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...
The first letter announces the opening of Donald and Marshall, a "factorage and commission business" specializing in the sale of cotton, bagging and rope, and general household goods. An endorsement from Jeremiah Austill, who is retiring from this...
In the letter Bullard, an overseer for Dellet, discusses the cotton and corn crops; the lack of rain in the area; the number of hogs on the plantation; the behavior of the slaves; and new clothing that has been ordered for them. At the time the...
In the letter Terrell expresses his strong negative feelings about the Mexican War: "Is this right--will it end well. Sir the Mexicans have rights well as America....The line between Teaxas [sic] and Mexico should by honest nigotiation [sic] be...
In the letter Terrell credits the Senate with stopping President Polk and his "war spirits in Congress" from declaring war on England. He also denounces Polk's invasion of Mexico: "As to the Mexican War, it was a bit in Polks [sic] mouth, this...
In the letter Samford discusses his views on the proposed Kansas-Nebraska Act: "I see our North. friends are not slow to come up to the issue of non-intervention as made by the Kansas Act; but are we quite cautious enough about the Squatter...
In exchange for managing the plantation and slaves, Collins will receive a horse to ride about the property; housing, provisions, and a servant for his family; and $500 per year. The contract ends with the stipulation that "if he drinks any spirits...
At the start of the Civil War, Hubert 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...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he describes a recent campaign by General Joseph E. Johnston, which was a surprising success: "Gen Johnston completely surprise both our army...
During the Civil War, Henry 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 description he discusses the positions of companies...
In the letter Taylor explains that he has just been expelled from school. Though he apologizes for this, he insists that his "demerits were caused from trifling things" and suggests that the school administrators "are trying to expell [sic] all the...
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 Sanford asks that his brother-in-law be promoted and transferred out of Captain Henry Semple's artillery unit (known as Semple's Battery). Following the letter (which was copied by Semple), are notes regarding the application and a...