Theodore P. Savas
Gayle response
Fri Apr 27 09:26:37 2001


Dear Jim,

Many thanks for the acknowledgment and prompt response. I might have the wrong Gayle. Maybe you can help me (but I will of course check the link your provided).

I am finally writing (after 12 years of research) my biography of George Washington Rains and the Augusta Powder Works. The Rains family moved to Linden, Marengo County, in the mid 1830s, and Rains was appointed to WP from Alabama (native of NC). His application was messed up in D.C., and an Alabama senator (Lyon) played a role. He sponsored the governor's son (mentioned in the letter only as "Gayle"), and Rains at the same time, and the War Department did not allow Rains' warrant to issue, etc. Very confusing. I learn now that which Gayle it was was NOT accepted either.

So, I guess my question in this long winded response is: what was the name of Governor Gayle's son who was rejected for entry into West Point?

Oh, and if you have any information on the when Gabriel Manigault Rains, his wife Ester (Hestor) Ambrose Rains, and their two daughters, Elizabeth Ann and Eveline C., died in Alabama, that would be helpful. I can't find anything on them after the move to Linden in about 1834 - 1838.

Thanks a lot for your assistance.