Letter, Tom Spence to his parents
Object number1998.044.11
DateUnknown Date
MediumPaper and pencil
DimensionsOverall: 3 5/8 x 5 3/16 in. (9.2 x 13.2 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
- Letter
Born on October 20, 1835, Thomas F. Spence enlisted with the Confederate Army on July 27, 1861 at Camp McRae, Arkansas. He served with Co. E. of the Arkansas 2nd Mounted Rifles. On December 31, 1862, Tom was killed during the Battle of Stone's River (Murfreesboro, TN). He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia next to his brother, Alex, who died in 1864 at the Battle of Franklin.
"...This is the first time that you have (?) (?) (?) (?). I will be in this battle if any chance that is if I can get to the field. I will try & let you hear from me if I get out safe. I have not heard a word from you all since I left. What has become of Alex? Is he getting well? I guess the Yankees will have us cut off from you all in a short time. Tell Tom Ewing to stay at home. You can get nothing to eat for love or money. I was at Mr. Shackelford's father(?) while I was sick. Could not get to stay nor anything to eat. That was my friend's father(?). We have lost four out of our company since we have been (?) sick. If I get wounded I will try & get to Talladega. Tell Mother if their [sic] is any chance for me to get off I will try & come home in six months. The Yanks can not gard [sic] every point of the Mississippi River. Write if you have any chance. I would like to hear from you all. John McCabe is very much mortified at the idea of being third Lieut of Jo Dickinson's Camp. No more.
Your son
Tom F. Spence
Status
Not on view
November 5, 1864
October 24, 1862
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July 17, 1862