Militia files, 1837-1841.

ArchivalResource

Alabama. Governor (1837-1841 : Bagby). Militia files, 1837-1841.

Militia files, 1837-1841.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/80188716

The Governor is the chief executive of the state whose function is to administer the laws of the state. One of the activities used to accomplish this function is the administering of decisions and actions relating to military affairs and the maintenance of the state Militia. This series contains letters, petitions, reports, and military orders relating to the militia and military affairs. Topics often discussed include equipment and supplies, ordnances, formation of companies, election of officers, and troop movements. Of specific interest are letters pertaining to the Creek and Cherokee Indian problems. There is considerable correspondence regarding the call for men to report to Bellefonte in Jackson County to assist with the removal of the Cherokees, including letters from General Winfield Scott and Colonel William Lindsay, the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Cherokee Nation. In a letter dated 1838 February 23, Lindsay specifically requests assistance from militia companies formed outside the Cherokee Nation. Correspondence regarding the Creek raids in south Alabama is also prominent in the series. This material includes letters about the Creek Indian uprising in Dale and Covington counties in the fall of 1837 as well as uprisings near Irwinton in Barbour County. Several of these letters were written by John P. Booth of Irwinton, including one dated 1841 May 26 in which he discusses a 12-year-old Creek Indian girl living with the Booth family. In addition there is considerable general correspondence between Bagby and James G. Carroll, the Adjutant Inspector General, regarding the affairs of the state militia. Although reference is made to numerous militia companies, the Mobile Rifle Company and the Montgomery True Blues are mentioned frequently. The Mount Vernon Arsenal is cited frequently throughout the series as well.

Originals: .33 cubic ft. (1 archives box and 1 oversized folder).Copies: 1 microfilm reel.

Alabama Department of Archives and History