimately, I didn’t care how many battles he won, and I was unimpressed at how much money he made off of another person’s work.

Today, the most well-known fact about Forrest is that Nathan Bedford Forrest was a racist. But I hope tomorrow’s narrative will tell the true story of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s redemption.

See also: When The Devil Got Saved: The Christian Conversion of Nathan Bedford Forrest.

[Andrew Pratley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read which debunks a lot the myths surrounding a figure in American History who has been given a raw deal by both sides of the argument.
He was, we can all agree, a brilliant military commander who was never used by his own side to his greatest effect. This was because he hadn't gone to West Point & hadn't been before the war a member of the establishment.
Bedford Forrest was a slave trader. He was the first Grand Wizard of KKK but he wasn't a white supremacist. He was a product of his environment & times. His views on the race issue changed markedly as he got older. He was a practical man who learned by experience. He wasn't an ideologue.
He has sadly suffered since from those who have traduced his story for their own purposes.
This book clearly explains the major incidents in his life & reveals a very admirable man whom anyone would want on their side in any kind of fight or battle. I would have loved to had the chance to have meet him.

[Robert J. Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read....

Sets the story straight on Nathan Bedford Forrest.... Not nearly as wicked current opinions would indicate. We all have a path to pick.....it is safe to say (or write) that Nathan left this world looking up.

[Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forrest represented in war what Cicero did in literature. He had a love for right and a sincere respect for any demand for fairness. He was strong in character, profound in strategy, and forceful in battle. We will never see his like again." -The author

"Strength of numbers is the delight of the timid. The valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone." -Mahatma Gandhi

This is a remarkable, yet highly complimentary biography of Nathan Bedford Forrest and I learned a lot about the Civil War. It portrays the general as almost godlike, and in battle acted much like King Leonidas, not only rallying his men into warriors, but physically throwing himself into the fight. He would routinely achieve success and avoid death in the face of intense battle, despite always leading the charge of his men at the front of formation, having nearly 2 dozen of his own horses shot out from underneath him, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with his sabre, and suffering numerous injuries, all the while displaying extraordinary leadership skills, fighting ability and stamina. On top of it all he was notorious for winning nearly each and every one of the battles he led. He earned the respect and admiration from leaders on both sides of the conflict, including generals Lee and Grant.

General Nathan Bedford Forrest was a brilliant tactician and was extremely resourceful. He defeated opposing forces far larger than those he commanded on multiple occasions and became notorious for bluffing and fooling Union generals. Even General Lee considered Forrest to have been one of his best generals, but did not begin to realize this until late in the war. Unfortunately for the Confederates, President Davis and his top generals did not come to value Forrest's skills until it was too late in the war. If they had, the war could have ended far differently than it did.

Until now, I've learned very little about General Forrest despite sharing a name with him. On a personal note, I was named after my grandfather who was himself named after a relative born after 1900. I don't know how that particular relative was given his name, but I've wondered if he or someone he was named after was a namesake of Nathan Bedford Forrest, as I have a handful of ancestors who lived in the South during the Civil War era.

I couldn't help but notice similarities between General Forrest and General George H Thomas of the Union Army whose biography I read not long ago. Both were incredibly talented generals. While Forrest was far more successful and arguably a better commander than Generals Bragg and Hood, Thomas was arguably a better commander than either Generals Sherman or Grant who received far more notoriety during and after the war. Both were unsung heroes of the Civil War from their respective sides. Also interesting to note from this biography was Forrest was a major headache for General Sherman. Likewise, based on the events that transpired during the latter part of the war General Thomas was a major headache for General Forrest.

"As night fell, Forrest was searching for a bivouac site for the remnants of his command when he heard women screaming. Most of the escort rushed to a nearby house and found eight Union soldiers ripping the clothes off three women they intended to rape. The federals cried for mercy but no quarter was given and all eight were shot down immediately. Some historians consider this an atrocity but I disagree. Shooting would-be rapists is the best thing to do with them."

A few other items of note:

-His father died when he was only 15, and he was forced to run the farm and be man of the house while caring for his siblings and pregnant mother.

-Lived a life of sobriety. Gambling addict but was often successful. Very rough and tough, profane but acted civil around women. Believed in God, but wasn't a Christian and pursued wealth instead. However, his wife was a devout Protestant Christian.

-Was a slave trader, but treated his slaves well, comparatively speaking. When purchasing slaves, he tried to keep families together.
"Forrest made sure that they bathed regularly, were well groomed, well housed, and well fed. He encouraged his slaves to learn to read and write which was illegal in some states. and he kept a list of vicious slave dealers to whom he would not sell. He even allowed certain trusted slaves to go out in Memphis and to find their own masters. This was a big plus in the eyes of the slave. Forest's slaves respected and liked him as much as they could like a slave trader and preferred to be owned by him rather than his more brutal counterparts. But to those who knew his reputation for having a volcanic temper or had witnessed it first-hand feared him too. "

-His first Civil War battle was the battle at Sacramento Kentucky. He led his force against a Union force twice the the size of his own. This is where he earned his reputation for bravery since he not only won the battle, but charged from the front.

-The costly battle at Shiloh where both sides lost over 20% of their men. Roughly 23,000 men were killed.

-Often referred to as the Wizard of the Saddle for his impressive abilities on horseback, and his skills at recruiting soldiers.

"Blindly accepting historical truths without vigorous challenge is a perilous path to understanding real history." Stephen Hood, Historian

-According to the author, General Forrest was falsely blamed for the slaughter of surrendering black Union soldiers at Fort Pillow, known as The Fort Pillow Massacre. Although he ordered his men to storm the fort he was not present at the fort when the slaughter took place. Following the massacre, he condemned and disciplined his men for killing surrendering soldiers, something he was vehemently opposed to. Northern papers also falsely claimed that women were among those killed. However, there were no reports from those present at the fort that any women were in the fort at the time. The author suggests that this was alleged by northern papers to stir up further animosity toward the south.

[Craig Outcalt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A southern myth. This book is very generous rendering of a flawed, but great war-maker. If you’re looking for historical truth, it is in here, but spun out of proportion to cast NBF as a southern tall tale. An illustrative quote: “Dozens of excited women overcome with enthusiasm rushed into the street in their nightgowns to meet their muddy heroes.” Mmmkay.

The book apologetically whitewashes the fort pillow massacre and NBFs slave ownership, and would have us all believe he was the kind-hearted best friend to every negro he met and smarter than every other general who ever lived.

It overlooks an overconfident drubbing at tupelo which destroyed his army, and makes the desperate, but inconsequential raids on Sherman’s supply chain seem worthy of hero worship.

No doubt NBF was a brave and innovative warrior, but
I prefer my biography a lot truthier.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although told from a Southern perspective, this biography covers much ground. The author discredits several myths about N.B. Forrest that have sprouted up in Civil War literature over the years. He mostly focuses on Forrest's wartime career and spends, in my opinion, too little time discussing the Battle of Brice's Crossroads, by far Forrest's greatest wartime exploit. Overall a fine starting point for anyone wanting to gain further understanding of one of the South's greatest cavalrymen.

[Steve Coscia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring read. A natural born leader with keen ideas about how to do much with scarce resources. Forrest baffled and put fear into his Union adversaries by covertly sharing misinformation. He did not have a formal education, however those who got to know him, during and after the Civil War, remarked about his intelligence and salty language.

[kevin stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

A riveting account of the great cavalry commander and his daring life. Although highly colored by an obvious slant towards "hero worship" by the author, this work is worth reading. A good historical study for a "first read" into the life of Mr. Forrest. Enjoy!

[Susan's Sweat Smells Like Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining look at one of the more colorful figures from the American Civil War.

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with the research the author put into his work. He dove into the story of LTG Forrest without falling trap to the current view of the man inspired by a single scene from movie Forrest Gump.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, a bit short though. Reading about Jack Hinson's involvement in the war was a great highlight as he is often ignored in publications to avoid drawing attention to the vile nature of the Northern aggressors.

[Jon Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this popular history! Answers a lot of the objections people have against Forrest. Nearly brought me to tears.

[Avis Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't read far enough into it make any judgment about the content. But the book has a big problem with a corny writing style, and it was more than I could endure.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

High school level hagiography, bursting at the seams with superlatives and adulation.

[Prince Cad Ali Cad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has one man accomplished so much with so little.

Born in the backwoods, Forrest fought his way through his early life, battling mountain lions, bandits, sickness, and poverty. Despite his lack of education, he overcame the odds and became a successful businessman and millionaire in the Antebellum years.

When war rumbled, Forrest enlisted in the 7th TN Cavalry as a private. He would end the war as a Lt. General and be widely recognized by friend and for as the greatest military mind the war produced.

Mitcham does an excellent job of relating Forrest's personality and not merely focusing on his military exploits. The Antebellum and Postbellum years are given less thorough treatment, but do a nice job of bookending Forrest's life with needed information. Mitcham does a good job explaining the context of the founding of the Ku Klux Klan and the many deprivations that led to its creation and dissolution. But the work is not a treatise on that organization, so readers would be advised that discussion is confined to a portion of one chapter.

As to the War, Mitcham expressively describes Forrest and his feats. Forrest could, much like Lee, read his enemies, and escaped certain capture and overcame certain defeat time and time again. Regularly attacking enemies three times his own number, he repeatedly turned back Federal forays into central Tennessee and eastern Mississippi, saving those areas, for a time, from the ravages of invasion, rapine, and plunder. Certain commanders, such as Polk and Taylor, recognized Forrest's brilliance, but others, such as Hood and Bragg, were late to learn and the South suffered as a consequence.

A training and recruitment master, so great was Forrest's charisma that he could draw thousands of men to him in heavily occupied areas, raising Rebels out the weeds. He could also draw his enemies. Like Jackson in the Valley, tens of thousands of Federals were sent chasing his tiny band. He personally killed 30 Yankees, many in single combat, and had almost an equal number of horses shot out from underneath him.

As a man of valour, he is unmatched in modern history. Chief among his virtues was a healthy sense of personal honour, which did not act to impede his success or the success of others. Forrest also possessed a good sense of humour, a strict sense of chivalry, and a magnanimity to all people. Mitcham does an excellent job of clarifying certain propagandised views of Forrest, and resists that sin against the study of history, presentism, with much success. Forrest was a violent man, which is unremarkable given his frontier upbringing, but he channeled that violence into forging an unfading fame in military history. Aside from his military genius (displayed at the Battle of Brice's Crossroads), Forrest's bravery is almost unparalleled.

As was inscribed on his tomb before its destruction,
"Those hoof beats die not upon fame's crimson sod,
But will ring through her song and her story;
He fought like a Titan and struck like a god,
And his dust is our ashes of glory."

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Bedford Forrest was a cavalry general within Confederate States military, whose legacy today, unfortunately, is a misplaced claim that he was the founder of the first incarnation of the infamous Ku Klux Klan. However, there was more than that in his life. Born poor, living in a log cabin, he was not a very bright boy academically, yet he possessed tenacity and instinct that could be relied upon in need, and also very chivalrous towards women. A man of his time, he did not hate the negroes yet emerged as one of the richest slave traders and planters in Tennessee, seeing it as a path to wealth and success during that time in Southern United States. Although as contemporaries testified, he was a rather strict, yet benevolent patriarch to his slaves.

As Confederate States seceded from the Union and the whole country embroiled in a civil war, he enlisted as a cavalryman, and quickly established himself as an aggressive and daring leader, yet he would not want to put his men under him in a situation that he did not want himself into. Sometimes he personally led the cavalry charge, claiming 13 personal kills as a general, by the end of the war. What he lacked in formal military education, he covered with personal bravery, unorthodox tactics and care for his subordinates, as his troopers menaced the Union Troops, becoming the boogeymen of the North, who put the fear of God in Union Army Generals.

After the secessionists surrendered and the war was over, Forrest fell back quickly to unionists line, becoming one of the most prominent proponents for reconciliation. He also busied himself with causes such as support for confederate veterans. However, it was his association with Ku Klux Klan that earned him infamy. Formed first during Reconstruction Era as a mutual defense association for southern whites against the carpetbaggers and scalawags, a cause that Forrest supported wholeheartedly, the Klan quickly degenerated into a terror organization, which led Forrest as its Grand Wizard ordering its dissolution.

In the end, I found myself highly amused reading this book. Nathan Bedford Forrest, in my opinion, was the combination of Erwin Rommel, the German General, and Captain Haddock from the Tintin. His stories of raging, cursing, and putting down subordinates who did not want to get his hands dirty as he was, dispersed throughout the pages, managed to extract few laughs from me, and his commendable attitude in defeat is also admirable.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book mainly got the high rating it did from me because of its readability. It was a good read that broke down a lot of military mumbo jumbo into an understandable form. That being said I would suggest reading more than this book to get a more even picture of Bedford Forrest. While I do think Forrest was a brilliant military leader, the author is unquestionably biased and does everything in this power to A.) reassure the reader that Forrest really wasn't that bad of a guy and B.) let everyone know just how terrible those no good dirty Yankees were. The truth, I feel, lies somewhere in the middle. Let me clarify. I was born and have always lived in Tennessee. I live a stone's throw away from Chapel Hill, a tiny town that takes their association with Forrest seriously (I'm waiting for the time someone makes a serious issue out of the name of Forrest High School). The problem I have with the author defending Forrest so staunchly is that part of that defense involves going out of his way to relate stories of Forrest's gallantry to women and talk about how much everyone loved him with evidence that feels anecdotal (I feel like the guy he nearly beat to death with a tree branch would maybe argue). I also have a hard time pinpointing just how accurate all the Yankee atrocities the author keeps mentioning are since there are no footnotes with primary sources, just a bibliography. And I would even be wary of many primary sources since both sides were using propaganda to malign each other. Even the author can't bail Forrest out of the Fort Pillow incident entirely. I've done a bit of independent research on that one and my personal belief is Forrest more than likely knew what was going to go down, just was mad enough not to care at that point. The author himself sets up just how bad Forrest's temper was. But I think it's a far reach to claim that African American casualties in the war were higher because of bad leadership more than anything more nefarious. Bad military leadership I can buy in part, but I'm going to think there's a good deal of something far deeper and more insidious there. Basically I found the book an interesting read, but would take this version of Forrest with a giant rock of salt.

[David Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book curious. I’m a history nerd and especially love studying the American Civil War, so I already knew the legend of Nathan Bedford Forrest, the genius military commander whose reputation has forever been associated with the Fort Pillow Massacre and the founding of the KKK. Until recently, I had no interest in studying Forrest any deeper. What else could there possibly be to know about this man who deserved the infamy he has been relegated to.

Well, quite a lot. My curiosity was awoken when I learned that near the end of his life Forrest spoke out for the rights of African Americans. I had to learn how this man who is forever associated with racism could also be the man speaking out for equality. So, when I came across this book I decided to find out.

I feel that the author seems to sympathize with the South in many ways, but not with the racism we commonly (and not unjustly) associate with the Southern cause. Though those sympathies are there, though, the author presents us with evidence and facts. He paints the picture for us of a complex man who was many things and who changed as he went through life. We are presented with the military genius of Forrest, but also with his fierce temper. We are brought to Fort Pillow and the unjust deaths that occurred, but also are shown the events leading up to that “massacre” which allows us to understand how those events could take place and to realize that the Union soldiers in the fort were far from innocent. Finally we come to the years after the war and are also presented with the context of Forrest’s involvement with the KKK and why he eventually left the group.

All in all, this is a worthwhile book. It gives some much needed context to the life of a man who, justly or unjustly, is regularly condemned by modern audiences. Forrest was no saint, and his flaws come through, but in this book we see not a demon but a man, and a man who over time changed to become someone who perhaps is worthy of our respect or at the very least our understanding.

[Arne Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I have an interest in history and in particular American history. This book was also free with Audible membership and I had used up all my credits for the month. The book was also well reviewed on Audible and Goodreads. I was surprised at how interesting the book was. No person is perfect. The Bible says, "there is none righteous, no not one." Romans 3:10 All people have their sins, including Forrest. Hollywood portrays people as good guys and bad guys, but this is fiction. In truth we are all sinners who do good things and also do bad things. Therefore we should focus on behaviors, those that are righteous, and those that are evil. The concepts of transcendant good and evil are only logical in a Biblical worldview, but that is another conversation.
On to the book. This book is a valuable read in that it highlights the life of a real life action hero. Acknowledged as one of the greatest and most effective military leaders in American history by friend and foe alike. William Sherman tried to hire Forrest after the war. The book describes how if some of the feckless Confederate generals would have listened to Forrest, the war could have turned out much differently. It shows that atrocities and injustice were not only done by the south. A good read to get both sides of the story. "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." Proverbs 18:17 This is the other side of the story.

[Piotr Borowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a fascinating, yet balanced, look at the life of Nathan Bedford Forrest. For many, Forrest is simply a controversial figure, often painted in a negative light. This account doesn't shy away from his failures or the most difficult parts of his past, including his role as a slave trader and his explosive temper. In many ways, the book portrays him as what you might call a "typical redneck" of his time, highlighting both his brutal side and his tendency to be lethal in conflicts.

However, what makes this book stand out is its commitment to showing the full picture. It also details Forrest's more admirable qualities. He is presented as an exceptionally talented soldier, whose natural tactical genius often outmatched officers trained at West Point. The author also notes that he consistently treated women with respect. The most compelling part of the narrative, perhaps, is the final chapter of his life, where he undergoes a transformation. He becomes a Christian and works to make peace with the Black community, showing a complexity that challenges a simple, one-dimensional view of the man.

This book is a valuable read for anyone interested in American history, offering a detailed and surprisingly balanced perspective on a figure who is often misunderstood and oversimplified. It forces the reader to confront the complexities of history and human nature.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I started this book because I didn’t know much about Forrest outside of that he was a great calvary commander and that he was controversial. This is a well researched book and the author does a great job of showcasing Forrest’s military genius while providing context to Forrest’s most significant causes for controversy: providing additional facts and eye witness testimony concerning the incident at Fort Pillow and providing related correspondence and contrasting the KKK from the years immediately following the war (which Forrest personally disbanded) and the KKK That emerged decades later that is a terrorist organization using the same name. I suggest this book to those interested in the Civil War, military history, and those wanting to learn the actual facts on an honorable man (who was a baptized Christian after the war) and some additional context on the perceived controversies

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing but hero worship...

The book can be summarized best as Forest could do no wrong, Union troops were of poor quality or were rapists and thieves. The good unionists were the ones that liked Forrest. The KKK of Forrests time was downplayed in its violence and on and on. This is no better than books like Ronald Whites that lionize Grant. They work so hard to make their subject look good history is distorted. I'm not saying Forrest wasn't a great fighter, he was, but he also was not the perfect flawless man depicted.

[Kevin Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mitchum does an excellent job of telling the real life and war details of 1 of the greatest U.S. wartime General’s. He was a complicated man which easily changed from one role to the next. He became a Christian towards his end, however his consistent and fair treatment of others was always present. Recent History has much misaligned this special man. Christ’s forgiveness and the real man should be the over-riding theme and lessons we should learn from him. It’s on my Favorite shelf.

[Christy McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the detail about the battles of the Civil War. It seems certain the Confederacy would have fallen much sooner without him. I understand why some honor him based on his service. He was an amazing leader and it may be that his part in Fort Pillow was propagandized by the Union. History is written by the victors. I found it interesting he had the nickname, “The Wizard of the Saddle”, given the part he may, or may not, have played in the KKK.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough read but too narrow of a hagiography that at times reads like a series of anecdotes. The author doesn’t provide enough historical analysis or wider context, or even serious consider the key questions of the man - was he a racist by the time’s own standards, and was he actually a good general or just a good raider? The only times the author does consider these questions, tellingly, is around the Fort Pillow engagement and the formation of the KKK.

[Bill Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read on one of the Souths most misused Generals. Had he been used as he suggested the out come of the War for Southern Independents may have ended different and sooner. Not unlike Gen. G.S. Patton during WWll. And dis-spells the myth that Gen. Forrest founded the KKK which in fact he was dead set against it and even testified before congress about it. A really great Biography.

[Corey Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Very interesting to read the true history and not looked at from the perspective of today. A great General who was ahead of his time in tactics and audacity. Clears up a lot falsehoods about Forrest. I have enjoyed every book by the author and intend to pick up more. Recommend this to anyone who has interest in the Civil War in the West.