Here's a different perspective from an Alabama legislator, and after the war, the personal secretary to Governor George Houston. He's writing to the son of Thomas Joyce McClellan, who was one of many north Alabama delegates who refused to sign the secession ordinance.

Lawrence Ripley Davis to John B. McClellan
Montgomery, Ala., January 13, 1861

Dear John,
I promised you when I left that I would write to you & give what news I have. Well the deed is done. That old banner under which our revolutionary fathers marched has been ruthlessly torn from its moorings and again we are adrift without chart or compass to guide us through the deep which now surround. I admit that I feel somewhat I feel somewhat like I am willing now to [say] farewell to peace and quite & plunge into that gulf of black woe which seems to envision us on all sides & were it not for my family I could willingly welcome the worst. Here I sit and from my window see the nasty little thing flaunting in the breeze which has taken the place of that glorious banner which had been the pride of millions of Americans and the boast of freemen the wide world over. I look upon the old banner as I do or would view the dead body of a friend, and would scream one loud shout of joy could I now see it waving in the breeze although I know this scream would be my last. But now for other things. Troops have been marched from this place to aid in taking the forts of Pensacola & Mobile and we are expecting every minute to hear when they have had a fight. I thought we had often been told by theses gents of the tribe of Precipitators that all this thing was to be bloodless. But how now; at the top, soft peace spreads her wings and flies weeping away. But now what shall we of north Alabama do who had but little hand in bringing about this state of affairs. My opinion is this and I give it to you simply as an opinion that north Ala. should remain quiet. We think of communities as we do of individuals and that is that self protection is the first law of nations & communities and that north Ala. has the right. She having been a unit on this question to adapt the course which is best calculated to take care of herself. An appeal is being made to and a strong one to induce the members from our section to sign the ordnance of the Convention. Thirty or thirty five of them will never do it, Mr. Mac (Thomas Joyce McClellan) in the number. Jere Clemens has damned himself in the estimation of his friends here but of this I do not now wish to speak. Your father had gained great credit here for firmness and decision of character and hates Jere’s desertion very much. All influences from every quarter was brought to bear to rule the Convention & the glittering prize is too much for some men’s eyes. I am told on all sides that mine is a hard road to travel but I intend to face the music like a man and if must I will die game. Some talk of going home. I will come if my people instruct me willingly, but if they do not I shall stand to my post unmoved by the influence of great men, unabashed by the threats of the rabble, praying God with my last breath that those who brought this on our country may meet their first sword. No telling when any of us will be at home. Love to all. Very truly yours, LR Davis

Limestone County Archives, Lawrence Ripley Davis to John B. McClellan, Montgomery, Ala., January 13, 1861.