“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.”

—  Nathan Bedford Forrest

1870s, Speech before the Pole-Bearers Association (1875)

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Nathan Bedford Forrest photo
Nathan Bedford Forrest27
Confederate Army general 1821–1877

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