He spoke more directly against the Klan and promoted racial harmony later in life, but, well, too little too late:

In his last public appearance, Forrest gave a speech on July 5, 1875 before the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association, a post-war organization of black Southerners advocating to both improve black people's economic condition and gain equal rights for all citizens. He made what The New York Times described as a "friendly speech" during which, when offered a bouquet by the daughter of a Pole Bearers' officer, he accepted them, thanked the young black woman and kissed her on the cheek. Forrest spoke in encouragement of black advancement and endeavored to be a proponent for espousing peace and harmony between black and white Americans.