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 sectional division over slavery and expresses his hope that compromise will settle the issue and maintain unity: "The slavery question is the all absorbing subject here; and how it is to terminate God only knows...but I...
In the letter Moore discusses public sentiment over states' rights violations by the United States Congress: "I trust that public meetings throughout the state, will be held, for the purpose of enlightening the masses, and causing them to...
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...
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 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 letter Smealey mentions the possibility of making the Mercury, a newspaper in Autauga County, a Democratic organ: "It is a fixed fact that the paper has to change in some way. If the Democrats do not control it the Whigs will." He also...
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...
This assembly of the Alabama Democrats plans to send delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, despite the withdrawal of the state's delegation from the earlier meeting in Charleston: "There is a vacancy in the Delegation of...
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 Campbell expresses his willingness to serve the state if it should secede, though he would prefer a reconciliation without secession: "I am quite at the service of the State in any place in which my services might be needed to secure...
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:...
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...
"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 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...
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....
In the letter Curry discusses possible military movements and the progress of the war: "I do long for peace again, but never wish to see it untill we have secured our rights and independence." He urges his son to stand for election as captain and...
From July 1862 to November 1863, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he explains that "the Gap is apparently as impregnable and impenetrable as ever," and he describes a recent skirmish with Union...
From November 1863 through the end of the Civil War, John Hall served in Co. B, 59th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements; conditions and weather in camp; the political climate of the local community ("To my...
The constitution includes articles on the following subjects: declaration of rights; state boundaries and counties; distribution of powers of government; legislative department; executive department; judicial department; state and county officers;...