Civil War and Reconstruction Governors of Alabama

71 73 Executive Department; Montgomery, March 10^th 1862. Mr A[?] J. Con[?]. Athens, Limestone Co. Ala. Dear Sir: Your letter & report, of the 25^th Ult. to P. H. Brittan, Sec^y of State, had been handed to this department, for answer.

The Governor directs me to inform you, that you are exempted from Militia-duty, during the continuance of your agency, to collect - purchase - or receive contributions of arms & munitions of War for the State; Very Respectfully, (Signed) Ja^s S. Albright Private Secretary.

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 12^th 1862. James Q. Smith, Esq^r Dear Sir, Your letter of the 8^th Inst., in relation to the transfer of your brother from the "LaGrange Military School" to the University of Alabama, has been received.

The Governor directs me to inform you, that, under the act - referred-to in your letter, he has no power to authorize the Superintendent of the University - to receive your brother - or any of the Cadets of either of the Schools - mentioned in it - to be educated at the University - at the expense of the State. Very Resp^y c (Signed) Ja^s S. Albright, Private Secretary.

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 15^th /62 Hon J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War, Richmond Virginia Sir, I beg leave, respectfully, to bring to your notice, that some months since, Wm P Vanderveer - acting as agent in the Clothing Department of Alabama, - supplied Lieut. Spalding - commanding a Company of Col. T. Lomax' Regiment Ala. Vol. - with Clothing, for which Lieut. S. - as the officer commanding the Company - executed a clothing Contract to pay the State-agent the amount due, out of the commutation money - when paid Lieut. S. has some time since - received the Commutation-money for the Company, and repeated applications have been made - by the State-agent, Mr Vandeveer - to him for the money, but - so far - without being able to obtain it. Lieut. S. has not - and I fear - will not pay the money.

Under the circumstances, I ask that Lieut. S. may be, immediately arrested, and charges preferred against him for unofficer-like Conduct. It is highly important that defalcations, like these, should be met at the threshold, otherwise the evil will spread. The State has - at this time - due it, from Communtation-money, in the hands of officers commanding Companies - nearly two hundred thousand dollars, and defalcations will increase, unless thre first offenders are promptly punished - A severe example would have the most beneficial effect. I have the honour to be, c Very respectfully Your ob'^t Ser^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. 120[?]

(Signed) Ja^s S. Albright, Private Secretary.

74 72 Executive Department Montgomery, Alabama March 15^th 1862 To the Judges of Probate and Sheriffs of every county in the State. It is important that returns should, at once, be made to this Department, of the number of Companies in the Service of the Confederate States, from each County, in the State, and the term of service of each Company

The duty of ascertaining and reporting the same, I devolve upon the Judge of Probate and Sheriff of each County, requesting them, immediately upon the receipt of this circular, to ascertain; 1. The number of Companies from their County, in the service of the Confederate States; 2. The term of service of each Company, whether for twelve months or the War; 3. The name of the Capt. of each of said Companies, The information I require is essential to the military operations of the State, and should be furnished me, as early as possible. The Judges of Probate and Sheriffs are requested to act at once and report by letter, directed to me at Montgomery Alabama (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March, 17^th 1862. Mr Joseph Hutchinson, Dear Sir, I must raise several thousand ninety-day troops, under my proclamation of the 6th inst. to go to Mobile for the defense of the Coast. They must be ready, early in April, to prevent the necessity of a Draft, which will be forthwith ordered, unless the troops are raised by Volunteering.

Here is a field of usefulness for you, in the present emergency; and I, respectfully, ask you to accept an appointment from this office - as traveling agent, to visit the Counties, in your Section of the State named in my proclamation, and urge the people to organize - at once - in response to my call.

All expenditures incurred by you - in the necessary discharge of this Agency, will be refunded by the State.

Hoping to have the pleasure of a favorable response, I am, Very Respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama March 17^th 1862. Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Sec^y of War, Rich^d Va. Sir, Is it possible to get a few thousand muskets or rifles from recent importations - or otherwise, to put into the hands of my War-Regiments - now raising. We are badly needing these arms, on the Coast, for defense of Pensacola & Mobile, both; Where I am re-inforcing, by sending a number of Wartroops to camp, as well as troops for limited service.

An early answer is respectfully requested. Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

75 73 Executive Department, Montgomery, Alabama, February 19^th 1862. Hon. S. R. Mallory, Sec^y of the Navy, Rich^d Virginia. Sir, Gov^r Shorter having heard that there is, at the Pensacola Navy-Yard, all the necessary machinery for the manufacture of arms, has requested me to inform you of the fact. It is a part of the property captured in Jan^y 1861, by the troops commanded by Coln T. Lomax, of the 2^d Alabama Regiment; and consists of a steamengine - iron - lathes - planing machines - Shears - drill-stock - tilt harness, &c. with casting-flasks, and the apparatus of a Foundry. In its present condition and locality, it is entirely useless, as it is exposed, not only to injury from neglect - but to destruction by the Enemy - in the event of a renewed bombardment of the Navy-Yard. It is highly important that machinery - so valuable, and greatly needed, should be removed to some place of greater security - and where it could be put into operation. At Montgomery there are large buildings - formerly used as iron-works - and machine-shops - now vacant, where a Factory might, readily, be established - which might be procured for such a purpose. If, however, the present exigencies prevent the adoption of such a course by the Government, I am desired to suggest that this machinery should be turned-over to the State, during the War, for the purpose of establishing a Factory of arms here - or at some other point within it. The machinery would be returned at the end of the War, unless some final transfer of it to the State should be made. If this suggestion should meet the approval of the Government, it is hoped that the necessary orders for its execution, will be issued immediately c Very Resp^y Y'r ob'^t Ser'^t Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) G. B. Duval

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 17^th 1862. Mr Wm R. Rankin, Columbus, Geo. Sir, In compliance with your request and instructions, I, herewith, enclose you by Express $3.806.73 - the amount of your account for bacon - purchased by Col. Echols, for the State. The receipt of which acknowledge. Very Resp'^y Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 18^th 1862. Dr M. G. Moore, Warden of the Penitentiary, Sir; The important work - being carred-on, at the Penitentiary, under the Contract, between the late Lessee - D^r Burrows, and the Confederate Government, should - by all means, be continued, and even with increased energy if possible. I confidently rely upon your known skill - fidelity & efficiency. As a Military necessity, these manufactures must proceed - and the articles promptly delivered - as heretofore - to the parties authorised to receive them.

Of course, the Inspector will have duly provided for a proper and full inventory of all Stocks & Supplies on hand, and every thing else, at the time of the unfortunate decease of the Lessee.

I shall, at an early day, advertise for a new Contract of lease. Very Resp'^y Your ob'^t Ser'^t Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

76 74 Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 18^th 1862 Cadet Ellis Phelan is appointed Drill-master to drill the new Companies - recently forwarded by this State to Pensacola. He will report to Col. T. M. Jones, commanding. Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 18^th 1862 Col. Tho^s M. Jones. Head-Quarters, O' Bannonville.[?] Sir, I have the pleasure to introduce Cadet Phelan, whom I have detailed - as drill-master - to drill my raw troops, in Squad - & Company-Drill, as fast as he can. He will report to you. Of one of our best families, & well-instructed in drill-tactics, I hope you may make him useful, in schooling the fine material I have sent you. Very Resp'^y Yr ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama. March 18^th 1862. Lieutenant Walker Guild is appointed Drill-Master, and assigned to duty at Pensacola, where he will proceed, & drill Squads & Companies of Alabama Volunteers - there encamped. He will report to Col. T. M. Jones - commanding. Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 18^th 1862 His Excellency - John Milton, Governor of Florida. Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th inst. introducing M. D. Papy, Esq^r and also of a communication from him of the 12th inst. addressed to me, during my visit to Pensacola & Mobile, to confer with Gen^l S. Jones, C. S. A. concerning their defense. In reply to Mr Papy's letter, it gives me pleasure to inform you that Pensacola will not be evacuated, unless it should become an imperious Military necessity. There are - at present - there, two Mississippi Regiments - and an Alabama Battalion, whom I am re-inforcing - as rapidly as possible - by Volunteers for the War, under the last Confederate requisition, and by thirty-days' men - called for, by me, with with a view to retain that position. There will be, therefore, no guns to be procured from there, as all those in battery-commanding the entrance to the Harbor, will be retained - and required - at other points, by the Confederate Government. This course was determined-upon, after a full consultation with Gen^l Jones. I have appointed Col. Wm A. Chambers, and Dr Wm. H. Thornton, of Eufaula, Ala. agents for the State, who will confer and cheerfully co-operate with those of Florida & Georgia, in the execution of any defensive measures that may be agreed-upon. The combined efforts of the three States, it is sincerely to be hoped, may result in the perfection of some plan of obstructing the river, which will prevent the ingress of the Enemy: certain, it is, that without united counsels, & common exertions, it cannot be done. Your Excellency may rely upon my assurance that all that Alabama can do, in such a cause, will be cheerfully & promptly done. "And it were well-done - were it done quickly" I have the honor to be Sir, Very Resp^y Yr obt Ser't (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

75 77 Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 18^th 1862. Hon. B. F. Porter, Greenville, Alabama; My dear Sir, I had this pleasure, last night - now, I have your letter of to-day. I regret any seeming conflict at Greenville. Your patriotic services are duly appreciated, but the Camp - for the War - Companies, established at Greenville, was placed under the superintendence of Judge Boling; and he was commissioned to muster them into service, and to gather arms, &c. The Cadets should have reported to him, or the ranking-officer in the Camp. The part expected to be performed by you, was to work - upon the outside Element, and gather thirty-days Volunteers, to go to Pensacola, under the special appeal for such troops, which I made about the 4^th or 5^th Inst. You were, in no way, tied down to the War-Companies - or connected with then, or responsible, in any way, for their accommodation or support. When mustered into service, and ordered into Camp, the Confederate officers - here - who were duly notified, were bound to provide every thing needful; and the superintendent of the Camp - Judge Bolling - and Captains of Companies - are surely competent to make all proper provision, in any unforeseen Emergency. Judge Boling having been appointed to these duties, I have no occasion for a special aid in Greenville. As Adjutant-General of your Division, you will have work to do, in a few days, in raising the three-months` Troops to go to Mobile. The order is now being drawn-up. I must send several thousand Troops down there, so soon as possible. If you don't go to Pensacola - which I don't see, well, how you can, - you will have your hands full - in organizing these Troops I am so pressed that I cannot write more - an^d^ regret it. Very truly, yours; (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 20^th 1862 Lieut. Col. John T. Morgan; Dear Sir I thank you for your interesting and valuable letter of the 21^st ins^t. In reply - have to say that I want a first-rate Civil & Military Engineer, who understands field-works & fortifications; and who can devote his whole time to our State. I hope it may be in your power, to obtain me the services of one, or both of the gentlemen you mention, & immediately. Please visit me, to be assigned to duty - on our rivers. If possible, have one to come immediately. Very truly yours, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, March 21^st 1862. His Excel^y Tho^s O. Moore, Governor of Louisiana, My dear Sir, This State holds some Thousands of Sacks of Salt purchased - last Fall - in New-orleans, and our supply is, almost, entirely exhausted, it is not merely desirable - but absolutely necessary, that we should effect its removal to this State. For this purpose, I have sent Gen^l Greene, the Qr. Mr-Gen^l of Ala. to New-orleans, to make such arrangements, as will secure its shipment at a very early day, and I shall be under many obligations, if you will assist him with your official influence - if necessary. I have the honor to be Your ob't -Ser't. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

78 76 Proclamation Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 1st, 1862 Whereas it has been made known to this Department ^that^ the Farmer's Bank of Alabama, a Bank lately organized under the free-banking ^system^ of this State & located in the City of Montgomery - has fully complied with the provisions contained in the Proviso to the first section of "an act to authorize the several Banks therein named to suspend specie-payments," approved Nov 30 1861.

Now, therefore, I, John Gill Shorter, Governor of the State of Alabama, do, hereby, declare - and make known to all whom it may concern - that said bank is entitled to all the privileges and immunities, conferred by law, upon the Bank of Montgomery - or the Bank of Selma, and the privileges and immuspecified in the Act above-mentioned.

[Locus Sigilli] In testimony whereof - I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great Seal of the State to be affixed, at the City of Montgomery, this first day of April, A. D. 1862. and of the Independence of the Confederate States of America, The Second year. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter - By the Governor, (Segned) P. H. Brittan, Secretary of State. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 1st, 1862 To his Excellency - John Milton, Governor of Florida. Sir, The Legislature of Alabama, at its last Session, enacted several laws for the encouragement of the manufacture of Salt in the State; and, in pursuance of them, contracts have been made - for that purpose. It soon became apparent to me that the Saline Springs in the State - even if worked to the greatest advantage, would not furnish a supply sufficient to meet the wants of the people, and our small extent of Coast - closely watched by the blockading fleet of the Enemy - offered no secure shelter for the erection of Works for that purpose. I am inclined to think that Salt-works might be located upon the Coast of West-Florida - at a point remote from the ordinary points of Visitation by the Enemy, where salt might be manufactured, with comparative safety. I therefore, invited the formation of a Company to manufacture Salt, exclusively, for the use of the State of Alabama, at such a place on the Coast of West-Florida, as might be deemed most suitable, by those engaging in in the Enterprise, after a careful examination. A prerequisite to the organization of this Company will - of course - be the consent of your Excellency to certain conditions, necessary for the success of the undertaking. These would be - to state them briefly - The exclusive use and control of a certain area of the public lands of Floida - with the right to use the timber thereon for the manufacture of Salt, until the raising of the blockade. This usufruct would be entirely subsidiary to the rights of the State - and the parties engaged - subject to her laws. These privileges would be necessary to secure the Company from molestation, or the intrusion of unauthorized persons upon the reserve temporarily appropriated to their use.

77 79 they would desire - at the termination of the blockade, to remove only such things - carried there by them - or as were ^not^ attached to the Freehold, needful in manufacturing Salt. The Company would be semi-Military in its organization, for the purpose of self-protection, and might thus, become a great service to Florida, in certain emergencies.

While this Company will manufacture Salt - exclusively for the State of Alabama, and not for the benefit of those composing it - the result of its sucessful operation will be, indirectly, beneficial to the Entire Country - by increasing the supply, and thus diminishing - in a corresponding ratio, the cost of an article so necessary to life.

In view of the necessities of this State, cut-off- as it is - from every available means of supply, - except the insufficient one derived from a few Saline Springs - I hope the proposition will meet with your concurrence - and co-operation.

Hoping to hear from your Excellency, at the easliest moment - on this subject -

I have the honour to be, Sir Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, March 26^th 1862 Hon. S. R. Mallory, Sec^y of Navy, C. S. A. Sir I, Henry Dent, 3^d Ass'^t Engineer in the naval service of the Confederate States, desires to be transferred from the Confederate States' Steamer M^cCree - off Tipton Tennessee to the Gun-Boat Florida now at Mobile. I would respectfully recommend to your Department, that he be so transferred - if not incompatible with the interest of the public service. Very respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter.

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, March 31^st 1862 Capt. James A. Clendenin Dear Sir, The supply of Salt to the People of Alabama, is one of grave importance, and I address you, to suggest the propriety of forming a Company of patriotic Citizens, to engage in the manufacture of Salt - on a liberal scale - upon the Coast of Florida - with the Consent - and upon terms agreeable to - the Governor and authorities of that State.

I would be glad to encourage such a company, by a liberal advance from the State - payable in Salt - all of which I would contract to purchase for the State, upon such terms as shall afford handsome compensation for their enterprize & risk.

So soon as you can examine into the matter and ascertain that a company or organization can be found to go to work, with a fair prospect of success, I shall be pleased to hear from you. Very Respectfully, Yours (Signed) John Gill Shorter. c

80 78 Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 1st, 1862 Mess^rs J. Frazer & Co. Charleston, So. Ca. Gentlemen, I am informed that you have rec^d a large importation of Cotton Cards. There is a great need of them, in this State, and I beg to appeal to you, to allow me to purchase as many as you can spare - to be distributed, at convenient points, for sale among the People of Alabama, for family use.

Of course the Cards would be furnished to the people, at a uniform price, and that would be simply "cost & charges" paid by the State. Hoping to hear from you - at an early day, I am, dear Sirs, Very respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 2^d 1862. Gen^l Duff C. Greene, Q. Mr. Gen^l Mobile. Sir, In reply to your letter of 29th ult. the Governor directs me to inform you, that your action - for the repair and completion of of arms for service is approved; and he hopes that the work may be pushed forward with Vigor. Very respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t. (Signed) Ja^s S. Albright, Private Secretary c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 3^d 1862 Capt. J. H. Butt, A. A. A. General, Darenton, Florida Sir, I am, this moment, in receipt of your letter of 1st inst. & hasten to reply. The companies which were hurried-off to Pensacola, were not expected, by me, to organize into Regiments - there, unless agreeable to them. Patriotically consenting to Go, at once - upon a pressing emergency, it would not be just to them to deprive them of the same right to enter into agreeable organizations of Regiments, secured to other Companies in Camp, within the State. In thus organizing the Regiments, I have deemed it proper to allow the Companies, where they can do so - without public detriment, - to fuse together - as they may prefer. Besides - in my interview with Brig^r Gen^l- (now Maj-Gen^l T. Jones) at Pensacola, on the 6^th March, it was mutually agreed that any War-Companies which I should hurry-down to Pensacola, should not be debarred the rights of organizing into Regiments, upon the same terms which might be conceded to all the other Companies. This right - I must - allow them to exercise, and therefore, the companies there, will be allowed to join the Regiments they may prefer; but I have notified them - distinctly - that they will not be permitted to leave Pensacola, until I had a full Regiment - or more - of War-Troops - ready to go-down and occupy their places. The fact is, I hoped at least 10 Companies would fuse - and form a Regiment there but now, I fear, they will not. There are so many office-hunters - who are interrupting rapid organization, that I am kept constantly annoyed. The Dispatch you speak of from Col. Hilliard, was wholly unauthorized. Say to my esteemed friend, Col. Jones that - while I regret I cannot fuse the Companies there, I will not remove them or weaken his force, untill I am ready - at the same time, to give him other troops. If necessa[ry] to complete my organization up the Country - into which Companies - with you - will ultimately merge - they will be allowed to vote down there, but will not be moved until every thing is ready. Knowing the importance of standing firmly by the position, I shall do every thing in my power to strengthen - and not weaken it; and you may assure Col. Jones, that, having the highest appreciation of his skill and energy, I am ready to respond to any call, within my ability, which he make upon me.

79 81 I have, now a Six-pounder brass-piece - with Carriage & Limber - the one you will remember - which was at Eufaula - which I will send-down to Col Jones, if he desires it. Arrangements are, now, completed here, for casting this arm, and, if Col. Jones has sent - or will send - up the material to Capt. Wagner, he can have it cast. Very truly, yours (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 2^d 1862 Col. L. V. B. Martin, Tuscaloosa, My dear Sir, When I first received your letter of the 18^th Ultimo - I had not, finally, agreed-upon terms for Salt-petre manufacture, with Mess^rs Carlisle & Henderson, & they have, not yet, sent down their bond.

On yesterday - a week ago - I was taken-down with an attack of fever, and have not been able to attend to business, until, Yesterday. To-day I went up to the Capitol. I hardly know - now - what to write you. The amount of advance you propose, is out of my power to make, viz $55.000. If you establish the powder-mill, I will, however, contract to buy & advance $25.000, to be repaid in powder, at the price paid by the Confederate Government or I might be able to make it $10.000or $15.000, more, if I could get the Confederate Government to take any surplus. The Salt-Petre from Santa Cave - I could receive, on paying cash for it, on delivery at Larkinsville, every fortnight; but I tell you frankly - that the exposure of the works there to depredations from the Enemy may after a few months - render the supply of Salt-Petre, unsustain. If the enemy should reach the Rail-Road, and cut-of the transportation, the supply might cease. And if the Enemy reached the Rail-Road, it is probable he would take possession of the Works, and close them up. These are considerations - which you should not overlook in making up your estimates for obtaining Salt-Petre. As to sulphur - I am informed that the Company - mining for Sulphur, in Talladega Co. have contracted to deliver all they can make, to the Confederate government,

The difficulty - or want, as I told you when here, is not the absence of powder-mills - but the want of the materials, out of which to make the powder. The mill at Augusta, I am told, can manufacture all the material to be had. Still - as an Alabamin I shall be gratified to see a mill established in our own State; and would take the responsibility to aid the Enterprize further than the limited appropriation made by the Legislature would justify., and yet - as a personal friend to you, I deemed-it my duty to tell you, frankly, the condition of things as they are; and the uncertainties of the future. Of course, no bond or Contract can be drawn-up, untill all the preliminaries are fully understood & settled. Very truly yours (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 2^d 1862. Maj. J. Gorgas, Ordnance Department, Rich^d Sir, I have before me, your letter of the 28^th ulto. making certain enquiries concerning the Ala. Arms-Manufacturing Company. This company is incorporated, under the laws of this State; and it is composed of a number of very enterprizing, & wealthy gentlemen. They have just organized - and, I presume, it will take some time for them to turn-out arms finished & complete according to Army-regulations. The length of time will depend upon the success they meet with - in obtaining the necessary tools. The Armory is to be - by Contract with the State - a permanent establishment, and the Company are aided by a loan of $250.000. by the State - to be repaid in the first arms made. The Company are deserving of all confidence and Patronage of both State - &

82 80 Confederate Governments; and I should be glad to know that the Confederate Government has dealt liberally with them, in encouraging an Enterprize - so important, & likely to be so successfully conducted. Very respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 3^d 1862. Capt. Jn^o F. Whitfield, commanding "Jn^o Gill Shorter Artillery." Madrid-Bend, Tennessee. Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favor, of the 24^th Ultimo, advising me that the members of the Company, which you have the Honor to command, have, unanimously, named their organization in compliment to myself.

This manifestation of kind remembrance & partiality, though undeserved - by your patriotic men, impresses me with gratitude; and I beg to tender, through you, to the officers and men of the "Jn^o Gill Shorter-Artillery" my profound thanks, for the distinction which they have - thus - conferred upon me.

The glorious "First-Alabama Regiment" to which your Command has been attached, is destined to win - even brighter Laurels in the bloody Drama which is now being enacted; and I doubt not, that your command will contribute its full share to make the "First Alabama" more illustrious in the future that it has been in the Past.

With my earnest prayers for the Safety - efficiency - and happy return of your Command, when Victory shall have crowned our arms, and my thanks to you, personally, for the flattering tone of your communication. I have the Honor to be Your friend & ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 4^th 1862 To Gen. Sam^l Jones, Commanding at Mobile, &c. General, In order to promote the manufacture of Salt - an article so highly important to the people of Alabama, and our army every where, throughout the Confederate States, I have promised - as Governor of Alabama, to the "Alabama-Salt manufacturing Company," a corporate body - recently organized, within this State, for that purpose, that they shall be put & maintained in quiet possession of any part of the Coast of Alabama, either on the Bay of Mobile, or the Gulf of Mexico, which they may select for the establishment of Salt-works; and so much there-of as may be necessary & proper for the successful prosecution of the manufacture of Salt.

This is to request of you that, if it shall be necessary to exert military force, in any manner, to accomplish the object above-set forth, that you will furnish, to said "Alabama-Salt-manufacturing Company," and their agents, & servants, all the aid, assistance & protection which they may require - for that purpose, namely, to take & maintain quiet posssession of any part of the Bay - or Gulf-coasts, which may be necessary for the successful manufacture of Salt. Very respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c