Hayes Lowe
40th
Sun Dec 10 21:36:59 2000


I tend to agree on the plates. I suspect that they are of postwar origin. I do, though, think that they reference the 40th Alabama Infantry, at least I have not found another unit at Vicksburg for which the reference would make sense. I haven't researched on Vicksburg extensively, though.

And, what you say about Vicksburg not having attained any real meaning before the siege certainly makes sense.

I have not saved any images of these plates, but the next time that I have an opportunity, I will and I'll send it to you. They come up for sale on the internet from time to time. I think that I have seen two or three over the last year. They are not cast, as I recall, but rather they are crudely engraved. They could have been made from existing materials (scrap material) within Vicksburg during the seige. I have seen at least one other item, of proven provenence, that was made within the siege lines proclaiming Vicksburg an important Confederate engagement and which was made during the siege. That particular item was box, ornately engraved with scenes from the siege and river battles. On either the side or the top of the box was emblazoned "Vicksburg, CSA 1863" or something to that effect.

I am familiar with Sprott's writings. As I didn't realize that Speed's Mill was at issue, I didn't pay much attention to it in that regard. Hopefully, on Tuesday I will have an opportunity to revisit the Pickens County writings on the organization of the 40th. Still, from what you quote, it appears to me that the organization of the 40th at Speed's Mill is not precluded. It does mention the "organized companies" at Demopolis. It sounds to me like organization was begun, and failed, due to not having a full complement.

I am also familiar with *some* of Grant Taylor's writings. I have suspected for some time that Company G was not formed at the same time as the Picken's Planters. In fact, until very recently (1999), few if any references were ever made as to Company G in Pickens County. On the other hand, very much has been written about the Planters, with no mention of a sister company from Pickens County. Until the publication of Grant Taylor's letters, I'm not sure anyone within Pickens County knew that this was a Pickens County company other that a bare handfull of descendents.

Also, hopefully on Tuesday, I can revisit the materials where I may have seen more on the consolidation with the 37th. I have found one secondary source that indicates this. But, I have seen a direct reference to it somewhere in a primary source.

• Plates — Bryan D. McRaven, Sun Dec 10 22:13