1862 "For the protection of our Gulf Coast, to repel invasion, and to place Mobile in a state of security. I shall order out a large militia force from the counties of Clarke, Baldwin, Marengo, Choctaw, Sumpter, Green, Perry, Wilcox, Monroe, Dallas, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Shelby, Covington, and Autauga, for the term of ninety days, unless sooner discharged. I will accept in advance of the militia, and for the same term sixty volunteer Companies from the same counties, who must arm, clothe and equip themselves; each Company to consist of one Captain, one first Lieutenant, two second Lieutenants, Five Sergeants, four Corporals, and not less that sixty-four nor more than one hundred privates.
"All Companies raised under this proclamation, will be held as minute men, and must be prepared to proceed immediately to Mobile. Each Company must provide at least six axes, four hatchets, and four shovels or spades, and at least ten days' rations, to commence the march.. ... By the Governor John Gill Shorter."