Cannons From the Selma Naval Foundry

From "Selma; Her Institutions, and Her Men" by John Hardy, pub. 1879:

The Arsenal was placed under the control of Col. J. L. White, and some 8000 men, boys and girls were put to work. Gen. Hunt soon had the naval foundry in operation and some of the most formidable cannon ever known were turned out daily and shipped to the different points where they were mostly wanted by the Confederate army. Extensive rolling mills were put in operation. The arsenal naval foundry, rolling mills and other government establishments commenced bringing thousands of tons of coal and iron over the Selma, Rome and Dalton railroad, double and sometimes tri-daily, from Shelby and Bibb counties. A lot of city bonds were about to be sold at auction, and the Mayor was instructed to buy them for the city, provided they did not sell for more than 105. John J. Strawbridge rented all the meat stalls in the market, and had a market business completely monopolized. Henry Gatchell, Foreman of Franklin fire company No. 2, asked permission to exchange their engine for one the Confederate States owned, which he was allowed to do. John R. Wilson having resigned as marshal, M. L. Dedman was appointed for the time being. On the 27th of April 1863, a committee was appointed to confer with the military authorities as to the best means for defending the city against raids of the enemy. A large number of new streets were established and new ones opened during this term of the Council, and much attention was given to aid the military in command here, in defending the place against "Yankee raids," which were becoming threatening. By order of the city authorities a home force of those not liable to conscription was organized for defensive purposes. Plant, Race, Division, New, Coosa, Hardee, Mulberry, Second, First, Dedman, Mechanic, Vine and Mitchell, were among the new street opened by the Council. At a meeting on the 30th of April, 1863, an election was ordered to be held for Mayor and Councilmen, on the first Monday in May, 1863, Wm. Ickes and W. J. Lyle were appointed Managers and the Marshal returning officer. At the election the following vote was cast: For Mayor--M.J.A. Keith, 94; Dr. I. Morgan, 46; E. W. Marks, 24; For Councilmen--John Weedon, 128; Jon C. Graham, 163; M. J. Williams, 124; John H. Henry, 93; S. C. Pierce, 146; Wm. B. Gill, 100; Henry Gatchell, 131; J. d. Monk 39; C.D. Parke, 56;l N. H. R. Dawson, 24; A. G. Mabry, 27; W. B. Haralson, 17; W. J. Lyle, 23; Joseph R. John, 13; The results were as follows: M.J.A. Keith, Mayor; S. C. Pierce, M. J. Williams, Dr. John H. Henry, John C. Graham, John Weedon, Henry Gatchell and Wm. B. Gill Councilmen, who elected John M. Strong, Clerk; Andrew J. Neil, Treasurer, M. L. Dedman, Marshal; Fellows & Haralson, Attorneys, and M. J. Williams, Printer.

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