When the Civil War commenced, Forrest enlisted as a private, but by October 1861 he was a Lt. Colonel in command of his own troop of cavalry. He participated in many of the early battles including Shiloh, but soon began to operate on his own, using his cavalry as a strike force. His motto was the phrase attributed to him, “Git there fustest with the mostest.” Aggressive and daring, he stabbed a would be assailant to death after taking a near fatal gunshot wound and struck hard at the Union lines in Tennessee and Kentucky from 1862-4. Troops under his command carried out an infamous massacre of black Union troops at Fort Willow, TN. After the war he served as grand wizard of the newly organized Ku Klux Klan (1867-69) but resigned in protest of some of its tactics. DS, signed twice as president of the Selma, Marion and Memphis Railroad Company, “N. B. Forrest,” one page both sides, 16.5 x 10.75, Selma, Marion and Memphis Railroad Company letterhead, September 1, 1869. First mortgage eight percent bond, endorsed by the State of Alabama, with a total amount of $1000.00. Signed at the bottom as president by Forrest, and signed again on the reverse agreeing to pay the principal and interest of the bond in gold coin, dated September 1, 1970. Thirty-three interest coupons are still attached to the bottom portion of the front. In very good condition, with expected folds, light toning, a couple small pin holes at junction of folds, intact seal, signature on reverse a couple shades light and attractive vignettes. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
