Autograph letter signed by S. Malen(?). 1st Regiment Mobile Alabama Volunteers, 12 February 1862.

A very rare letter describing enslaved individuals bearing brands. In full: "Today several slaves was found all branded we await further instructions please respond at your earliest convenience we are poorly supplied and our mounts are near starved." 

The 1st Mobile Volunteers, Local Defense Troops (alt. Mobile Guards, Mobile Regiment) was organized in December 1861 and served in General Cantey's Brigade throughout the Gulf region in Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, fighting at Forts Gaines & Morgan. They were ordered to disband on 25 January 1865, but evidence suggests that some men still remained at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. When Mobile was evacuated on April 12th, there were remnants of the regiment that were finally completely disbanded. 

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