Rep. Joseph Mitchell, D-Mobile, says he is ready to apologize. The man on the receiving end of his email diatribe says it may be too little, too late.

Mitchell said via Facebook that he is preparing an apology to Eddie Maxwell of Bessemer for a series of racially charged emails in which he described Maxwell's white ancestors as "slave-holding, murdering, adulterous, baby-raping, incestuous, snaggle-toothed...kin folk."

Mitchell, who is black, made the comments in response to an email from Maxwell, a retired coal miner who contacted legislators in late January asking them not to pass any new restrictions on gun owners.

Mitchell has remained unapologetic since the emails were reported by AL.com on March 27, saying in interviews with other media outlets that he saw no reason to apologize. But in a message posted to his Facebook page late Friday, he said his words were misunderstood.

"Okay. As the elder son of my parents, I was taught that if MY intentions were misunderstood or not 'understood' then I owe sumbodeee (sic) an apology," Mitchell wrote. "I'm crafting one now for Mr. Maddox (sic). He did NOT understand how he insulted the community of Africans in this country, let alone the State of Alabama."

Maxwell made no mention of race in his initial email to Mitchell and other lawmakers on Jan. 27, according to copies of the correspondence.

Mitchell, who has served in the Legislature since 1994, has declined to return telephone, email and social media messages from AL.com. He said he plans to explain his comments in an article to be published by the Mobile Beacon, a black weekly newspaper in Mobile.

Mitchell has been a no-show for most, if not all, of the current legislative session, AL.com reported on Monday.

Maxwell said Mitchell's comments should disqualify him from serving in the state Legislature. He went further to accuse Mitchell of committing perjury - a Class C felony in Alabama - by making false statements as a public official.

"An apology would not excuse the crime of a violation of Mitchell's constitutionally required oath of office," Maxwell said. "The man openly condemns our constitutions."

Maxwell said he's had no contact with Mitchell since their initial correspondence.

"I have already forgiven him for the personal insults that were directed at me," Maxwell said. "No apology is necessary for those. It is not my place to forgive serious crimes, however."

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard said Mitchell will not face disciplinary action over his emailed comments. Hubbard said the comments were offensive but did not violate House rules.

But State Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka, the vice chairman of the House Internal Affairs Committee, said the panel could have questions for Mitchell regarding the emails. Mitchell is a member of the committee.

Mask told the Wetumpka Herald newspaper in Elmore County that Mitchell's comments were "pretty offensive" but "I don't think he was serious."