In the letter McGillivray describes the efforts of the Creek Indian soldiers against the Spanish forces and the difficult living conditions his troops endure: "Owing to their being fed entirely upon salt provisions, the bad water about Pensacola,...
In the letter Flournoy says that he is no longer interested in maintaining a plantation, and he asks Hall to purchase some of his slaves: "Lawyers, doctors, & merchants should have nothing to do with plantations & negroes--Overseers are...
In his address Cobb insists that the slavery question, the central issue influencing the pending secession of the South, was not answered by the recent presidential election: "But gentlemen say they cannot do anything. They say that the edict went...
The committee was appointed to investigate reports of recent Indian hostilities near Tallassee. In the letter the men share their findings with the governor and express their belief that "we shall have a regular Indian war": "Hitherto we believed...
During the Mexican-American War, Moore organized and led the Eutaw Rangers, a group of volunteers from Greene County, Alabama. In the letter he discusses the upcoming transportation of troops from New Orleans to Port Isabel in Texas. There is...
After the nomination of Lewis Cass as the Democratic candidate for president in 1848, a committee of men from Alabama asked Tazewell to run against him. In the first letter, Tazewell declines the invitation, though he also disagrees with the...
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...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he describes a recent campaign by General Joseph E. Johnston, which was a surprising success: "Gen Johnston completely surprise both our army...
In the letter Powell mentions the weather and mutual acquaintances, and he discusses the ongoing secession of Southern states: "The people in this part of the state are becomeing [sic] very restless about the state not seceding. Secession appears...
This article describes reaction to the surrender of Fort Sumter to Confederate forces: "The people were pleased to know that Major Anderson had been compelled to haul down the stars and stripes of the Abolition government, and that in their place...
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 Hotchkiss informs Semple that his horses can no...
From May 1861 to early 1862, Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he explains that "Since the furloughs have been knocked in the head there have been all sorts of plans in contemplation to secure the volunteers for a...
In the letter Minor mentions a government contract with J. E. Murrell of Mobile, authorizing an exchange of cotton to purchase nitre. Minor also commends McRae's efforts to have the Confederate government establish an armory at Selma. He explains...
During the Civil War, Moore served as a colonel of the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment. In it he discusses upcoming troop movements and recent Confederate losses: "We have all been disturbed by the defeats at Fort Donelson, Roanoke & other...
During the Civil War, Seibels served as a colonel of the 6th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses the discharge and transfer of Hall's sons, John and Crenshaw, and he mentions that he does not plan to reenlist ("I have determined...
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, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter to Martha he discusses his recovery after a recent illness; mentions a brief trip he made to Montgomery ("Oh you have no idie [sic] how bad I...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he explains that he has recovered from a recent illness; describes the journey he will have to make to return to his regiment ("Oh the march...
During the Civil War, Jones served in Company G of the 41st Alabama Infantry Regiment; he was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863. In the letter he discusses illness in the camp and upcoming troop movements. He then expresses...