From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Alcorn Collection. Letter from Z. A. Philips, superintendent of the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Jackson, Mississippi, to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn, requesting the early release of Samuel Harmon, who was convicted in 1868 of larceny. Included is a note from H. F. Hewson, private secretary to Alcorn, giving an executive summary of Philips's letter.

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Sharkey Collection. Letter from Z. A. Philips, state salt agent at Meridian, Mississippi, to former Mississippi Militia general A. M. West at Durant, Mississippi, giving his thoughts for rebuilding the Mississippi State Penitentiary system and arguing that African American convicts should be used for labor. Philips suggests that someone be selected to travel to examine and make reports on state prison labor systems in the Northern states. Describing his manufacturing experience, Philips makes several recommendations on how to use convict labor and asks to be put in charge of re-establishing the state prison. Attached is an unfinished and crossed-out letter that appears to refer to a robbery of Philips' sister and niece.

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Pettus Collection. Telegram from Confederate Colonel A. B. Lyons, commanding the post of Yazoo City, Mississippi, asking how he can procure African American workers as their owners resist impressment.

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Pettus Collection. Letter from J. L. Williams, a member of the 5th Mississippi Infantry, State Troops, in Columbus, Mississippi, to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus, seeking to be detailed as a cooper.

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Pettus Collection. Petition from several citizens of Winston County, Mississippi, to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus, asking for exemptions for Joseph T. Brown and Henry W. Anderson from Confederate military service so that they may continue rendering their services to the area's "destitute families".

From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Governor Ames Collection. Request for payment in full from J. J. Armistead at Newton, Mississippi, to Mississippi Governor Adelbert Ames, for a delinquent amount owed on lumber used in the construction of the Mississippi State Penitentiary.