"[David Campbell] Kelly began adulthood in the clergy, serving for two years as a missionary in China and returning home just a year before the Civil War. He then raised a company of cavalry from his family's large congregation that became part of [Nathan Bedford] Forrest's original regiment. Kelly quickly became Forrest's second in command, assisting in some of his most daring engagements, offering support in key decisions and serving as his unofficial chaplain. Following the war, Kelly returned to preaching, helped establish Vanderbilt University, and launched a campaign for governor of Tennessee"--Page 4 of cover.