Author: Smith, William H.; Peters, Thomas M.; White, Alex
Title: Correspondence. (Caption Title)
Description: No Place, No publisher. Pamphlet. No publisher or place, perhaps Montgomery, Alabama. 1870. Pamphlet, disbound from a larger work. 16 pp. A printing of a short letter undersigned by Thomas M. Peters and Alex. White and addressed to William H. Smith, then governor of Alabama, followed with a lengthy response to the letter by Smith. The first letter questions the governor's efforts in Alabama, including that he had 'been indifferent or inert in your efforts to enforce the laws in punishing Ku-Klux outrages, murders and assassinations' as well as mentioning that 'Union men dare not speak their sentiments in Alabama.' Smith answers the letter by citing his efforts to adhere to the policies of Reconstruction, as well as the struggles to get Alabama citizens and delegates to go along with the US government stipulations. He also contradicts the claims of indifference to Ku-Klux Klan crimes, as well as pointing out that he and other Republicans feel safe in Alabama and are under no threat of assassination. The letters are dated July 6, and July 9th of 1870. William H. Smith was the first Republican governor of Alabama, and was considered a pro-Union advocate, despite being a former owner of enslaved persons. One of the letter writers, Thomas M. Peters may have been the pro-Union politician and State Supreme Court judge, nominated by the Republican party (Alabama Government Archives website). GOOD condition. Minor browning and very light foxing to the piece. A few faint fold creases present. Good .

Keywords: Noisbn Ku Klux Klan Alabama Politics


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