Semmes Family Papers, 1859-1913
SEMMES FAMILY PAPERS, 1859-1913
Finding aid
Call number: LPR43
Extent: 1.5 cubic ft. (3 archives boxes, 1 oversized box, 3 oversized folders, and 4 reels of microfilm.)
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Alabama Dept. of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36130 www.archives.alabama.gov LPR43 SEMMES FAMILY PAPERS: SERIES DESCRIPTION (Originals restricted. Microfilm available for research.)
Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913 Reels 1 & 4 This series contains five subseries, further detailed below: A. Correspondence and letters, 1860-1877 and n.d.; B. Pre-Civil War activities, ca. 1859; C. Civil War activities, 1860-1865; D. Post-Civil War activities, 1865-1913 and n.d.; and E. Memorial to Raphael Semmes, 1880.
A. Correspondence and letters, 1860-1877 and n.d.
This subseries containes Raphael Semmes correspondence and letters. The years 1865-1867 contain the bulk of the materials. The years 1860, 1863, and 1864 contain only one item each. Subjects discussed include: U. S. Civil War, 1861-1865; Confederates States of America Navy; politics and government of the Confederate States and U. S.; description and travel of the U. S.; and family matters. Other subjects discussed include: appointment of Semmes as Chief of the Lighthouse Bureau; C. S. S. Sumter; C. S. S. Alabama; James River Squadron; the arrest and defense of Semmes; protests over the arrest of Semmes; the election, ineligibility and petition of Semmes to hold the Mobile Judge of Probate office; Louisiana State Seminary and Military Academy. Also included: Memphis Bulletin; lecture engagements — description and invitations; and William H. Whiting vs. U. S.
Among the major correspondents are family members; Annie Semmes, Electra Colston, Pendleton Colston, and S. M. Semmes. Other correspondents include Stephen Russell Mallory, James Hughes, Robert Miller Patton, Rev. Francis W. Tremlett, A. Ramsey Niniger, Robert Burns Lindsay, George W. Brent, J. M. Mason, William Knox, W. Wallace, John Forsyth, Thomas James Butler, A. J. Creswell, Andrew Johnson (copy), and Jefferson Davis (copy). Dated correspondence arranged chronologically. Undated correspondence unarranged in separated folder.
Box 1, Folder 1 1860-1862 Reel 1 Box 1, Folder 2 1863 Box 1, Folder 3 1864 Box 1, Folder 4 1865 Box 1, Folder 5 1866 Box 1, Folder 6 1867 Box 1, Folder 7 1868 Box 1, Folder 8 1869 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913. (continued) A. Correspondence and letters, 1860-1877, n.d. (continued)
Box 1, Folder 9 1871-1874, 1876-1877 Reel 1 Box 1, Folder 10 n.d. Box 1, Folder 11 correspondence concerning Raphael Semmes 1864-1869, n.d.
B. Pre-Civil War Activities (ca. 1859)
This subseries contains Semmes’ reply to the U. S. Senate Report concerning U. S. lighthouse operation. Box 1, Folder 12 ca. 1859 Reel 1
C. Civil War activities, 1861-1865
This subseries contains five sub-subseries, detailed below: 1. C.S.S. Sumter; 2. C.S.S. Alabama; 3. James River Squadron; 4. C.S.A. Navy; and 5. Civil War conclusion.
1. C.S.S. Sumter This includes the ships’s log (notebooks), 1861-1862; ransom bonds of captured ships; and a list of Sumter officers. Arranged chronologically within type of record.
Box 1, Folder 13 Journal/letterbook 1861 Reel 1 Box 1, Folder 14 Journal 1861-1862 Box 1, Folder 15 Letterbook 1861-1862 Box 1, Folder 16 Letterbook 1862 Box 1, Folder 17 Ransom bonds of captured ships Box 1, Folder 18 List of officers - typed copy from 24 Sept. 1861 Montgomery Daily Post
2. C.S.S. Alabama This includes the ship’s log (notebooks), 1862-1864; registration papers; insurance papers; crew lists; ransom bonds of captured ships; paymasters records, 1862-1864; and discharge notices. Arranged chronologically within type of record.
Box 2, Folder 1 Journal (notebook) 1862-1863 Reel 2 Box 2, Folder 2 Journal (notebook) 1862-1864 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913. (continued) C. Civil War activities, 1861-1865 (continued) 2. C.S.S. Alabama (continued)
Box 2, Folder 3 U.S.S. Ariel - cargo insurance, manifest Box 2, Folder 4 Ransom bonds Box 2, Folder 5 Paymaster’s records, receipts 1862 Box 2, Folder 6 Paymaster’s records, receipts 1863 Oversized material: Box 4, Folder 1 Ships captured - Registration papers of Reel 4 captured ships Box 4, Folder 2 Ships captured - list of Justinia crew Box 4, Folder 3 Paymasters records - 17 Oct. 1864 Accounting record Container 5 Ships captured - U.S.S. Ariel cargo (Oversize folder) manifest
3. James River Squadron This includes the muster roll of the naval brigade that surrendered with Semmes, and the parole obligation, 26 April 1865.
Container 6 Muster roll of Naval Brigade / Parole Reel 4 (Oversize folder) obligation, 26 Apr. 1865 Container 7 Muster roll of Naval Brigade (Oversize folder)
4. C.S.A. Navy This contains records pertaining to or authorized by Semmes but are not indicative of any one ship. Included are paymaster’s records, allotment payments, and receipts. Arranged chronologically within record type.
Box 2, Folder 11 Paymaster’s records, allotment payments Reel 2 Box 2, Folder 12 Paymaster’s records, receipt
5. Civil War conclusion This contains a handwritten copy of the terms of the military peace treaty, 26 April 1865. Box 2, Folder 13 Terms of Military Peace Treaty 26 Apr. 1865 Reel 2 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913. (continued)
D. Post-Civil War Activities, 1865-1913
This subseries contains nine sub-subseries further detailed below: 1. Arrest of Raphael Semmes, 1865-1866; 2. Petitions, 1866; 3. Lectures, n.d.; 4. Manuscripts, n.d.; 5. Notebook, n.d.; 6. Certificates, 1865-1871; 7. Autographs, 1874 and n.d.; 8. Newspaper clippings, 1874-1913, and n.d.; and 9. Envelopes, n.d.
1. Arrest of Raphael Semmes, 1865-1866 This contains the U.S. Navy charge against Semmes; drafts of Semmes’s defense; and a diary written during his imprisonment. Arranged chronologically within record type.
Box 2, Folder 14 U. S. Navy charges against Raphael Semmes Reel 2 Box 2, Folder 15 Raphael Semmes defense drafts Box 2, Folder 16 Raphael Semmes prison diary, 1865-1866
2. Petitions, 1866 This contains photocopies of petitions by the members of the Mobile Bar and 400 citizens of Mobile requesting that Semmes be allowed to hold the office of probate judge. Provenance unknown. Unarranged. Box 2, Folder 17 Raphael Semmes as probate judge 1866 Reel 2
3. Lectures, n.d. This includes lectures written by Semmes about various topics which include: the C. S. S. Alabama; the Civil War; the role of historians; the life of Matthew F. Maury; decisive naval battles in history; winds as water carriers; and unidentified fragments. The bulk of the lectures deal with the C.S.S. Alabama. Arranged chronologically.
Box 2, Folder 18 The C.S.S. Alabama Reel 2 Box 2, Folder 19 The C.S.S. Alabama - “From Jamaica to the Island of Fernando de Noronha” Box 2, Folder 20 The C.S.S. Alabama - “From the Azores to the the Banks of Newfoundland” Box 2, Folder 21 The C.S.S. Alabama (fragment) Box 2, Folder 22 The C.S.S. Alabama (fragment) Box 2, Folder 23 Civil War - general Box 2, Folder 24 The historian’s role Box 2, Folder 25 Life of Matthew F. Maury LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913. (continued) D. Post-Civil War Activities, 1865-1913 (continued) 3. Lectures, n.d. (continued)
Box 2, Folder 26 “Three Decisive Naval Battles of Antiquity” Box 2, Folder 27 “Winds, as the Water Carriers of the Earth” Box 2, Folder 28 “Winds, as the Water Carriers of the Earth” Box 2, Folder 29 Unidentified fragments Oversized material: Box 4, Folder 4 The C.S.S. Alabama, “Second Cruise of the Reel 4 Alabama from the Banks of Newfoundland into and out of the Gulf of Mexico”
4. Manuscripts, n.d. This consists of two manuscripts.
Box 3, Folder 1 Rough draft - Service Afloat, or the Reel 3 Remarkable Career of the Confederate Cruisers Sumter and Alabama Chapters 1-7 Box 3, Folder 2 Service Afloat, Chapters 8-14 Box 3, Folder 3 Manuscript, incomplete - “Cruise of the Porpoise in the Caribbean”
5. Notebook, n.d. This is a small pocket notebook inscribed “Alexandria, Louisiana.” It includes a chronology of English history; English literature; and a memorandum on strawberries. Box 3, Folder 4 n.d. Reel 3
6. Certificates, 1865-1871 This contains three certificates: the judge of probate; internal revenue; and a license to practice law.
Box 3, Folder 5 Judge of Probate, internal revenue license Reel 3 Box 4, Folder 5 License to practice law 1871 Reel 4
7. Autographs, 1874. This contains a two by three card and a bank check autographed by Semmes, both dated 1874. Box 3, Folder 6 1874 Reel 3 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
I. RAPHAEL SEMMES PAPERS, 1859-1913. (continued) D. Post-Civil War Activities, 1865-1913 (continued)
8. Newspaper clippings about Semmes, 1874-1913 and n.d. This contains clippings concerning Semmes. Topics include Semmes’ arrest; the office of probate judge; and the celebration of Semmes birthday. There are six clippings, n. p. Unarranged. Box 3, Folder 7 1874-1913 and n.d. Reel 3
9. Envelopes, n.d. Envelopes addressed to Semmes. Unarranged. Box 3, Folder 8 n.d. Reel 3
E. Memorial to Raphael Semmes, 1880
This subseries contains a handwritten copy of the Port of Mobile Board of Police Commissioners minutes concerning the erection of a memorial to Semmes. Box 3, Folder 9 Port of Mobile minutes, (hand copy) 1880 Reel 3
II. ANNE (ANNE ELIZABETH) SEMMES PAPERS, 1865-1877.
This series contains two subseries: A. Correspondence and letters, 1865-1877; and B. Envelopes, n.d.
A. Correspondence and letters, 1865-1877
This contains Anne Semmes correspondence and letters. Subjects discussed include: family matters, Yankees, and Raphael Semmes’ arrest. The bulk of the material deals with the death of Raphael Semmes. Correspondents include: Electra Semmes Colston, Pendleton Colston, Francis L. Gall, Chancey Spencer, and the Lee Association. Arranged chronologically. Box 3, Folder 10 1865-1877 Reel 3
B. Envelopes, n.d.
This subseries contains envelopes addressed to Anne Semmes. Box 3, Folder 11 n.d. Reel 3 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
III. OLIVER JOHN SEMMES PAPERS, 1863-1877
This series contains three subseries: A. Letter, 1877; B. Promotion recommendation, 1863; and C. Envelope, n.d.
A. Letter, 1877
This consists of one letter written by J. D. Dreisbeack concerning the death of Raphael Semmes. Box 3, Folder 12 1877 Reel 3
B. Promotion recommendation, 1863
This consists of three letter recommending that Captain Semmes be promoted to Major. Box 3, Folder 13 1863 Reel 3
C. Envelope, n.d.
This is an envelope addressed to Oliver Semmes. Box 3, Folder 14 n.d. Reel 3
IV. ELECTRA SEMMES COLSTON PAPERS, 1866-1890 and n.d.
This series contains two subseries: A. Correspondence and letters, 1866-1890 and n.d.; and B. Envelopes, n.d.
A. Correspondence and letters, 1866-1890 and n.d.
This contains Electra Colston’s correspondence and letters. Subjects discussed include: the death of Raphael Semmes; family matters; Captain McIntosh Kell and the falsehoods of W. E. Howard. Some of the major correspondents include Blanche Kell, Captain McIntosh Kell, and Varina Davis. Arranged chronologically. Box 3, Folder 15 1866-1890, n.d. Reel 3
B. Envelopes, n.d.
This subseries contains envelopes addressed to Electra Semmes Colston. Box 3, Folder 16 n.d. Reel 3 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
V. PENDLETON COLSTON PAPERS, 1866-1867 and n.d.
This series contains two subseries: A. Correspondence and letter, 1866-1867 and n.d.; and B. Envelopes, n.d.
A. Correspondence and letters, 1866-1867 and n.d.
This series contains Pendleton Colston’s correspondence and letters. Three letters, concerning Raphael Semmes’ imprisonment are photocopies and the provenance is unknown. Other subjects discussed include: counsel for Raphael Semmes; family matters; Colston’s health; the Memphis Bulletin; and Louisiana State Seminary and Military Academy. Most of the correspondence is with his wife, Electra Semmes Colston. Other correspondents include: Gideon Welles; James Hughes; and Josiah Colston. Dated letters are arranged chronologically, and undated letters are located at the end of the folder. Box 3, Folder 17 1866-1867, n.d. Reel 3
B. Envelopes, n.d.
This subseries contains envelopes addressed to Pendleton Colston. Box 3, Folder 18 n.d. Reel 3
VI. PHOTOGRAPH.
This series consists of a photograph of Miss Tremlett who was a correspondent with Raphael Semmes. Box 3, Folder 19 Reel 3
VII. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, 1861-1866 and n.d.
This series contains two subseries: A. Printed clippings, 1861-1866 and n.d.; and B. Handwritten copy of a newspaper clipping, 1861.
A. Printed clippings, 1861-1866 and n.d.
This consists of printed clippings on subjects which include: Gov. Parson; General Clayton’s pardon; and the U. S. Civil War. Unarranged. Box 3, Folder 20 1861-1866, n.d. Reel 3 LPR43 Title/Description/Dates Microfilm reel
VII. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, 1861-1866 and n.d. (continued)
B. Handwritten copy of a newspaper clipping, 1862
This subseries contains a handwritten copy of a newspaper article from the Montgomery Weekly Mail, 3 Dec. 1862. The article concerns historical societies in the army. Box 3, Folder 21 1862 Reel 3
VIII. FRAGMENTARY AND UNIDENTIFIED MATERIALS, 1865-1877 and n.d.
This series contains unidentified and fragmentary correspondence and legal papers. Also included is an unidentified Confederate luggage tag and a certificate. Segregated by type, but unarranged, otherwise.
Box 3, Folder 22 Certificate, 1873 Reel 3 Box 3, Folder 23 Correspondence, 1873 and n.d. Box 3, Folder 24 Envelopes, n.d. Box 3, Folder 25 Legal - fragment, 1865 Box 3, Folder 26 Receipt, 1868 Box 3, Folder 27 Tag - CSA luggage, n.d.
IX. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA NAVY Reels 3 & 4 MATERIALS UNRELATED TO SEMMES, 1863-1865 and n.d.
This series contains materials found in the Semmes papers which seem to have no relation to Semmes. Items include: The C.S.B. Tuscaloosa ransom bond for the U.S.B. Santee, 1863; a fragment of the history of the C.S.S. Patrick Henry, 1865; paymaster’s records, 1864; and notes of exchange. Unarranged.
Box 3, Folder 28 C.S.B. Tuscaloosa - U.S.B. Santee 3 July 1863 Reel 3 ransom bond Box 3, Folder 29 C.S.S. Patrick Henry - history, fragment Box 3, Folder 30 Paymaster’s records - London and 1864 County Banking Co., Lettre d’Indication Oversized material: Box 4, Folder 6 Postmasters records - Notes of exchange Reel 4