In the introduction, Pickett explains his method of gathering information: "I have taken many of the following notes down on paper in a great hurry, as fast as the people narrating would speak, and there are many mistakes in grammar, spelling &...
In the letter Claiborne discusses recent attacks by Indians on white inhabitants in the territory: "The conduct of your Creek neighbours for some time past has been observed, and merit, in my opinion, exemplary punishment, and had I the power, they...
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 gift is conditional, however: "That if myself or Edwards [sic] mother my wife should in the events of life consider that either of us should stand in need of said negroes--then either of our own judgements [sic] shall rule and take the said...
During the Mexican-American War, Moore organized and led the Eutaw Rangers, a group of volunteers from Greene County, Alabama. In the letter he expresses love and concern for his wife (who is pregnant) and children, and he describes his regiment's...
During the Mexican-American War, Moore organized and led the Eutaw Rangers, a group of volunteers from Greene County, Alabama. In the letter he responds to recent correspondence from his wife, in which her mood seemed "sad & melancholy." He...
The committee was composed of seven men: Henry Semple, William Lowndes Yancey, S. Heydenfeldt, John A. Campbell, N. Harris, John A. Elmore, and Thomas S. Mays. In the letter they discuss the recent nomination of Lewis Cass as the Democratic...
In the first letter, written from the Exchange Hotel on January 10, 1861, Mitchell describes the tension and excitement in the city as they wait for the official declaration of Alabama's secession: "There seems to be no doubt, you may tell your...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he explains that he will be unable to get a furlough, and he discusses the possibility of getting a promotion: "If I do not get a position I shall...
During the Civil War, Moore served as a colonel of the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment. In the letter he explains that he will not be able to visit his family while in Alabama; though he had hoped to spend two weeks at home, he now plans to return...
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 discusses conditions in camp ("We enjoy very...
During the Civil War, Thomas Hall served in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses possible troop movements ("there is no relevance to be placed in a man's thought concerning the movements of the army. We are...
From July 1862 to November 1863, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he explains that "the Gap is apparently as impregnable and impenetrable as ever," and he describes a recent skirmish with Union...
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 discusses upcoming troop movements, including...
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 discusses the weather and conditions in camp;...
In the letter he discusses a recent false alarm of a Union invasion in Tuscaloosa; military responsibilities of the cadets at the university ("If all the reports as to the whereabouts of the enemy are true, this Corps will not remain here idle, but...
From June 1862 to November 1863, John Hall served in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he expresses grief at the news of his sister's death: "My feelings are such that I can hardly write. The tears fill my eyes so fast that it...
From July 1862 to November 1863, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses his sister's death and his deceased mother's influence on her children's spiritual lives: "We received your letter to...
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 discusses his health after a recent fall and...
During the Civil War, Thomas and James served in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the first letter, Thomas describes preparations for an upcoming troop movement ("I don't have any idea where we are going. But it seems as though...