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...
"The Vote Sixty-One to Thirty-Nine!! A Glorious Day!!!" This article announces Alabama's secession from the Union: "Truly, this is glory enough for one day. Our citizens are hailing the new era with demonstrations of profoundest emotion. The...
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...
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 Mitchell sends news of relatives; discusses the climate and crops in Texas; and mentions the local volunteer companies who have left for war: "our county has sent two hundred men to Virginia and have two companies, one of Artilery...
In the letter Thrower discusses the sentiment of the Huntsville citizens toward the Confederate army, noting that "the people ar not sow patriotic hear as they was at Camp Johnson." He tells of one soldier who was put in jail for fighting with the...
In the letter Moore discusses recent legislation regulating the sale and exportation of salt in the state. The law was enacted to provide enough salt for Alabama citizens, but Moore directs Green to allow sales with citizens of Mississippi as well:...
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). Dent wrote this...
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 discusses illness among the soldiers (including mutual acquaintances who are...
In the letter he describes reaction to a report that Union forces were approaching Tuscaloosa. The alarm was proven false after the cadets were called to arms, but the event demonstrated the city's weakness in case of invasion: "The scouts came...
From June 1862 to November 1863, John Hall served in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements; skirmishes with nearby Union troops, as well as false alarms; the battalion's reputation among citizens...
During the Civil War, Alfred Moore served in the 33rd Alabama Infantry Regiment. In the letter he discusses how difficult it is to get a furlough: "This war looks like it is destined yet to continue many more years & if I don't go home whilst the...
From June 1862 to November 1863, John Hall served in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses weather and conditions in the area ("I have never seen a dustier time in my life"); the health of the soldiers; recent and...
From July 1862 to November 1863, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses the difficulty of traveling through the Confederacy; his own recent illness ("I am up...gaining health and strength as...
During the Civil War, James Hall served as a captain in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses fighting in northeastern Mississippi, between Generals Polk and Sherman. He suspects that Sherman will next move...
In the letter Nat describes the landscape; his responsibilities as a commissary sergeant; living conditions and leisure activities where he is stationed ("if I do not enjoy myself it is my own fault. My house is a cozy little nest, a model...
During the Civil War, Hall served in the 2nd and 3rd Alabama Cavalry. In the letter he discusses troop movements; news of Union raids in Alabama; the evacuation of the Confederate capital and Union victories; and the attitude of the citizens...