File:Supt. E. E. Davis to Mrs.Lewis (Irene) Sewall Nov. 23, 1931 (915e4a45-dc04-48b5-8598-d2cb274b012e).jpg

White paper with typed black text

November 25, 1931 Mrs. Louis Sewall, 106 So. Warren St. Mobile, Alabama Dear Madam: Your card dated November 18, 1931, is received. This office is very glad to learn that Alabama may be expected shortly to fittingly memoralize [sic] the services of her troops in the historical battle here. I am inclosing herewith copy of the Regulations for the National Military Parks which will afford you information concerning the erection of monuments markers and tablets on the battlefield (See pages 7, 8, and 9). Where the text of the Regulations reads ‘commissioners’ it should now read ‘superintendents’. The commission no longer exists, the functions of that body by law having become vested in the Secretary of War as all the positions of commissioner became vacant which was some time ago here. It has been customary heretofore for states about to erect a monument to send a commission of one or more persons here to examine the location available and select the one considered most suitable. I am having a survey made of the battlefield with a view to determining all the prominent positions occupied by Alabama troops and brief history of that occupation. As soon as this can be completed I will send you a map showing the several points with a memorandum of historical significance of each. This is with a view to simplifying your work in so far as this office can do so. I have also taken the liberty of advising the Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce of your intention in order that that [sic] body may be in position to render you any assistance in its power. This will probably be more in the direction of selection of a contractor for erection of the monument when you are ready to embark upon that task. If there is any further way in which it appears that this office can be of service to you please do not hesitate to let us know. Very truly yours, E. E Davis Superintendent

• Keywords: battlfield; gettysburg; virtual experience; historic preservation; monuments; photography; slavery; civil war