Jno. Withers to W. H. Fowler, April 14, 1864

No. 87. Richmond, April 14, 1864. * * * * I. I. Col. W. H. Fowler being commissioned as superintendent of army records for the State of Alabama and as agent to adjust the claims of deceased soldiers from that State, commanding officers of the armies in which Alabama troops may be serving are requested to afford to him such facilities in the discharge of his duties (as set forth in the subjoined circular) as may not conflict with the interests of the service.

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF ARMY RECORDS, STATE OF ALABAMA, January 25, 1864.

The Legislature of Alabama at its recent session instructed the Governor to appoint a superintendent of army records to ascertain the names, rank, organizations, and facts concerning troops from the State that have been or may hereafter be mustered into the service of the Confederate States, that the same may be compiled into an historical record, to be preserved in the archives of the State, for the benefit and satisfaction of the living, as a grateful tribute to the memory of the dead, and as a welcome presentation to our posterity, who, in freedom hereafter, will proudly hail this glorious roll of the patriot sons of Alabama.

I am engaged in this work; but the difficulties in my way are serious, owing to the delay in its commencement, the sad want of systematic records, the imperfect returns to the War Department, the loss of rolls, and the numerous changes and vicissitudes of organizations. The work is, however, eminently worthy to be attempted, and the purpose of the Legislature in ordering it is highly commendable. I therefore earnestly request all officers and soldiers from the State, the relatives and friends of those who have died or fallen in the field, and all parties interested herein to aid me promptly and vigorously in obtaining the information required.

It is very desirable that all commanding officers of companies, battalions, regiments, and batteries from Alabama shall forward to me forthwith complete lists from the beginning, in the nature of muster-rolls, of the men and officers of their respective commands. showing the name, rank, age, description, residence, place, date, and term of enlistment; when, where, and how service terminated; meritorious facts [acts] of individuals or organizations; alterations and changes in commands or officers; notes of such as have been wounded, captured, died from disease, or killed, and when and where; promotions, resignations, discharges, transfers, permanent desertions, and such succinct narrative of organization, service, marches, battles, incidents, &c., as may be essential for perfect record ; and of organizations that have been merged into others or broken up from any cause. I will be glad to receive information from any source that will facilitate

I also request all commanders of companies to send me full descriptive lists of their dead, to aid me in the performance of other important duties with which I am charged in settling claims of deceased soldiers.

Surgeons and chaplains can assist me materially by furnishing such memoranda as they can procure of Alabama troops, deaths in hospitals, &c.

Names and facts sent to me by the relatives or intimate friends of deceased soldiers will be very valuable.

It is my intention to visit our various organizations personally; but this may be impossible in many instances, and will consume much time, so that I again urge commanders to assist me by the prompt preparation and remittance of the lists above described. Such record as is designed is due to our soldiers—will be serviceable to them, to their representatives, and to the State, and I confidently expect the cordial aid indicated above.

Let each Alabamian into whose hands this circular may fall consider himself as personally addressed, and set about immediately to forward the matter presented, and I also request every officer of all grades and branches of the service from our State to send me his address (autographic), rank, location, &c., for preservation, reference, and correspondence when necessary.

Address : W. H. FOWLER, Colonel, Richmond, Va.

III. Col. W. H. Fowler, agent for the State of Alabama for records, &¢c., will be allowed by commissaries of subsistence to purchase such rations as an officer of his grade in the field is entitled to. He will be afforded transportation to the various armies in the field in the discharge of his duties as State agent.

By command of the Secretary of War: