Only a few military leaders in the American Civil War so pro¬foundly affected later military tactics as did Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Even as the war clouds hung over the infant Confederate States of America, Forrest prepared to embark on his brilliant career. In July 1861 he met in conference with Governor Isham G. Harris of Tennessee and was given a warrant to raise a volunteer cavalry regiment. The governor advised: "We look to you with confidence." Forrest replied, "I will do my best to deserve it, sir." In the following years Forrest more than fulfilled the trust and confidence bestowed upon him. Only the future, however, could reveal whether Forrest possessed the qualities of a successful military commander. Many other political appointees¬both in the North and South-would be tried and found wanting. |