In the letter Sayre sends news of mutual acquaintances; mentions several people who have died ("death has been making fearful havoc among people in that neighborhood"); conscription of soldiers; the prospect of peace ("I don't think it will come...
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 thanks his wife for her recent correspondence...
During the Civil War, Alex served in the 2nd and 3rd Alabama Cavalry. In the letter he discusses food available in camp ("well supplied in the eating line); clothing he needs; weather in the area; possible troop movements and campaigns; his low...
This article cites The Richmond Whig, which reports that Confederate conscription has been extended to men between the ages of 17 and 50. This was the second time the age range had been increased; originally, only men between 18 and 35 years were...
In the letter Mrs. Wallace informs Bankhead that female citizens of Alabama are opposed to conscription, and she asks him to vote against the proposed selective service legislation. She argues that the proponents of the draft "show to the world...
In the first letter, written April 11, 1917, Lee suggests that United States should build its army through volunteers first, and use conscription only to fill out the lower ranks: "Many a man will volunteer when he would feel disgraced to be...
In the first letter, written April 9, 1917, Burgess discusses a proposed bill promoting "compulsory or universal military training" for men ages eighteen to twenty-five. He asks Bankhead to have the bill amended to lower the age of eligibility: "To...
In the first letter, written April 23, 1917, May asks Bankhead to support the proposed selective service legislation rather than relying on volunteers to fill the ranks: "If...it is left up to the people of this country to volunteer to win this...
In the message Lay supports Bankhead's stance against conscription. He suggests that an increase in pay for soldiers will encourage more men to volunteer for service: "Increase the pay for volunteers to serve in Europe to four or five times the...
The petition advocates "absolute neutrality" regarding the war in Europe, and it suggests that it would be unconstitutional for the federal government to call for troops or enact conscription legislation.
2010-12-07
QuickView
Display a larger image and more item information when the pointer pauses over a thumbnail