John Fredrick Parker
Donor
At Fort Donelson, Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest made an escape with 700 Cavalry troops prior to the surrender to the forces of Ulysses S Grant. What if he had not managed this escape? How would the war progress (presumably) without Nathan Bedford Forrest?
(We can also discuss if Forrest is indeed out of commission, either dead or POW, for the duration of the conflict. First, is it more likely he is intercepted in his attempt, or that he surrenders with the rest of the fort; and if the former, is he more or less likely to be taken alive? If Forrest is taken alive, is he likely to be exchanged, and if so, does he re-enter the field? Or are either of these unlikely, meaning it's a war without NBF?)
(We can also discuss if Forrest is indeed out of commission, either dead or POW, for the duration of the conflict. First, is it more likely he is intercepted in his attempt, or that he surrenders with the rest of the fort; and if the former, is he more or less likely to be taken alive? If Forrest is taken alive, is he likely to be exchanged, and if so, does he re-enter the field? Or are either of these unlikely, meaning it's a war without NBF?)