ry. Forrest used his own money to supply the regiment. Because of this, he was made the commanding officers of his troops, with the rank of Colonel. As he had applied himself diligently in rising from poverty to wealth, so Forrest, with no military training, applied himself diligently and soon won promotion to Brigadier General. Now the commander of a Confederate cavalry brigade, Forrest distinguished himself at the Battle of Fort Donelson. Forrest urged a retreat across the Cumberland River but was denied. He angrily stormed out of a meeting, informing his superiors he had not led his men into battle to surrender. When 4000 of his troops followed him, the loyalty Forrest inspired among his men was demonstrated and his actions subsequently helped the regiment escape Federal forces (Nathan, 2004).
Forrest was one of the most hands-on leaders on either side of the Civil War. He often clashed with superiors and what he found a willingness to surrender on their part. When he was wounded in the fight at Shiloh, he refused to leave the field until the security of his army was guaranteed. Forrest then engaged in a series of battles that would make his name prominent among leaders on both sides of the conflict. He was promoted to Brigadier
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