1. He was born poor but became one of the wealthiest men in the South before the Civil War began.

2. Received no formal education but was not illiterate.

3. Outfitted his own men using his own funds.

4. Once said to his Commanding Officer : "If you were but half a man, I would slap your jowls" (Bonus, name the Commander, and the battle).

5. Was taken in after the Civil War by a former enemy officer whom he had fought against. (Bonus, name the Officer).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Nathan Bedford Forrest

He said that pleasantry to Bragg, as far
as where, I would guess Chickamauga.

Who took him in, no clue. but my
guess would be Sherman who was
an ardent admirer of his tactics.

Saw an interesting site about his
great-grandson worthy of a gander.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/forrest.htm

ds, it was NB Forrest and he did say it to Braxton Bragg at Chickamauga for not chasing Thomas into Chattanooga. The officer who took him in was Union Colonel John Wilder who also used the mounted Infantry tactics that Forrest had started. Coincidentally, Wilder also purchased arms and equipment for his own troops as well. Sherman despised Forrest and actually wanted him so bad that he swore he would get Forrest if it "broke the bank and cost 10,000 men". btw, great article, never knew that.