Beschreibung:

Lot of 17 letters and documents concerning the defense of the state of Alabama in the wake of the Civil War, October 1860-September 1861. Much of the correspondence is addressed to Governor Andrew B. Moore (1807-1873) and sent by individuals or small, independent companies offering their services to the state. Items of particular interest include: Smith, Edward W. ALS, 3pp, 7.875 x 12.5 in. October 3, 1860. Addressed to the “Adjutant General of Alabama.” Captain Smith writes concerning the Livingston Rifles, a local company under his command: “In accordance with the requisitions of the military law of the last Legislature organizing military companies for the state, I make the following report. . . Since its formation it has under the requisitions of the state law drilled and exercised in the school of the soldier and company. . . and is in my opinion efficiently prepared in these respects for actual service. The company are in possession of 40 good Mississippi Rifles." Smith supplies a regimental roster and notes that the “disposition to enlist in the military company under my command is increasing. The general wish of the company is to be called into action.” Dawson, N.H.R. Two ALsS, each 1p, the first 7.75 x 9.75 in. and the second 5 x 7.875 in., Selma, AL. His first letter, addressed to Colonel G. G. Littler and written on January 19, 1861, concerns the raising of the Magnolia Cadets, 22nd Alabama Militia Regiment (later Co. C., 4th Alabama Infantry) and Dawson's appointment as captain of the command. He also requests commissions for his recently organized staff and is “anxious to know how arms are to be obtained,” in hopes that they may soon advance to Fort Morgan. In his second letter, dated April 12, 1861, Dawson writes to Governor Moore offering the services of the Magnolia Cadets to the state, declaring that he has been “authorized. . . to tender their services to you, for twelve months. . .” Anonymous, ALS, “A member of the Company.” 1p, 5 x 7.75 in., “New Berne, Ala.” March 6, 1861. Addressed to Governor Moore. Letter offers the service of the enthusiastic Newbern Guards along the coast of Florida: “Quite a member of our company (New Berne Guards) appear very anxious to do active service for our state, so much so as to fabricate orders, purporting to be from you to repair [?] to the Coast of Florida. If you need such troops, either upon the Coast of Fla. Or elsewhere many of us would be glad you would not neglect our little squad. We drill both upon horse and foot.” Jones, Allen C. (1811-1894). Lieutenant Colonel, 5th Alabama Volunteers. ALS as captain in command of the Greensboro Light Artillery, “A.B. Jones,” 1p, 8 x 9.75 in., “Greensboro, Ala.” April 13, 1861. Addressed to Governor Moore. Offers the Greensboro Light Artillery Guards “for service in the Army of the Confederate States.” In the postscript, Jones asks if Moore "could. . . supply us with a half or full battery of guns.” Clarke, Richard H. Confederate captain. ALS, 1p, 8.25 x 8.25 in. April 20, 1861. Letter contains certification of recently selected officers of the Cane Brake Rifle Guards, including Clarke as captain, as well as "Thos. K. Coleman, 1st Lieut.; Legh R. Terrell, 2nd [Lieut.]; David W. Pitts, 3rd [Lieut.].” Clarke was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the 1st Alabama Light Artillery. Coleman would later muster into Co. D, 4th Alabama Infantry and rise to the rank of major before dying at the Battle of Chickamauga, September 19, 1863. Terrell, too, was killed in battle as a lieutenant colonel with the 4th Alabama Infantry at Darbytown Road, October 10, 1864. Royston, Young Lea (ca 1819-1884). Confederate colonel, 8th Alabama Infantry. ALS as captain, “Y. L. Royston,” 2pp, 7.75 x 10 in., Marion, AL. May 3, 1861. Addressed to Governor Moore. Requesting to know whether his command, now known as the Alabama Rangers, should organize as a cavalry or infantry unit. Politely, Royston begins: “I know you are troubled to death with letters fr