"The Southern Champion" dated April 12, 1861 published an appeal to the readers to "forward supplies" to the Claiborne Guard at Ft. Morgan. It did not refer to them as the 2nd Alabama but as the Claiborne Guard. The only unit mentioned by name was the 8th Mississippi Regiment in the "Latest From Pensacola Column". The column made note of the movement towards Pensacola and the anticipated arrival of the 8th Miss.