In the letter Mason and Dexter describe the climate, landscape, and business opportunities of the area: "No part of the United States offers greater encouragement to the adventurer, especially the agriculturist than Alabama. The country is yet new,...
The commissioners discuss the towns through which they traveled; the points marked on the proposed boundary line; and the landscape in northeastern Alabama and northwestern Georgia. They also refer to the conflict between themselves and the...
In the letter John mentions seeing Stephen Douglas pass through town on his way to Montgomery, Alabama, and he discusses the possibility of secession after the presidential election: "The south seems determined to resist in case of Lincolns [sic]...
Bragg wrote this letter while representing Mobile County at the Alabama constitutional convention of 1861 (also known as the Secession Convention). In the letter Bragg discusses events at the assembly, including McRae's election as a delegate to...
At the time this letter was written, Jackson was serving as a captain in the 7th Alabama Infantry. In it he discusses conditions at the fort. He mentions "great sickness in the camp," including measles and typhoid fever, and he describes the strict...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses clothing he needs his family to send, adding that "I hate to be continually troubling you with our wants &c." He then includes a lengthy...
Jordan wrote the diary in the form of a letter to his wife, Julia. In it he discusses daily life in his regiment; their camp at the University of Tennessee in Nashville; the discovery of a woman posing as a soldier; speculations about the length of...
In the letter he discusses the death of his grandson, Edward (Elizabeth's nephew); the effects of winter weather in the area ("We hear almost daily of broaken [sic] hips - legs - & arms occasioned by falls on the ice"); clothes that he needs; and...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he discusses his officers and life in camp, giving the daily schedule of drills and calls. He also sends news of a mutual acquaintance who has...
In the letter Burgess discusses the financial situation of Lucy Audubon, the widow of naturalist John Audubon; Lucy's two sons have also died recently: "Three widows and their families suddenly left without a single male relation seventeen years of...
In the letter Smith describes English sentiment toward the Civil War: "By a chance I had an opportunity to learn the silent feelings of all the most intelligent gentlemen were with the South before the Manassas Battle: and here the Southern cause...
During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the letter he describes a recent battle and his mindset...
The order addresses seven issues: 1) the appointment of a "chief bugler" and the specific schedule for bugle calls to be sounded throughout the day; 2) daily reports from orderly sergeants; 3) responsibilities of men on guard duty and the supplies...
During the Civil War, Alex served in the 2nd and 3rd Alabama Cavalry. In the letter he discusses weather and conditions in camp; crops planted in the area; the possibility of a battle soon; reinforcements arriving daily; and the strict discipline...
Most of the letters are handwritten copies, which are often faded and difficult to read. Many report on the daily operations of the company. Other topics include supply, labor, and shipping problems; the price and quality of the coke; the output of...
About a third of the letters are handwritten, and the rest are typed; some of the handwritten copies are faded and difficult to read. Many of the letters report on the daily operations of the company. Other topics include supply, labor, and...