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 notebook contains records of accounts and supplies for a plank fence on his plantation "to be made by the M & C R. Road Co. and Thomas Fearn"; information on cotton crops, supplies at home and at his plantation, and lands he owned in...
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...
Jones had been appointed as a judge to the U.S. district court in 1858, but he resigned that post when Alabama succeeded. In the letter he asks to be a judge in the "new federal courts" that will be established by the Confederate government.
"Constitution Adopted! Swearing Allegiance to the New Constitution! President and Vice President Elected! Davis and Stephens!" This article announces the adoption of the Confederate constitution and the election of its executive officers: "The name...
This article gives the proceedings of the Confederate congress during the sixth and seventh days of its session. On the sixth day members took oaths of office; elected a president and vice president of the provisional government; and appointed...
This letter was written not long after the formation of the Confederate States of America. In it Bolling discusses possible interruptions in mail delivery ("I have been looking everyday [sic] to see it announced that the Government has discontinued...
In the letter Forsyth explains a proposal that would make Mobile the home port for a line of passenger and postal steamers from Mexico. He mentions Carlos Butterfield, who is working for the Mexican government to secure such a route. The U.S....
In the letter Campbell discusses the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and his negative views of the new president; expresses his hope that peace will be maintained between the Union and the new Confederate government; and mentions his resignation...
This article gives the proceedings of the Confederate congress during the twenty-fifth day of its session. That day a delegation from Alabama presented a marble inkstand to the president of the congress, and J. L. M. Curry spoke about the gift's...
This article discusses the ratification of the Confederate constitution and the recent formation of the Confederate States. It defends secession, praises the actions and intent of the people, and predicts a bright future for the new government:...
This article argues that the United States government has effectively declared war on the South because it refused to receive a Confederate delegation or surrender Fort Sumter. The article also predicts that the Confederate forces will take the...
This article offers a defense of Southern secession and blames the Lincoln and the North for starting the war: "We have asked but our rights. We simply desired to be left alone, to conduct our own government free from abolition meddlesomeness....
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...
Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in response to the secession of seven Southern states. He calls for 75,000 men from state militias to deal with the rebellious states, which are "too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course...
In the letter Philips gives his opinions about the cause and course of the Civil War. He feels that the North and South have so many common interests that peace can be maintained through an alliance or treaty between the two sections: "...while a...