V.M. Elmore Letters, MSS.1954

Abstract: Four letters sent from this Montgomery, Alabama, officer in the 1st Alabama Cavalry describing troop movements, skirmishes, battles, and life in the camp, as well as the Jewish soldiers from Montgomery.Scope and Content Note: This collection consists of hand written letters (and four typewritten transcripts) from Major V.M. Elmore, during the years of 1862 and 1863. In his letters he describes troop movements, skirmishes, battles, and life in the camp.In his November 1862 letter, he wrote that there were many Jews in the camp and suggests that the Jewish ladies of Montgomery may want to send clothing, "as many of them have relations in the company." In his June 1863 letter he stated that William Orton Williams and Walter G. Peter, two Confederate officers who were captured and executed as spies by the Union authorities.The letters also make reference to several specific battles and skirmishes including the Battle of Murfreesboro and the Fall of Vicksburg. Additionally, Elmore described desertions, troop injuries, and a fight between General Wheeler and a Union soldier.Biographical/Historical Note: V.M. Elmore of Montgomery, Alabama, was born on July 18, 1840. He served as a major with the 1st Alabama Calvary during the Civil War. He was educated in Georgia and Alabama and entered into military service in 1861.He participated in the Battle of Shiloh and commanded his regiment in Murfreesboro, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, and the Sequatchie valley raid. He became seriously ill in 1864 and later rejoined his regiment after the fall of Atlanta. Toward the end of the war, he also participated in the Battle of Bentonville and other final operations. Elmore returned to civilian life in May 1865.After the war, he practiced law and became involved in politics in Montgomery, Alabama. He married Rebecca Hails in 1867; they had three sons and three daughters. V.M. Elmore died in 1908