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Re: For Your Review
In Response To: Re: For Your Review ()

George --

In a recent post I cited the Polebearer's speech to make the point about Forrest's escort not being integrated. SCV leaders may assume whatever they want, but there's nothing in Forrest's brief words to suggest that his slaves were armed members of a combat unit, let alone on roll with Captain Montgomery's escort.

Ladies and Gentlemen I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the southern states. I accept it more particularly as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God's earth who loves the ladies I believe it is myself. ( Immense applause and laughter.) I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man to depress none. (Applause.) I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I have not said anything about politics today. I don't propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. 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 Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand. (Prolonged applause.)

It is evidence that NBF held beliefs about race which contradict the popular perception of the great Confederate leader. There's lots more if anyone is interested.

George, notice what's in the SCV-composed prologue to the speech. You are told in no uncertain terms what to believe. I can only guess that the author suspected most people would never both to read the brief speech carefully. If people could be accused of a crime and convicted on "evidence" like this, all our jails would be full and the rest of us would be engaged in work that would facilitate contruction of new jails.

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