During the war, Nathan Bedford Forrest was a brilliant calvaryman for the Confederate Army. Following the war, however, the facts about Forrest became obscured. Some historians say that he became the first grand wizard of the original Klu Klux Klan, organized in 1866. The purpose of the original klan, which was disbanded in 1869, was to convince former slaves that it was in their best intrests to return to their home states in a "near-slavery" condition. Forrest later denied his involvement with the klan, and even promoted rather progressive ideas. In 1875 he spoke at the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association, comprising black individuals who promoted freedom and equality in the South. During his speech, Forrest said, "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.... Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief." Following his remarks, he kissed a young black girl on the cheek as a thank you for a bouquet of flowers, which was unheard of at the time.
(Source:
http://www.tennessee-scv.org/ForrestHistSociety/forrest_speech.html; Wills, Brian C., "Nathan Bedford Forrest," in Tennesee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/imagegallery.php?EntryID=F035)
No comments:
Post a Comment