Letter, Tom Spence to his parents

 
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Letter, Tom Spence to his parents - Spence Family Collection
Letter, Tom Spence to his parents
Letter, Tom Spence to his parents - Spence Family Collection
Letter, Tom Spence to his parents - Spence Family Collection

Letter, Tom Spence to his parents

Object number1998.044.17
DateOctober 24, 1862
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 5 13/16 x 8 5/8 in. (14.8 x 21.9 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
    DescriptionLetter from Tom Spence to his parents. Single sheet of lined paper, folded in half (lengthwise) with the 1st and 3rd pages written on. Written from Cumberland Gap. Tom writes that the camp is well fortified, he is not well, he wants news from home and food is scarse. The letter is written in black ink.

    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.

    Cumberland Gap
    October 24th 1862

    Dear Pa & Mother,

    We are now in camp at this place but do not know how long we will stay. This is one of the best fortified places in the world. I have not seen Alex yet but have heard that he has resigned. Capt. Calloway saw him four or five days ago, says he cannot walk well. I am not pleased with this place for winter quarters. Their [sic] has [sic] been two [sic] many troops camped hear [sic]. I had to wash my clothes to day for the fisrt time. It got pretty hard, for I am hardly able to get about anyway. I received a letter from Liza by Capt. Edwards. She wrote all the news. I don't know that I ever read a more interesting on about five lines [sic]. Write all the news. Direct letters to this place. Tell Paynter to sell our land if he can get 25[cts] per acre.

    I would like mother to have me some clothes made this winter. It is almost impossible to get clothing hear [sic]. I willtry and come home this winter. Tell Sallie I did not get her letter, to write again. Mr. Kingsbury can tell you all the news about the army. We are short of any thing to eat. The first time I ever suffered for anything to eat in life was this trip.

    Your Son,

    T.F. Spence

    [punctuation added for clarity]
    Status
    Not on view
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