Semmes, Raphael to John M. Kell
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04021 Author/Creator: Semmes, Raphael Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 November 1865 Pagination: 5 p. 21.1 x 13.2 cm Order a Copy
Kell was first officer of the Alabama from 1862 to 1864. Writes to Kell to answer his question about taking the pardon, to thank him for naming his first-born son after him, and to tell him of the disposition of prize money from the ship. Semmes states that he had not been offered a pardon, did not mean to ask for one, and would refuse one if it were offered to him.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.