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Quote#Politics & Power

I have never, on the field of battle, sent you where I was unwilling…

Quote byNathan Bedford Forrest · 1821–1877

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Farewell address (1865).

English (original)

I have never, on the field of battle, sent you where I was unwilling to go myself; nor would I now advise you to a course which I felt myself unwilling to pursue. You have been good soldiers, you can be good citizens. Obey the laws, preserve your honor, and the Government to which you have surrendered can afford to be, and will be, magnanimous.

— Nathan Bedford Forrest

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