Secesh (@Secesh)

He [Nathan Bedford Forrest] remained quick, however, to discipline any officer whose example seemed likely to increase disaffection among the troops. As they were being ferried from the island to the other side of the Tennessee during the escape at Florence, all were ordered to assist on the ferries' oars and poles. Forrest, engaged in these exertions himself, turned to a lieutenant who wasn't and asked him why. According to an eyewitness, the "lieutenant responded that he was an officer, and did not think he was called upon to do that kind of work as long as there were private soldiers sufficient." Whereupon Forrest slapped the young officer so hard across the face that he was sent "sprawling over the gunwale and into the river." After he was retrieved and pulled back into the boat, Forrest told him: "Now, damn you, get hold of the oars and go to work! If I knock you out of the boat again, I'll let you drown." --Hurst, Jack. "Nathan Bedford Forrest: A Biography" #sec021 #forrest #nathanbedfordforrest #lieutenant #ferry #ferries #oars #poles