Confederate Ladies Aid Society Archive, Plus

Confederate Ladies' Aid Society Archive, 1861-1864, Plus

Lot of 10 letters addressed to Alabama politicians, including Governors Andrew B. Moore (1807-1873), John Gill Shorter (1818-1872) and Thomas Hill Watts (1819-1892), concerning the wartime initiatives of various ladies' aid societies throughout the state. These groups quickly formed in both the North and South as women mobilized in support of the war effort. Their activities largely originated in the domestic sphere, including rolling bandages, sewing, and collecting funds and supplies. As the war progressed, however, many members assumed more vital functions, such as administering medical care and rehabilitating wounded veterans. Here, the authors express concerns over the organization of Confederate troops, the supply of clothing and other provisions available to soldiers, and the welfare of impoverished Southern families.

Among the highlights is a remarkable letter, 2pp, approx. 5 x 6.5 in., dated March 30, 1861 and addressed to "His Excellency, A. B. Moore" from a Gainesville organization. In light of the "imminent peril" facing the country, the women of Gainesville, who call themselves the "Unconquerables," express their displeasure with the "rather backward [procedure of] raising companies to send to its rescue." Further, they write to informer Governor Moore that "a company of ladies was formed here the day the news was received of Lincoln's election, the company is at your command, whenever and wherever, you may deem it best to order it. We can leave the old women and children in charge of the gallant gentlemen." Writing with great urgency, given their belief that Gainesville is "so fast asleep that a Northern army could march in our midst, and hoist a Republican flag without the least resistance," the Unconquerables anticipate an equally swift response from the Governor. They question, however, the reliability of their post office, since it "is yet under Lincoln's control, and our Post Master openly avers his sentiments to be against secession."

The majority of the content centers on obtaining fabric to make clothing for Confederate soldiers and supporting their loved ones. A group from Marengo County writes that they "can make clothes for a full company" provided that the cloth is "cut out before being sent" (March 18, 1862). The McKinley society explains to Governor Shorter that they "have a taylor [sic] in this place who has the measures of a number of soldiers, [so] if you can send the cloth, we can have him cut them according to those measures" (March 3, 1862). Another letter accompanies funds from a society in Marion sent to Governor Watts "for the purpose of purchasing cards for indigent soldiers' families in this County" (March 17, 1864). Finally, members of the Greensboro Ladies' Aid Society share with Shorter their dismay at State's failure to disseminate the clothing and other supplies its members had previously prepared for Confederate troops: "Since the Battle of Shiloh, the Ladies of this place have sent off quite a number of boxes designed for hospitals . . . judge our chagrin at learning that scores accumulating in the warehouses at Mobile, refused transportation because the press of business for the army is too great to allow for even a small part of such things as the sick & wounded are dying for the want of"Â (April 30, 1862).

Also with a letter from Governor Shorter, 1p, 7.5 x 12 in., "Executive Department / Montgomery," dated November 18, 1863 and addressed to the "Gentlemen of the Senate / and House of Representatives." Letter addresses the efforts of the Mobile Ladies' Aid Society in ameliorating the conditions of "sick and wounded soldiers. . . and needy families." The State Treasury had previously appropriated $1400 to the organization, and Shorter recommends the appropriation of additional funds for the upcoming year, based on the impact of the group's benevolence.
Condition Report: Condition varies and includes staining, smudging, and creasing as expected. Two letters with more significant areas of tears and holes. Please refer to digital images for conditions of specific letters.