Montgomery, Ala. Aug. 27, 1863
To His Excellency, John G. Shorter,
We beg leave to make the following Statement to your Excellency.
Owing to the repeated incursions of the enemy into our County of Limestone as well as into others adjoining, the Confederate Conscription law has not been rigidly enforced, consequently there are many men in those counties who avoid[?] service to the government.
We are informed that when men can only be induced to enter the service by voluntary enlistment as the enforced of that Act is impractical owing to the vicinity of the enemy.
We therefore recommend to your consideration the appointment of Major T. H. Gilbert of the 50th Regiment Ala Vols, a citizen of Limestone of great popularity & influence, to organize a Regiment which might be otherwise lost to the service. /s/ 3 Officials
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Forwarded recommending favorable consideration to Lt. Gen. Pillow by the Governor August, 1863.
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There is an endorsement dated Sept. 14, 1863, however, it is too faint to read on-line as to the party and recommendation.
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On Sept. 16, 1863 the Governors office advised the Limestone County officers of the endorsement of Gen. Pillow [not found]
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Comment: It must have been approved as Maj. Gilbert's resignation quoted below:
Hd. Qrs. 50th Ala. Regt.
Deas' Brigade ????????
Tyner's Station Oct. ?? 1863
General [S. Cooper], I have the honor to tender my resignation as Major of the 50th Ala. Regt. for the following reasons. I am urgently solicited as the accompanying document will show to complete the organization and the command of a Battalion of Cavalry now being raised in North Alabama for the C. S. Service. Three Companies are nearly completed, and two others are forming with the prospect and assurances that the command will be increased to a Regiment. The section of country in which the command is being raised is north of Tenn. River and exposed to the enemy and consequently the enforcement of the conscript law, the enrollment of six months men and the apprehension of deserters is effectively prevented. The command is volunteering for the war and will consist mostly of men who could not otherwise be brought into the service.
M311: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Alabama
M311: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Alabama