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 &...
Most of the act deals with the punishment of slaves who have violated the law. Possible offenses include running away; gaming; stealing; selling merchandise; carrying weapons; drinking alcohol; "assembling in great numbers...and drumming or making...
In the letter McGillivray describes a recent meeting of the Creek Indian chiefs and the efforts of the Georgia legislature to take control of Creek lands. He calls on their British allies for support against the Americans: "Georgia and Carolina in...
Manac, also known as Totkes Hajou and Sam Moniac, was of Creek Indian and European descent; he was a relative of Alexander McGillivray. In the deposition he discusses a council meeting at Tuckabatchee, were Tecumseh delivered a speech to rally the...
In the letter Gaines expresses concerns he and Colonel William Barnett have setting the boundary lines between the United States and Indian land, as outlined in the Treaty of Fort Jackson: "Colonel Barnett and myself had set out with a view to...
In the letter Murphy mentions that Lewis has not replied to recent correspondence regarding his appointment to the Georgia-Alabama Survey Commission. Murphy sends this message by an express messenger ("It would not be proper to abandon a matter of...
The three men represented Georgia on the Georgia-Alabama Survey Commission. In the letter Crawford explains that he has just "borrowed a sufficient sum of money to meet our immediate wants," and he has written the governor to request more funds. He...
In the letter Moore discusses a conversation he had with Coffee and President Andrew Jackson the previous summer, regarding the conflict between himself and Colonel John McKinley. (McKinley allegedly did not support Moore's nephew for the post of...
In the letter Gayle describes the allegations of the white citizens, including the murder of a circuit court clerk in Russell County. The newly appointed agents are to begin their work by meeting with the Indian chiefs: "In your interview with...
Schermerhorn writes on behalf of the United States commissioners who are negotiating the cession of Cherokee land east of the Mississippi River. In the letter he mentions objections the Cherokees have made to the treaty proposed during a meeting at...
In the letter Clay discusses a recent meeting with thirteen Creek chiefs, including Hopothlo Yoholo: "I had several talks with them, and amongst other things, learn from them that a large number of the upper towns are anxious to emigrate, and that...
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 his happiness at learning of the birth of his daughter, and he tells of his desire to return...
In the letter Wyatt asks Hall to attend an upcoming meeting of the Democratic party in the area "to take part in deliberating and determining the future action of our party on the momentous issue which promises to be presently presented to the...
In the telegram several members of the organization criticize the dismissal of Dr. Lawrence D. Reddick from Alabama State College and ask that his case be given a fair hearing. They also suggest the formation of a biracial conference to examine...
This assembly of the Alabama Democrats plans to send delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, despite the withdrawal of the state's delegation from the earlier meeting in Charleston: "There is a vacancy in the Delegation of...
In the letter John writes about his health, family members and acquaintances, and an upcoming fair. He also discusses politics in detail, including the presidential election of 1860: "I have just been reading Yancey's great New York speech. I think...
In the letter John discusses the tense political climate across the country, the possibility of secession, and the necessity of fighting: "I heard to day [sic] that the latest telegraphic news was that Gov. Wise had been assassinated, Cobb had been...
Bragg wrote this letter while representing Mobile County at the Alabama constitutional convention of 1861 (also known as the Secession Convention). In the letter Bragg discusses events at the assembly, including McRae's election as a delegate to...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he discusses his illness and describes recent events during the Confederate invasion of Kentucky: "I suppose you have all ready heard of the...
During the war, Warrick served in the Coosa Home Guards, and he was a private in Company C of the 34th Alabama Infantry. In the letter to his wife, he explains that he is still in the hospital but is "a mending"; his regiment left the area two...