Forrest’s Farewell Order to His Cavalry Corps - Gainesville, Ala. - May 9, 1865

    Civil war such as you have passed through naturally engenders feelings of animosity, hatred, and revenge. It is our duty to divest ourselves of all such feelings, and so far as it is in our power to do so, to cultivate friendly feelings toward those with whom we have so long contested and heretofore so widely but honestly differed.

    Neighborhood feuds, personal animosities, and private differences should be blotted out, and when you return home, a manly, straightforward course of conduct will secure you the respect even of your enemies.

    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 myself felt unwilling to pursue. You have been good soldiers. You can be good citizens.

N.B. Forrest, Lieutenant General