The Florence tribune., 1899-09-16
ANECDOTES OF A GREAT SOLDIER.

Lord Wolseley, Commander of the l English Army, and General ". T. have said that had General Nathan Bedford Forrest received a military education he would have been the greatest figure Of the civil war After reading the biography of the celebrated Confederate cavalry leader, which has been written by Dr. John A. Wyeth, and which is to be published shortly by Harper & Brothers, it is easy to understand why Forrest should be so esteemed by all who are best qualified to juege.
 General Forrest was keenly ap- preeiative of the necessity of giving his personal attention to the smallest details connected with his military op- orations in ordes to achieve success. He was not content to accept reports from even his most trusted and faith ful subordinates, but he made careful inspection of his artillery, the harness, and the condition of the animals as well as the men, and he'd his officers strictly accountable for keeping his command supplied with ammunition, forage, and rations. Nothing seemed to escape his careful scrutiny. When on the march, which usually began at daylight, he would take his place by
 the roadside and observe regiment after regiment as they passed before
 him. He would then mount his horse
 and ride through the column from rear
 to front. If it were raining and he saw cartridge box exposed to the
 weather, the delinquent need expect
 no mercy from the commander If in crossing a stream soldier permitted
 bis ammunition to get wet, he might
 consider himself fortunate to escape
 with a reprimand. His quick eye
 readily detected lame or tender footed animal, or one that did not
 seem to be well fed or properly cared
 for. A veteran of Forests command informed the writer that on one oc-
 easion the general ordered him to leave the ranks, remarking: "Why do you let your horses back get sore2 Take yonr saddle off and let me see
 what's the matter" On exposing the animals back it was found to be chafed. Forrest reprimanded him, and dismounted to give him a practical lesson in the manner of rolling the
 blanket so that the pressure would be he rode away, the general remarked: You must never again let me see you riding horse with sore pack there is no need of it." few days later the general recognized the same trooper, and also noticed that he had not fixed the blanket as he had been instructed, and, narrating the eircuiu- stance, the trooper said: ''I did not get off so easily that time. The general gave me hell, but it taught me lesson never forgot"
 The precautions he took for the com fort and safety of his men were fully appreciated, and formed one of the strong bonds of attachment between the soldiers and their commander. When they bivouacked for the night, in proximity to the enemy, he never rested until he saw in person that the piekets were properly posted, and that experienced and reliable men were detailed for important duties. His men felt the most implicit reliance in this watchful care of themselves. A lieutenant of the escort said. "We had that confidence in him which imagine the Old Guard had in Napolean. On one occasion, while we were sup posed to be in very dangerous posi- ton, with the enemy all about us, we | were ordered to go into camp for the | night. There were some new results | with us, who, seeing the older members of the command preparing to lie down | and go to sleep with the enemy all around you, do you?' The answer was: Of course we do; General Forrest told us to do it.