A Brief History of the Alabama Red Rovers by William V. Scott In November of 1835, urges for help went out to newspapers throughout the United States. One such urge printed in the Huntsville Democrat read: “If Volunteers from the U. States will join their brethren in this section, they will receive liberal bounties of land. We have millions of acres of our best land unchosen and unappropriated. Let each man come with a good rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition – and come soon. Our war-cry is “Liberty or Death.” Our principles are to support the Constitution, and DOWN WITH THE USURPER!” A copy of the Huntsville Democrat made it into the hands of a prominent and influential North Alabamian, Dr. Jack Shackelford. Shortly after reading this plea for help, Shackelford stood in the town square of Courtland, Alabama and made his own plea to the people of Courtland to mobilize and send aid to the suppressed Texans in their aid for independence. After some discussion, several leading citizens of Courtland started donating sizable contributions to equip a company of volunteers for service to Texas. Before long Shackelford had about sixty volunteers ahead of him, of whom they elected Captain. As a third of Courtland’s population had volunteered, the remaining citizens of the hamlet also mobilized in making the Volunteer company uniforms, the ladies and children of the town made uniforms for their husbands, fathers, sons, nephews, cousins or friends. There were two uniforms made one for field use … Continue reading History