Letter from Thomas B. Hall at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, to his father, Bolling.
In the letter he describes reaction to a report that Union forces were approaching Tuscaloosa. The alarm was proven false after the cadets were called to arms, but the event demonstrated the city's weakness in case of invasion: "The scouts came back next morning (yesterday) and reported th...
| Format: | Electronic |
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Alabama Department of Archives and History
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| Online Access: | http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/voices/id/4917 |
| Summary: | In the letter he describes reaction to a report that Union forces were approaching Tuscaloosa. The alarm was proven false after the cadets were called to arms, but the event demonstrated the city's weakness in case of invasion: "The scouts came back next morning (yesterday) and reported that they had seen a man direct from Elyton who said that no enemy had approached near that place. The report was shortly after confirmed by another courier and the ACC poor fellows all had to give up all idea of honour & distinction which they were so wont to obtain The most confusion I ever witnessed in any set of men. To show that the authorities did not know their business. They told the whole Battalion their plans and kept...nothing secret...No prudent movement was executed during the whole time. A few (but very few) of the citizens turned out to defend their homes This affair has completely turned the affairs of the University 'topsy, turvey.' After we returned to the Univ. (which we did as soon as we heard there was no danger) Dr Garland congratulated the corps that there had been no loss of blood nor life &c. - Was glad to see the corps so ready and eager to meet danger when necessary &c &c. And all to do about nothing is and alway [sic] was my candid and honest opinion from beginning to end. I think a dozen men could come here and take Tuscaloosa, (I mean Yankees)." A transcription is included. |
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