In the speech Bowdon discusses recent legislative debate concerning the expansion of slavery into the country's new states and territories. He argues that since slaves are property, the government should protect their owners' rights in any land...
The committee was composed of seven men: Henry Semple, William Lowndes Yancey, S. Heydenfeldt, John A. Campbell, N. Harris, John A. Elmore, and Thomas S. Mays. In the letter they discuss the recent nomination of Lewis Cass as the Democratic...
The first item is a letter from Senator Buford, in which he discusses sectional division over the issues of territorial expansion and slavery; he suggests a convention of the Southern states to address the "impending results of the northern...
In the letter King discusses his business and the settlement of his father's estate, and he gives his views on the activities of the "fire eaters": "I addressed the people at Cahawba last week, and I think I succeeded in opening the eyes of many...
The introduction briefly discusses the terms of the "compromise bills" and encourages support for the decisions of the federal government: "There appears no objection from any Southern man to the Fugitive Slave Bill. After the Wilmot Proviso has...
In his speech Kossuth discusses the struggles that his native Hungary has endured and praises the United States for its example in promoting state sovereignty over government centralization: "With self-government is freedom, and with freedom is...
In the letter Thomas discusses family, business, and farming. At the end is a note added on behalf of "Brother Peter," who sends news of his children and asks for Richard's assistance in financial matters; specifically, he mentions compensation...
In the speech Dowdell argues in favor of a clause in the bill that would repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820. He objects to a provision of the act that prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36ø 30' latitude line: "This line...
In the letter Howard discusses the political scene in the state and country, with emphasis on competition among the Democratic, Whig, and Know-Nothing parties: "In these days of 'Know Nothing' delusions the confidence between man and man is so...
In the statement the delegates list the main points of the Alabama Platform, which had been rejected by the convention, and then formally withdraw from the gathering: "The points of difference between the Northern and Southern Democracy are: 1st....
In the address Smith comments on the recent election of Lincoln; describes the objectives and administration of the new Confederate government; gives a historical and religious defense of slavery; commends the new government's prohibition of the...
In the letter Bolling discusses his studies at the university; criticism of his father's vote in the Electoral College during the recent presidential election; "troubles in Autaugaville & Prattville among the negroes"; disagreements among Southern...
Also known as the "Secession Constitution." The preamble states that "We, the people of the State of Alabama, having separated ourselves from the government known as the United States of America..." The constitution includes the following articles:...
The ordinance declares that "that the State of Alabama now withdraws, and is hereby withdrawn from the Union known as the United States of America, and henceforth ceases to be one of said United States, and is, and of right ought to be a Sovereign...
Jones had been appointed as a judge to the U.S. district court in 1858, but he resigned that post when Alabama succeeded. In the letter he asks to be a judge in the "new federal courts" that will be established by the Confederate government.
"Constitution Adopted! Swearing Allegiance to the New Constitution! President and Vice President Elected! Davis and Stephens!" This article announces the adoption of the Confederate constitution and the election of its executive officers: "The name...
This article gives the proceedings of the Confederate congress during the sixth and seventh days of its session. On the sixth day members took oaths of office; elected a president and vice president of the provisional government; and appointed...
This letter was written not long after the formation of the Confederate States of America. In it Bolling discusses possible interruptions in mail delivery ("I have been looking everyday [sic] to see it announced that the Government has discontinued...