In the letter Claiborne explains that Caller's son, Robert, has been selected to serve in the military "and to draw for money for the purpose of recruiting." Because Robert has not answered the order, the captain who issued it assumes that he...
In the letter Miller discusses a mill he would like to purchase, the return of a slave woman who has run away, and the possibility of selling some of his slaves to pay for his son's debts.
In the speech Dowdell argues in favor of a clause in the bill that would repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820. He objects to a provision of the act that prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36ø 30' latitude line: "This line...
In the letter Smealey mentions the possibility of making the Mercury, a newspaper in Autauga County, a Democratic organ: "It is a fixed fact that the paper has to change in some way. If the Democrats do not control it the Whigs will." He also...
In the letter John mentions seeing Stephen Douglas pass through town on his way to Montgomery, Alabama, and he discusses the possibility of secession after the presidential election: "The south seems determined to resist in case of Lincolns [sic]...
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...
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...
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...
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...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses traveling to (and setting up at) his current location; conditions in camp; Union "scouting parties" captured nearby and the accidental...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements and conditions in camp; nearby fighting ("we hear cannon every day"); the possibility of his father commanding a...
In the letter Helen discusses Willie's education (and advises him to use a dictionary); the possibility of visiting her son at school; crops and weather in the area; social events; and upcoming weddings. A transcript is included.
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he explains that he will be unable to get a furlough, and he discusses the possibility of getting a promotion: "If I do not get a position I shall...
During the Civil War, Seibels served as a colonel of the 6th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses the possibility of Bolling Hall, Jr., joining with Captain Davis to form a new company of men from Autauga County, Alabama. He also...
During the Civil War, Seibels served as a colonel of the 6th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses the possibility of Bolling Hall, Jr., joining with Captain Davis to form a new company of men from Autauga County, Alabama. He also...
In the letter Byrd discusses the possibility of establishing an armory and powder mill in Selma. He has researched the matter and presented his proposal to the Confederate government twice with no success: "The indifference of the government on the...
During the Civil War, Moore served as a colonel of the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment. In the letter he discusses the possibility of their oldest son, Alfred, joining the army. Moore suggests that he enlist in a company in Alabama, but he is...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he discusses upcoming troop movements and rumors about enemy forces nearby. He also explains that he has been thinking of switching to a...
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 he...
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 explains his goal as the leader of his men, who...