Letter, Alex Spence to Sallie Spence
Object number1998.044.38
DateMarch 22, 1863
OriginTennessee
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions14 1/4 x 6 1/4 in. (36.2 x 15.9 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Born in 1838 in Alabama, Alexander Spence served in Co. B of the 1 Arkansas Infantry (Colquitt's). Company B was known as the Clark County Volunteers. He enlisted in the Confederate Army in Little Rock on May 8, 1861. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in April 1, 1862. Five days later he was wounded at Shiloh. He was promoted twice more, to 1st Lieutenant and then rising to the rank of Captain. Alex was killed at the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia next to his brother, Tom, who also served and was killed during the war.
Dear Sallie
This being Sunday Evening I thought I could not pass off the time more agreeably than by writing home - but it does really seem useless for me to write home as I get no letter. One letter from ?? is all now I have read in several months - Why you all do not write I can not imagine - others get letters from Arkadelphia but I get none though I write some of you every few days. As I knowof no opportunity of sending this by hand I shal mail this and trust to luck in its reaching you all. I have no news to write-Our Army is all at this place quickly resting. awaiting for the
Federals to advance for Several days we have had beautiful weather-ground drying off very fast. the roads are getting very good and if the Yankees intend advancing I suppose they will do so in a very few days. Well Sallie before I was in the battle at Shiloh I was very anxious to be in a fight Since then I have not been so anxious but I must confess, I am rather anxious to meet the Federals once more. And I suppose in a very few days I shall have my wish gratified were I certain this letter would reach you I have a good many things I would write-I am in hopes though I will have an opportunity of sending a letter by hand before the next battle-God only knows how I will come out in this next battle-but you all need never be uneasy about me in the least, If I get out safe I will write you all immediately if I should fall some of my friends will write the tale. I should like very much to be with you all this Sunday Evening-but there is two faces we shall never meet up with again on this earth. I know you all are troubled enough at home I have not heard from them since you all ? the news of Tommys & Babes death I almost dread to hear from them now
I heard there was a fight near Hot Springs Ark. I hope the last one of those Jayhawkers Deserters traitors were killed- I am afraid there us a good many of that kind in Arkansas I hope since ?? has gone to Arks. this will be a great change in her prospects-I have about given up all hopes of getting home this Spring anyway. I think after next fight our Regt. will be consolidated with some Arkansaw Regiment & Some of the Officers temporarily relieved from duty and ??? has promised that that I shall be one of that number. I dont want to get out of service am content to remain for the war. A few days ago I met up with Henry Morris the oldest one of Uncle John Morris sons. he belongs to a Cavalry Co near here is 52 years old so he tells me. he has several sons in the army near here.I shall look for a "big pile" of letters by ?? & ?-am in hopes all of you have written Capt. ?? left here over two months ago I am in hopes he has visited Arkadelphia and will bring some letters
I am in hopes Pa will send me a negro boy on the receipt of this I want you all to write & shall continue to write every few days, has Mr ?, ?, & ?Sarah Ann forgotten me. it seams they never write me. I am in hopes this will find all well. does Bettie & Little Lizzie grow much? Tell all the folks to write
My love to all,
Status
Not on view
November 5, 1864
February 18, 1862
August 16, 1861
February 4, 1862
November 7, 1861