Robert Miller Patton had been elected the previous month as the twentieth governor of Alabama, its first elected since hostilities ended.  His inauguration speech reminded Alabamians of their long history and stated that the state's acceptance of President Johnson's policies now entitled Alabama to be "the political equal" of any other in the Union.  But he also reminded black Alabamians that they must understand that "politically and socially, ours is a white man's government."  (By John Osborne)

Fifty-six delegates from Alabama's freedmen's population met in Mobile for the First Freedmen's Convention.  With Reverend E.S. Wynn in the chair and Reverend J.S. Holmes as secretary, the meeting was under moderate control and the resolutions passed evokes God, the values and responsibilities of freedom, and the determination for a peaceful and dignified future for former African-American slaves in the state.  (By John Osborne) 

Elected delegates representing counties from all over Alabama met in Montgomery to thrash out plans for November elections and the passage of measures that would satisfy the federal govenment that the state would again play a full role in the nation's affairs.  Among the measures Washington demanded were the abolition of slavery and protection for those freed, and the repudiation of all Confederate debts.  These passed and elections were held that November.  (By John Osborne)