Civil War and Reconstruction Governors of Alabama

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I despatched - to day, by a special messenger, writs of arrest for all disloyal persons - in the County of Winston, and some other adjoining counties, under cover of Instructions to the Sheriffs of the Counties. Those sent to the Sheriff of your County - you will, doubtless, see; I will lend him the aid of the Military power, - if required to enable him - fully and efficiently - to perform his duty. Respectfully - Yours. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter -

Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 25^th 1861 Hon. J. P. Benjamin. [check] Secretary of War, Sir, In further reply to yours of the 17^th inst., I have to inform you, that I have submitted the matter - in reference to the prisoner Rowley, to the attorney-General- M. A. Baldwin, of this State, who saw Maj. Calhoun _ Qr master, C. S. and he informs Col. Baldwin that no specifications, were forwarded by Maj Gen^l Bragg, - under whose orders, Rowley was committed to prison, and that no further information can be obtained here,

The prisoner has been transferred to Tuscaloosa Yours Very Respectfully, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter

Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 25^th 1861 Hon. J. P. Benjamin. [check] Secretary of War, Sir: The untimely death of Col. E. C. Bullock, of the 18^th Alabama Regiment, now in Camp - near Mobile, bring up the question - how are vacancies in the field-offices of this Regiment to be filled? The Companies were organized by the Election of Company-officers by the men, and were turned-over-by the State - to the Confederacy - as Companies. They were - then - organized into a Regiment and the Fieldofficers were appointed by the President. The Companyofficers were commissioned by the State - and were furnished - in response to a requisition on the State for 3000 troops, but the field-officers were - or are to be commissioned by the President.

It is our opinion here that while vacancies - in the Company-officers should be filled by Election, according to the laws of Alabama - under which the Companies were organized - the rule of promotion will apply as to the Field-offices - which were filled by Executive appointment.

In this event there will be a vacancy in the office of Major and I recommend - for appointment to that position - J. W. Whiting - a first Lieutenant and adjutant in Major Gee's Battalion - Lieut Whiting graduated in 1856, at Hampton Military Institute, in Virginia. He has been an officer in our Volunteer Corps ever since; and has been in active service from the

16 14 day of Alabama seceeded for several months - he has had the advantages of the School of Military drill and instructions under Gen^l Hardee - while in command of Fort-Morgan. He is - unquestionably - a gentleman of high tone, and decided character - and a very efficient officer.

I beg to add - further - that, in my judgement, he is justly entitled to some consideration from the fact that his father was one of the unfortunate sufferers at Hampton, and lost his residence - and a portion of his slaves by the depredation of the Enemy - With high regard, I am, Your Ob^nt Ser't (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter = Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 26^th 1861

Dr. L. Garland [check] My dear Sir, At the request of some of the citizens of the Counties adjourning Tuscaloosa, I have directed the shipment of five hundred sacks of salt - belonging to the State, at Mobile - to your city to be consigned to the Quarter-master of the University - Knowing no other person or officer in your locality who was a proper person to attend to the sales. The sole purpose is to afford some relief to the people, by kicking them - if possible - out of the hands of speculators; & to do this, the State sells the Salt at actual cost and expenses - very high - it is true - but ^not^nearly so much so as it would have been had not the State become the purchaser.

As I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with the gentleman to whom the Salt is consigned, I must trouble you - So far as to ascertain if it will be in his power to super-intend and direct and, if not, I must ask the favour of you to appoint a proper & responsible person, who will give to it the necessary attention

I, also, enclose memorandum, intended as Instructions for who-ever may have charge of the business, and which I will thank you - personally - to hand him, and direct his particular attention to it.

You will, I know, excuse the liberty I have taken, in troubling you with these matters - So much out of your line - and for asking you to advise me of your action at your earliest convenience. Very Respectfully, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. D^r S. C. Garland, Tuscaloosa P. S. The Salt will arrive about the time this letter reaches you. [manicule] memorandum in relation to the sale of Salt in Tuscaloosa. (1) The agent of the State will obtain storage by the Week - or month - at lowest rates, and sell, for actual consumption only, at not less than $12.50 per sack. (2) The agent should use those means - which he deems most effectual - to satisfy himself that the purchaser buys for actual consumption, but sales may be made to persons for re-sale - where the purpose is the supply of their customers - at a reasonable rate of profit which the

15 17 agent must ascertain & decide - on. (3) Agent will report amount of sales, weekly. = Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 26^th 1861

Richard O. Pickett, Adj^t & Inspector Gen^l A. M. [check] Sir I enclose you, herewith, General order - N^o 1, issued by the Hon. A. B. Clitherall - your representative here - by my direction. I am this day, preparing a special order for Brig Gen^l Tho^s J. Butler of Mobile, directing a thorough organization of the Militia of his Brigade, & regular drills of Companies, with a view to join in the Defense of the City against an attack by the Enemy. Various other orders must be issued - from time-to-time, and a large correspondence will now spring - up, which must be despatched with energy and promptitude - in order to give all needful information to the officers, in different sections of the State - To enable them to furnish paper returns to your office - and to make effectual the purposes and ends which I have in view. Books and Records must be kept - and no little labour will be required to meet the demands on your office. And while - to discharge its duties, fully, at a perilous time like this, you should be here - at the Capitol - where the Military Code requires your office shall be kept, so that I can have the advantage and pleasure of daily communication with you. This necessity of your presence might by supplied by an efficient representative, like Judge Clitherall; but candor requires me to say - that neither the public Interest nor your - own - can be so fully advanced by another - as by yourself; and that the amount of Labour will become too onerous to be imposed upon any friend - however generous and willing he might be - to work in your stead - & for your accomodation.

As you left for Home, immediately upon the adjournment of the General Assembly, and without reporting for orders at this office, I had no opportunity to confer with you, or to communicate to you my views and policy with respect to the Militia of the State, and I cannot undertake to do so in a letter.

I leave this City - on to-morrow - for a brief absence at Eufaula - to arrange some pressing business affairs and shall return to the Capitol by the 7th of January, at which time I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in person - if you can meet me - or to have a letter in reply. With great respect_ I am Yr Ob't Ser't (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter -

18 16 Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 27^th 1861

B. C. Flannagan, Esq^r [check] Sir, I have before me, your favour of the 21^st inst. in relation to your son and young Mr Abell.

I fully appreciate their laudable motives, and your anxiety in their behalf - but I regret the absence - on my part - of much power to further their wishes.

Probably - an application to the Confederate Government - through some friend in Richmond, might meet a favorable response; in which case, any aid I can give them will be most cheerfully accorded by, Sir, Yours, Very Respectfully (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter = Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Dec^r 31^st 1861 Mr H. F. Smith, [check] Sir, Your letter of the 26^th inst just rec^d Keep an a/c of your expenses - they will be paid by the State - or - if you need any money before leaving, State the amount - and how it should be sent, and it will be remitted. Let me know the number of packages; over what roads - and to what point you wish to take them - So that transportation may be provided before you leave Very Resp'y Jn^o Gill Shorter, by (Signed) Ja^s S. Albright, Private Sec^y - Executive Department, Montgomery, Ala. Jan^y 3^d 1862 Mr. C. E. Brame, [check] Greensboro, Ala. Sir, In reply to your esteemed favour of Dec^r 26^th, I have to say that I will pay $35- a-piece for 100 newor uninjured Enfield rifles - with Sabre-bayonets. This is the price they are reported to bring in the Confederacy - under the blockade. I will pay the above-price for the arms - boxed and delivered here - or in Mobile. If you raise a Company of 12 months' your Command will be ordered to Kentucky. Gen^l Bragg will not accept troops - on the Coast - except for the War. If you can procure the arms - on the terms above - mentioned and will raise your Company - & report ready for marching orders by first of February - I will accept you, and allow your men the use of the arms. Respectfully Yours (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter =

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Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 24^th 1862

Tho^s M. Peters. Rich^d O. Pickett, and others, [check] Gentlemen, I am in rec't of your recommendation of Mr Z. [?] Freeman for the position of military agent to procure arms - clothing - &c for Volunteers - under an Act of the last Session of the Legislature.

The Act- referred - to is wholly unavailable at present for the reason that the $180.000 appropriation by it are not in the Treasury. All expenditures from the Treasury, are being made out of balances of former appropriations - and it would be useless to appoint agents before the money appropriated shall have been realized by the Treasury. Very Respt,^y (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter = Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 24^th 1862

Hon Wm M. Smith, Selma, Ala. [check] Sir, Your favour of 28^th Ult. to the State Treasurer, has been referred to this office for attention. I am happy to say that I approve and endorse all you say. The difficulty of obtaining Engraving &c. is well-known to us.

Your proposition to pay, into the State- Treasury, $50,000 - from-time-to-time, in exchange for State Bonds will be agreeable to us; and Currency will be received from your Bank - in view of the fact, that you propose to take - at least $300,000 of the Bonds - which will be advantageous to the State.

I leave- to-day- for Mobile, on business connected with the Military Defense. Respectfully Yours, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter = Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 11^th 1862

Hon. Richard O. Pickett [check] Sir, Your letter of the 1st Inst., resigning the office of Adjutant & Inspector Gen^l A. M. alas received in due time. Under the facts and circumstances, stated in your letter - I fully concur with you as to the propriety of your resignation; but regret that I shall be deprived of the presence and assistance of a gentleman so competent to render such efficient aid in the organization of the Militia. Your resignation is accepted. Very respectfully, Your Ob^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter =

Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan'^y 13^th 1862 Hon. J. P. Benjamin [check] Secretary of War: Sir, I have recently, visited the Forts and Encampments of our Troops - at, and near Mobile, and deem- it my duty, to the People of Alabama, to report to your Department - the great need of munitions - for the defense of our Coast _ both guns - for the fortifications - and small-arms for the land- Forces. I hope to be able to specify - at an early day - the description and number of guns needed for the Forts. The Land-forcesthere - are now wanting several thousand muskets or Rifles

I beg to hand you - enclosed - a letter from the Hon^l P. Hamilton - chairman of the Executive Committee of Safety - for the City of Mobile - in reference to certain arms in Havanna, and to call your attention to the suggestions contained in it. and, respectfully, to ask your compliance with the same.

In our opinion, I am sorry to say that, in view of the increasing armaments & numbers of the Enemy in the Gulf - and his threatening attitude towards our Coast, we are, perhaps, as unprepared - by want of guns and arms - for his reception as any point in the Confederacy.

I hope I may be pardoned for reminding the Department, of the many thousand arms which Alabama promptly contributed - and sent into distant States, in the hands of her own Volunteers, for the common defense - and for further advising that, under the recent requisition of General A. S. Johnston, we have forwarded over two Regiments of armed troops to Tennessee & Kentucky. We make no boast of these achievements - on the contrary we - profoundly regret that we had it not in our power to do far more than has been accomplished. While, however the Enemy is now seriously threatening our own soil, which has, thus far, spared the pollution of his foot-print, & in view of our own destitution - by reason of a surrender of our arms for the defense of other - prior-exposed-localities I am sure you will - most favorably - consider the sincere and urgent appeal I here make.

I have the means with which to procure additional arms, and am making contracts for their manufacture within the State; but the emergency is now so pressing, that we are unwilling to await the delays of delivery - months hence, and have no other alternative - but to appeal to your Department to afford us prompt & timely relief -

Awaiting- I trust your early & favorable response - I am, with high regard, Your ob.^t Ser'^t. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter =

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Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 13^th 1862 Hon. H. P. Watson [check] Dear Sir, The office of Adjutant and Inspector General, of the Alabama Militia, has been vacated by the resignation of Hon. R. O. Pickett. In view of the duty devolved upon me to, thoroughly, organize the Militia of the State, for the Defense of the State and Country - and the valuable aid which your experience will enable you to render the state in its Military Department, I have ventured to tender you the enclosed Commission to the office of Adjutant and Inspector -General of the Alabama militia; and I earnestly request that it may be agreeable to you- to accept the same. With high regards, I am Your Ob^t Ser^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. = Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 13^th /62 Mr. A. Burness, [check] Lessee of Penitentiary, Wetumpka, Ala. Sir Necessary absence from the Capitol has prevented an earlier reply to your letter of the 6th inst,

As- under Sect - 3705 of the Code of Alabama - the Executive, in his discretion, may order a deduction of two months from each year of imprisonment, when the Board of Inspectors have reported the conduct of the Convict as unexceptionable, during the time of his imprisonment; and as, in my judgement, such an exercise of Executive clemency will have a wholesome influence over the conduct of the prisoners, I hereby authorize you - without special instructions, to allow the deduction - in all cases - except those prohibited by the latter clause of Sec. 3705 of the Code. Very Resp^y Yr- Ob^t Ser^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter.

= Start Here Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 13^th 1862. To/ Dr^s James C. Harris - M. G. Moore - Tho^s W. Mason, [check] Wetumpka, Ala. Gentlemen; Under the Act of the General Assembly - of 9^th Dec^r 1861 Dr Tho^s W. Mason, Physician to the Penitentiary, has reported, to this Department, the enclosed list of persons in the StatePrison suffering from Insanity in its various forms.

The Law in this event - makes it my duty to appoint three Physicians - of skill & experience - of whom the Physician of the Penitentiary shall be one - to examine the persons reported to be insane, and to report the result of such examination to this office.

In pursuance of the Law - I have appointed you - and each on of you - to constitute a Board of Examiners; and have to request that you will visit the Prisoners mentioned, and examine - and report their Several Conditions as to insanity - to this Department. Very Resp^y- Yr ob^t Ser'^t. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. =

22 20 Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 13^th 1862 Mr. Tho^s E. M^cNeil Dalton, Geo [check] Sir, An unexpected summons to Mobile and our Gulf-Coast has prevented an earlier reply to your two communications - proposing the establishment of an armory in the State of Alabama for the manufacture of small-arms.

After due reflection, I have concluded to submit to you, the following qualifications to the propositions made by you. 1. The arms shall be manufactured at an armory in this State, which shall be permanently located in Alabama, and which shall not be removed beyond the State nor abandoned - on pain of forfeiture to the State - 2. No other arms shall be made at the Armory until the State shall have received full - payment - in arms - as stipulated in the Contract; and the State shall have the right - in perpetuity - to purchase - or order the manufacture of - arms, in preference to all other Contractors, & at fair market prices, at the Armory. 3. The advances shall be made in amounts, to be mutually fixed - and in State-Bonds - having years to run - at 8 pr. ct. interest per annum with interest-coupons attached - payable semi-annually, and shall be received at par value, and paid-for- in the character and description of arm - and at the price mentioned by you - you, of course, crediting the Statein settlements - with the amount of Bond advanced at par value - with 8 pr. ct. interest pr. annum, from the date of the advances. 4. The advances and interest to be secured by personal security - within the State of Alabama (to be approved by the Governor of the State) and by mortgage - or deed of Trust on the lands & buildings to be occupied - and on the machinery - tools - and materials, to be supplied for the establishment. 5. The delivery of the arms to be made at the State - armory - at the Capitol.

If you accept these qualifications to your propositions, I am disposed to contract with you, to the amount of $250,000, as provided in the appropriation made by our Gen^l Assembly. You will please notify me - at your earliest convenience, or come down, & confer further, on the subject. Your ob'^t Serv'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. = Mobile, Jan^y 10^th 1862. Maj. Gen. Tho^s W. M^cCoy, [check] Sir, I hand you - herewith - Military Order - No. 1. to which I call your immediate - and earnest attention. The public defense against the invasion now threatening our soil, is a matter of primary importance Orders - special - have been directed, by me - To Brig^r Gen^l Butler, for the organization of his Brigade, more stringent than those herewith communicated, to be extended - by you to the 22^d Brigade. The reasons for this departure are sufficient to justify the same.

Regretting that it has not been in my power to call upon you - in return for your polite attentions, I am Respectfully Yours, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter =

21 23 Executive Department Montgomery, Ala. Jan 16th 1862. Maj^r Gen^l Braxton Bragg, [check] Pensacola. Sir, A Colonel - commanding one of our Alabama Regiments- in Virginia, has notified this Department that the Secretary of War has directed him to turn-over-to the Ordnance-officer of the Confederate States - the arms and accoutrements of his discharged men. The Regiment was enlisted for 12 months. We have Six Regiments, in the Service - all armed by the State - who will be discharged, in a few months - unless they re-enlist. Circulars have been issued by the Secretary of War, giving notice the Government will not pay for privatearms, in the hands of twelve-months' troops. To prevent any misconstruction - and to adjust the question - as to whether the State shall have her arms return with her Troops, or be held, by the Confederate Authority, for the use of other troops from Alabama, who may re-organize the Regiments, as the property of the Confederacy, and credited to the State - in her account of Expenditures; I propose to correspond with the Secretary of War at an early day.

As the arms of the First Alabama Regiment are in your Command, and will - likely - remain on the Coast, where they can be effectively used for the Defense of Alabama - as well as the Common Cause. I am persuaded that - as to them - any adjustment which may be made would be satisfactory; but, in advance of any adjustment of the questions involved, I deem it my duty to notify you that the State of Alabama claims property in the arms held by "The First Alabama, and all other Twelve-months' Regiments - from this State under your command; as also - property in all accoutrements, & Camp-Equipments, furnished by the State; and this notification is forwarded - merely as precautionary - & to avoid anyimagined plea of estoppel which might be suggested in case of a failure - on part of the State - to properly adjust her claim with the Secretary of War.

Hoping you will do me the honor to acknowledge - the receipt of this communication, I am With high regard, Your ob^t' Ser^t (Signed) John Gill Shorter - P. S. I have retained a copy. = Executive Department. Montgomery, Ala. Jany 14^th 1862. Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Sec^y of War. [check] Sir, The State of Alabama has, in service, a number of Twelve-months' Volunteers, who have been wholly, armed with the public arms of the State, and whose accoutrements, and Camp-Equipages were furnished in a great degree, by the Stae, and by the men themselves. Some of these Regiments are about closing-up their term of enlistment, and the occasion suggests the propriety of adjusting the rights & claims of the State and her Citizens, before the arms - are surrendered by her Troops. As the arms - & all other appliances - furnished by this State - were heartily contributed by the Common Defense, Alabama asks no other consideration - or concession - than such as may be accorded by her Sister Confederate States

A Colonel, in Command ^of one^ of our Regiments

24 22 in Virginia, has advised this Department, that he has received an order, from you, to turn-over-to an ordnance-offiof the Confederate-States, the arms and accoutrements of all non-commissioned- officers & privates, under his command, who may be discharged from service. He is in command of a Regiment, enlisted for twelve months. Circulars, from your Department, have given notice that arms - in the hands of Twelve-months' Troops - will not be paid - for by the Confederate Government.

This State has recently - in addition to the private arms furnished by the Troops, sent nearly a thousand, belonging to the State, into Tennessee and Kentucky, in response to a requisition - made upon the State, by General A. S. Johnston.

If the Government proposed to pay for any and not all the State should have timely notice of the proposition. There can be but little doubt - that the Troops who have furnished their own arms, have done so under the belief, that the Government would pay for them - provided they ^are^ willing to sell. All disquietude, however, upon this point, could be easily removed by the State - authorities, provided they are duly advised of the will and purpose of the Confederate government.

If any understanding or rule has been adopted for general application to all the States, and which has, already been acquiesced-in, in such a manner as would commend its propriety to Alabama, I would not disturb, or question its correctness; but - in absence of all information on the subject- I beg - respectfully, to advise you, that this state does not admit the right of the Secretary of War to control the arms in the hands of the Alabama Troops - when their period of enlistment has expired - without consultation with the Executive of the State as to the claim or purpose under - & for which such control is asserted.

Repeating that - Alabama will, cheerfully, acquiesce in any fair & uniform rule which may be adopted - even if it occasion the State severe inconvenience, at this particular juncture, when her own soil & people are daily menaced by the Enemy; and expressing the Hope that I may, at an early day, be favored with a reply to this communication Very Resp^y Your obedient Ser't (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. = Executive Department. Mobile, Jan^y 9^th 1862 To Gen^l D. C. Greene. } [check] Quarter-Master Gen^l } of the State } Sir, You will not interfere with the arms now in possession of the Mobile Grays, but leave the same with them. Furthermore, if you have any of the arms of the State in your possession - or under your control, or if any should - here after, come into your possession or control, you are authorized and requested to place them at the disposal of any organized-Volunteer Militia - Company in the County of Mobile, upon the proper application being made - and Bond given.

If there are any other of the State arms in the possession