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...
In the letter Browne describes the difficulties of the coal trade in Alabama, such as rising costs, diminishing supplies, and transportation difficulties. He also discusses the coal that he can supply to the Confederate government, and he asks...
In the letter Browne discusses the coal that he can supply to the foundry in Selma, if the Confederate government establishes an armory there. He mentions rising costs, diminishing supplies, and transportation difficulties. He plans to be in...
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...
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 Erwin, a purchasing agent for the Confederacy, explains the difficulties he has encountered while trying to take a load of bacon to Confederate soldiers in Alabama. He also discusses several men who might be available to work at the...
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 Lapsley discusses possible coal supplies to the foundry in Selma, if the Confederate government establishes an armory there. In particular he mentions the estimates given by William P. Browne, who plans to discuss the matter with...
In the letter Lapsley discusses specimens of irons and ores that are being sent to McRae, who will consider them for the manufacture of arms and equipment. He also describes the supply of iron ore on the property of the Shelby Iron Company: "Mr....
In the letter Lapsley discusses the availability of iron for work on the Alabama and Mississippi Rivers Railroad ("I apprehend some difficulty now in procuring iron to complete the road"), and he mentions specimens of iron that are being sent to...
In the letter Lapsley discusses the foundry in Selma that might be purchased by the Confederate government; he mentions that Francis Strother Lyon, an Alabama representative in the Confederate Congress, approves of the plan.
In the letter Lapsley discusses the foundry in Selma that might be purchased by the Confederate government; he mentions the property, buildings, equipment, and cost. He also describes the iron that could be easily supplied from Shelby County: "From...
In the letter Lapsley discusses the plans of several businessmen (including himself) to purchase and upgrade the Shelby Iron Works. Before investing in the company, the men want a guarantee that the Confederate government will buy iron for at least...
In the letter Lapsley mentions a European gun maker in Selma ("one of the most skillful gun makers I doubt not, in the Confederate states"), who would be willing to oversee an armory if the Confederate government were to establish one in the city....
In the letter Mary discusses visits with family and friends; the sale of the foundry at Selma to the Confederate government; Colin McRae's recent appointment as chief financial agent in Europe; acquaintances who are fighting in the war, including a...
In the letter McRae asks Bloodgood to inquire about the reputation of a French banker who has made a financial proposition to the Confederate government.
In the letter McRae asks his mother to copy a letter to send to some business associates, and he mentions travel plans, family members, and supplies he is sending to her.