Ala. Code § 35-4-389

The Governor may issue patents to the purchasers of swamp and overflowed lands or lands in lieu of swamp and overflowed lands which were made prior to October 10, 1903, and which may have been patented to this state, or which may hereafter be so patented, upon satisfactory proof being made to him that such lands have been fully paid for in money or in scrip sold and transferred by him and authorized by the acts of Congress to be received in payment for such lands.