In particular I recall the Selma, Montgomery and Mobile papers as having columns written about city court proceedings. All seemed to be citing facts, but presented in a humorous light. Oftentimes one person's misfortune is viewed as amusement by others.

Many years ago I found an antebellum column about a young wife from northeast Mississippi who appeared in a Corinth MS hotel with another man, not her husband. This one was titled, "They Loved Not Wisely." I've got a copy in a box somewhere at home.