James was a Scotsman living in the Choctaw nation in Noxubee County, Mississippi. In the letter he complains that Creek warriors have recently stolen horses from settlers: "I want you to put a stop to it as we want to keep in friendship." He...
In the letter Parkin discusses the musical instruments Parker has sent for him to sell, and he thanks him for several issues of a EUTERPRIAD, a music magazine Parker publishes: "We have not many musical characters here, but those who have seen it...
In the letter Powell explains that he has moved from Huntsville to Franklin County near Tuscumbia and Florence ("they are even now places of great trade and considerable importance but are waging an eternal war against each other - which will...
"Mrs. Sarah Gayle" is almost certainly Sarah Ann Haynsworth Gayle, first wife of Governor John Gayle. She is describing events that took place several years previous. The Maria and Levein mentioned in the account are the sister and brother of John...
Melissa Russell was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts; she traveled to Alabama with her brother, Henry, who was an Indian agent near Tallassee. In the diary she describes fellow travelers, accommodations, social activities, and towns she...
Robert Gracey died in 1841. The book is divided into three sections. The first notes the payment and collection of debts from 1842 to 1845. The second section deals with the accounts of Minor and his brother John Ivey Gracey; it records the...
In the letter James discusses life in camp; upcoming troop movements; the formation of a local regiment; and his expected term of service ("I have volunteered for twelve months unless sooner discharged & if we are not discharged before the...
In the letter James discusses health in camp; upcoming troop movements and predictions about the war ("it is opinion of some of our officers that when we leave here we will leave for home that peace will be made in sixty days"); and the land around...
In the letter Thomas discusses family, business, and farming. At the end is a note added on behalf of "Brother Peter," who sends news of his children and asks for Richard's assistance in financial matters; specifically, he mentions compensation...
In the letter Clements gives personal and community news to his brother, who is no longer living at home. He mentions his recent illness; young women he and his friends are interested in; his plans for school ("I am not going to school no where yet...
In the letter Clements gives news of family and friends to his brother, who is no longer living at home. He also mentions John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry: "I suppose you have learned of the affair at Harpers Ferry and also that Capt. John Brown...
In the letter Cooke discusses money that his grandson has sent him (which he has not received), and he explains that he will be unable lend Edward anything: "...I am in debt at present and probably shall be till some favorable turn takes place...My...
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...
In the letter Charlie describes his voyage home to Portland, Alabama, probably after visiting his family in Connecticut. He discusses seasickness; a whale spotted while sailing along the coast of South Carolina; the flag over Fort Sumter "which we...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses traveling to (and setting up at) his current location; conditions in camp; Union "scouting parties" captured nearby and the accidental...
From May 1861 to June 1862 John Hall served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letters he discusses activities in camp; the illness of his brother, Crenshaw, and other men in the regiment; a comet he saw ("with the longest tail that I have ever...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses the virtues of his mother, who died three years earlier: "Three years once seemed an age to me - it seemed that in that time the memory...
From May 1861 to June 1862 John Hall served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter to his father, he discusses upcoming fighting; sickness among the soldiers ("I reckon it is caused mostly from eating corn apples peaches &c."); conditions and...