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 Fitts introduces Caller to two men who plan to settle in the Mississippi Territory ("any services rendered them by you will confer an additional obligation on me"), and he discusses the will and estate of Green Duke, who died...
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 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 the advertisement Phillips describes each slave's physical appearance and disposition. He offers $50 for their return and discusses their motives for leaving: "The subscriber thinks it probable that some white person has been instrumental in...
In the letter McKee warns the men of a new slave in Mobile who had been banished from North Carolina because of "seditious conduct" the year before: "While acting as Magistrate of Police last August my attention...was called to the circulation of...
In the letter Stewart explains that he is trying to borrow money from the bank at Tuscaloosa, and he asks Dellet to recommend him for the loan. His describes his financial situation: "...I have negroes & land to the amount of 2 or 3000 dollars,...
Judge Callahan oversaw the trials of the "Scottsboro Boys" after Judge James E. Horton was removed from the case. In the letter Callahan explains that troops will not be needed to protect the prisoners and maintain order in the town: "I do not...
In the letter Puryear describes a "handsome lott of Negroes" he has just received, and he asks if Dellet would be interested in purchasing any: "I am retailing them fast at $900 but if you would take largely I would afford them for something less...
The gift is conditional, however: "That if myself or Edwards [sic] mother my wife should in the events of life consider that either of us should stand in need of said negroes--then either of our own judgements [sic] shall rule and take the said...
In the letter Mrs. Cato, the widow of Burrell P. Cato, asks for Dellet's help in reclaiming several slaves who have been taken to Texas by the executor of her husband's will. Because of a law prohibiting "the importing or bringing negroes from any...
In the letter Charlie discusses his recent spell of typhoid fever; a case in which he prosecuted "some rascals for stealing and selling negroes"; a visit to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and his impressions of the city; and Frank's education, possibly at...
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 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...
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...
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...
In the letter Catherine discusses visits with family and friends; the price and availability of goods; troops who have been stationed in the area ("to watch the Yankees, and keep the negroes from running off"); local slaves who have run away; and...
In the letter Mrs. Collins explains that most of the men in the area have gone to war, leaving the women, children, and elderly men unprotected; of particular concern are the unsupervised slaves on the plantations. She asks the governor to excuse...
In the letter Curry discusses possible military movements and the progress of the war: "I do long for peace again, but never wish to see it untill we have secured our rights and independence." He urges his son to stand for election as captain and...