In the address Smith comments on the recent election of Lincoln; describes the objectives and administration of the new Confederate government; gives a historical and religious defense of slavery; commends the new government's prohibition of the...
At the start of the Civil War, Hubert Dent was a 1st lieutenant of the Eufaula Rifles, which became Company B of the 1st Alabama Infantry; he was eventually promoted to captain and commanded Dent's Battery (formerly Robertson's Battery). In the...
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 Bolling discusses his studies at the university; criticism of his father's vote in the Electoral College during the recent presidential election; "troubles in Autaugaville & Prattville among the negroes"; disagreements among Southern...
This article discusses the likeliness that Alabama will secede from the Union: "A large majority of the members of our Convention will not hesitate a moment to co-operate with South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi in the formation of a Southern...
This article gives the proceedings of the Confederate congress during the sixth and seventh days of its session. On the sixth day members took oaths of office; elected a president and vice president of the provisional government; and appointed...
In the letter Forsyth explains a proposal that would make Mobile the home port for a line of passenger and postal steamers from Mexico. He mentions Carlos Butterfield, who is working for the Mexican government to secure such a route. The U.S....
This article discusses the ratification of the Confederate constitution and the recent formation of the Confederate States. It defends secession, praises the actions and intent of the people, and predicts a bright future for the new government:...
In the letter she discusses money that has been sent to Edward to buy clothes; unreliable mail delivery; the difficulty of traveling between the North and South; and her husband's new retail firm. She makes predictions about the outcome of the...
In the letter Lapsley mentions a European gun maker in Selma ("one of the most skillful gun makers I doubt not, in the Confederate states"), who would be willing to oversee an armory if the Confederate government were to establish one in the city....
In the letter McRae encourages the president to establish an armory at Selma, a proposal he had unsuccessfully made to the Confederate government before: "I therefore take the liberty of again addressing you on the subject and to urge the absolute...
The brief message informs Hall that "Your son has gone home." This refers to Crenshaw Hall who was discharged from the 6th Alabama Infantry on May 6. It was sent through the Southern Telegraph Company, "The only direct Line to all Places of...
During the Civil War, Isaac Morgan served in Company C of the 37th Indiana Infantry Regiment. In the letter he describes fighting the "secesh" in north Alabama. He mentions camp activities and duties in Athens; Union soldiers who were captured and...
In the letter Curry discusses a recent drought and the effects it will have on the Confederate cause: "If the drouth continues, and I fear it will, it will be the greatest of calamities to the Confederacy--with good seasons provisions would be made...
The brief message discusses some financial matter: "They can be sold at about ninety seven & a half." It was sent through the Southern Telegraph Company, "The only direct Line to all Places of importance in the Confederacy, and connecting with...
At the start of the Civil War, Dent was a 1st lieutenant of the Eufaula Rifles, which became Company B of the 1st Alabama Infantry; he was eventually promoted to captain and commanded Dent's Battery (formerly Robertson's Battery). In the letter...
During the Civil War, James Hall served as a captain in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the message James announces a brief visit: "We leave for Montgomery this evening will stop there a few hours." It was sent through the...
From June 1862 to November 1863, John Hall served in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements; weather and conditions in his new camp ("a tolerable pleasant place"); the log cabins that are being...
In the letter Erwin, a purchasing agent for the Confederacy, explains the difficulties he has encountered while trying to take a load of bacon to Confederate soldiers in Alabama. He also discusses several men who might be available to work at the...