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 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 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...
In the first letter, written from the Exchange Hotel on January 10, 1861, Mitchell describes the tension and excitement in the city as they wait for the official declaration of Alabama's secession: "There seems to be no doubt, you may tell your...
Letter from L. W. Garrott and Robert H. Smith of Alabama, to the governor and legislature of North Carolina. Garrott and Smith explain that because of the recent election of a Republican president, the governor of Alabama has called for a...
This article offers a defense of Southern secession and blames the Lincoln and the North for starting the war: "We have asked but our rights. We simply desired to be left alone, to conduct our own government free from abolition meddlesomeness....
This article describes reaction to the surrender of Fort Sumter to Confederate forces: "The people were pleased to know that Major Anderson had been compelled to haul down the stars and stripes of the Abolition government, and that in their place...
In the letter Philips gives his opinions about the cause and course of the Civil War. He feels that the North and South have so many common interests that peace can be maintained through an alliance or treaty between the two sections: "...while a...
From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses conditions in camp; traveling to his present location ("we had to go up on box cars...The men were very much crowded too but Capt. Davis...
In the letter she discusses money that has been sent to Edward to buy clothes; unreliable mail delivery; the difficulty of traveling between the North and South; and her husband's new retail firm. She makes predictions about the outcome of the...
This article refutes rumors that the Confederate capital will be moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia, mentioning the expense and loss of stability such a move would cause: "We can hardly conceive that a body composed as is the...
From May 1861 to June 1862 John Hall served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements; upcoming campaigns; soldiers who were court-martialed [sic] for falling asleep on picket duty ("It is thought quite...
From May 1861 to May 1862 Crenshaw Hall served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he discusses troop movements and possible fighting; activities and duties in camp; and the morale of the soldiers: "...as soldiers we do not suffer from...
This mounted infantry regiment saw action in north Mississippi, north Georgia, and Tennessee. The book contains the roster and supply accounts for individual members of the company. Supplies listed include clothing, ammunition, blankets, and...
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 note Salomon asks Josiah Moris in Montgomery, Alabama, to deliver the enclosed letter to Colin J. McRae. In the letter to McRae, Salomon sends news about political activities in the North, and encourages the South to stand firm and fight for...
In the letter Howard explains why the shoes Hall ordered have not been delivered yet: "Our workman which filled all orders for fine work was contrary to a contract made with his owner taken from us before the expiration of the term for which we...
During the Civil War, Moore served as a colonel of the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment. In the letter he mentions current troop movements and expresses pride in the soldiers serving under his command: "We marched thro' the streets today & presented...
The brief message informs Hall that "Your son has gone home." This refers to Crenshaw Hall who was discharged from the 6th Alabama Infantry on May 6. It was sent through the Southern Telegraph Company, "The only direct Line to all Places of...
During the Civil War, Isaac Morgan served in Company C of the 37th Indiana Infantry Regiment. In the letter he describes fighting the "secesh" in north Alabama. He mentions camp activities and duties in Athens; Union soldiers who were captured and...