Also included are historical and genealogical notes dealing with Portland, Alabama (in Dallas County), and the Boykin and Hall families. A partial transcript is included.
In the letter Mary Ann offers her son advice on corresponding with young ladies: "I hope you will never ask a lady (unless a relative) for her narrative untill [sic] you are engaged...young people oftentimes become interested and then attached...
In the letter Cooke discusses money that his grandson has sent him (which he has not received), and he explains that he will be unable lend Edward anything: "...I am in debt at present and probably shall be till some favorable turn takes place...My...
During the Civil War, Crenshaw Hall served in the 6th Alabama Infantry, 2nd Battalion of Hilliard's Legion, and the 59th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the brief letter he mentions the prisoners that were taken in a recent fight, and he reports that...
In the letter Charlie describes his voyage home to Portland, Alabama, probably after visiting his family in Connecticut. He discusses seasickness; a whale spotted while sailing along the coast of South Carolina; the flag over Fort Sumter "which we...
In the letter she discusses money that has been sent to Edward to buy clothes; unreliable mail delivery; the difficulty of traveling between the North and South; and her husband's new retail firm. She makes predictions about the outcome of the...
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.
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 explains that he has not received any letters recently although he has heard...