In this passage Leon Alexander, a coal miner and union organizer in Alabama, recalls living and working under Jim Crow laws and his early efforts to fight them. He discusses father's work in the United Mine Workers and the unsuccessful miners'...
Letter from James Foster, a 68-year-old prisoner in Wetumpka, Alabama, to Governor W. J. Samford. In the letter Foster asks the governor to grant him parole. He acknowledges his guilt but argues that his good behavior makes him a worthy candidate...
During the Civil War, Hall served in the 2nd and 3rd Alabama Cavalry. In the letter he discusses his health ("I have a pretty bad case of a camp disease"); supplies and clothing he needs; possible troop movements; news of the war in other parts of...
During the Civil War, 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 letter he describes the Battle of Murfreesboro, giving...
In the letter he discusses the death of his grandson, Edward (Elizabeth's nephew); the effects of winter weather in the area ("We hear almost daily of broaken [sic] hips - legs - & arms occasioned by falls on the ice"); clothes that he needs; and...
During the Civil War, James served in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment, and from May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry.
From May 1861 to early 1862, Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he explains that "Since the furloughs have been knocked in the head there have been all sorts of plans in contemplation to secure the volunteers for a...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he explains that he will be unable to get a furlough, and he discusses the possibility of getting a promotion: "If I do not get a position I shall...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses troop movements; preparations for fighting; recent battles; weather and conditions in camp ("It is hard to write you a letter now for my...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he mentions recent fighting, including battles at Belmont, Kentucky, and Port Royal, South Carolina: "Some of the men are rather discouraged by our...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he thanks his father for the clothing and money he has received. He also briefly discusses news from home and mentions a mutual acquaintance who has...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses mutual acquaintances who have been ill, and he mentions his brother, James, who is serving in the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment: "Jim...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses clothing he needs his family to send, adding that "I hate to be continually troubling you with our wants &c." He then includes a lengthy...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses troop movements; possible fighting with nearby Union forces; and the new position assumed by his brother, James, who is in a different...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses recent picket duty near Union forces at Springfield ("we were in sight of the enemy's camp & our force being small if they only knew our...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses activities and conditions in camp ("our employments are the same as ever - a very dull routine...We wish very much for something to...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements and conditions in camp; nearby fighting ("we hear cannon every day"); the possibility of his father commanding a...