and
Zorndorf, though he had never heard these names. Indeed, his tactics
deserve the closest study of military men. Asked after the war to what
he attributed his success in so many actions, he replied: "Well, I _got
there first with the most men_." Jomini could not have stated the key to
the art of war more concisely. I doubt if any commander since the days
of lion-hearted Richard has killed as many enemies with his own hand as
Forrest. His word of command as he led the charge was unique: "Forward,
men, and _mix_ with 'em!" But, while cutting down many a foe with
long-reaching, nervous arm, his keen eye watched the whole fight and
guided him to the weak spot. Yet he was a tender-hearted, kindly man.
The accusations of his enemies that he murdered prisoners at Fort Pillow
and elsewhere are absolutely false. The prisoners captured on his
expedition into Tennessee, of which I have just written, were negroes,
and he carefully looked after their wants himself, though in rapid
movement and fighting much of the time. These negroes told me of Mass
Forrest's kindness to them. After the war I frequently met General
Forrest, and received many evidences of attachment from him. He has
passed away within a month, to the regret of all who knew him. In the
States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, to generations yet
unborn, his name will be a "household word."

Having devoted several hours at Meridian to the work mentioned, I took
rail for Mobile, a hundred and forty miles. This town of thirty thousand
inhabitants is situated on the west bank of the Alabama (here called
Mobile) River, near its entrance into Mobile Bay, which is
five-and-twenty miles long by ten broad. A month before my arrival
Admiral Farragut had captured Fort Morgan at the eastern mouth of the
bay, after defeating the Confederate fleet under Admiral Buchanan, who
was severely wounded in the action. Two or three of Buchanan's vessels
had escaped, and were in charge of Commodore Farrand near Mobile. The
shallow waters of the bay were thickly planted with torpedoes, and many
heavy guns were mounted near the town, making it safe in front. Mobile
had excellent communications with the interior. The Alabama, Tombigby,
and Black Warrior Rivers afforded steam navigation to central Alabama
and eastern Mississippi, while the Mobile and Ohio Railway reached the
northern limit of the latter State. Supplies from the fertile
"cane-brake" region of Alabama and the prairies of