An ugly fact of the Civil War is that the Confederate army on several occasions refused to accept the surrender of uniformed colored troops. At least three such incidents occurred in 1864: Fort Pillow in April, the Crater in June, and Saltville in October. In the spring of 1864, legendary cavalryman Nathan Bedford Forrest and 6000 troopers mount up to drive the Yankees from western Tennessee and Kentucky. This will be a nasty fight – Sherman’s depredations are very much on Southern minds and Forrest’s men are in the mood for payback. Harper’s History of the Great Rebellion, acknowledging that Sherman’s conduct is uncivilized, nonetheless condemns Forrest’s expedition as “characterized by brutality and cowardice such as is not surpassed in the record of even savage warfare.” What Harper’s means by this is that Forrest enforces the ancient rule of no quarter after an initial demand of surrender is refused. Remember the Alamo? Thus on March 24th, a detachment of Forrest’s command confronts 500 Yankees garrisoning Union City, Tennessee. After repulsing three charges, the Yankees are cowed into surrender under the shadow of the Black Flag. On March 25th, Forrest assaults Paducah, Kentucky. After its occupiers retreat into a fort, Forrest sends them a message: “If you surrender, you shall be treated as prisoners of war, but if I have to storm your works, you may expect no quarter.” The Yankee commander replies he will do his duty and take his chances. Three assaults and 1500 casualties later, Forrest retires. Yankee losses are 14 killed and 46 wounded. Forrest appears before Fort Pillow on April 12th. Inside are 557 men – two units of colored artillery with six guns, plus a detachment of turncoat Tennessee cavalry. Near the fort live about 100 family members. Surprising the garrison in a lightning attack,…