Joseph Murrell letterbook

Collection

Identifier: W-0084

No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

The 640-page letterbook of Joseph Murrell, a Mobile cotton broker, contains copies of Murrell's correspondence dated from June to October 1861. Some of the letters have faded, making them difficult to read. Much of the correspondence relates to his business transactions, which includes the sale of cotton. Notable letters include Murrell's descriptions of escalating tensions between the North and South to correspondents in London and Liverpool, England.

Dates

Creation: 1861

Creator

Williams, A. S., III (Collector, Person)
Murrell, Joseph E. (Author, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

Joseph E. Murrell was born on November 16, 1808. In 1828, he married Mary McVoy in Pensacola, Florida. The couple had two sons, John and William, and one daughter, Virginia. Mobile, Alabama, city directories from 1870 and 1871 list Murrell as a commission merchant. Beginning in 1872, city directories list Murrell as an insurance agent. He died on February 24, 1890, in Mobile.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Letterbook containing the correspondence of Mobile cotton broker Joseph Murrell, dated from June to October 1861.

Physical Location

The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, The University of Alabama

Provenance

Gift of A. S. Williams III, 2010

Related Materials

The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection and the W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library have other collections of Civil War era business correspondence. Please contact staff for assistance.