Forrest Stories

Bedford Forrest was not a jester or joker but he did have a good sense of humor. When a difficult combative situation was under control which with him it inevitably would be his demeanor would lighten up and Forrest's humorous side would come out. He was also a master of the poker bluff and psychological warfare and he played these to great advantage during the war. One of the best episodes of this was the 1863 week-long pursuit and surrender of an entire Federal brigade-over 1700 men-to fewer than 600 of his own. The Union commander had seen the Confederates' three cannons but a Forrest ruse and bluff made it appear as fifteen cannons to which the astonished Union man asked Forrest how many he had. Forrest replied I reckon that's all that's kept up. This book is a trove of those factual and almost-factual happenings.