Bass Reeves was an enslaved person who rose up to become the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.

Reeves arrested over 3,000 outlaws in the span of his career.

Actor David Oyelowo plays Bass Reeves on the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

 

Bass Reeves Quotes

Esau: You prefer bein’ a daddy to puttin’ daddys in the grave.
Bass: The boy ain’t mine.
Esau: Could be, though. It’s all there for the takin’ now. Another man’s cradle, another man’s bride. You returned to the wild, Bass. Freedom’s a good color on you.
Bass: I reckon it would be for anyone.
Esau: Surprisingly, no. You’d think a man gifted freedom would walk pin his own accord, but most prefer the comfort of the master’s leash to liberty and justice. If I was not in these irons, I’d be happy to oblige them, Lincoln or no.
Bass: Union won?
Esau: God damn. No news here, I see. This faraway rock you crawled under got a name?
Bass: Turkey Creek.
Esau: Well, gobble, gobble. You best hurry up, Bass. Collect your wealth and take flight. Hell is coming on wings of its own.

George: It’s a damn confederacy of dunces, Bass. It’s not debatable, is it?
Bass: No, sir.
George: No, sir, indeed. Strike my tent, pack my gear. Pack the horses.

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Lawmen: Bass Reeves Quotes

No garlands, no trumpets. Just us tonight. Such a sad homecoming.

George

George: It’s a damn confederacy of dunces, Bass. It’s not debatable, is it?
Bass: No, sir.
George: No, sir, indeed. Strike my tent, pack my gear. Pack the horses.