Letter, Alex Spence to Father, Solomon Spence
Object number1998.044.30
Date2/6/1862
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/4 x 12 1/2 in. (19.7 x 31.8 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.
[In the following transcription, punctuation has been added but no spelling or gramatical changes have been made]
Camp Price, Banks of the Potomac VA
Thursday Night, Feby 6th 1862
Dear Pa,
Yesterday I received your kind letter enclosing those of Capt. Cooks for which I am very thankful to you for sending me. I have written to the Capt. Thanking him for his kindness to me. I do not know that I shall make application for a situation but I reckon there is not harm in having the letter in case I should see an opening. Reenlisting still goes on in the regiment. The balance of our company that have enlisted will leave next week for home. We will then be very lonesome. Several of our company are going to work in the "Navy Yard" that is to be established on the "Rhappahannack" [sic] River near Fredricksburg until their time is up. The Bhoys[sic] are all in very good health. We have had some "awful weather" hear [sic] lately. I think we have more sudden changes here than in Arkansas. (?) have nothing but (?).
I have not enlisted and don't know yet that I will. Shall wait and hear [sic] what you all say about it. I wrote Sallie last week and expect to get an answer in the course of ten days I think though the "frontier service" will suit me best, as Tommy has had some experience. I am in hope he will advise me. Two years is rather a long time for one to (?) himself for & I think troops will be accepted for a shorter time out west. I would have liked very much to have met Tommy at home. It seems they are particularly fortunate in getting furloughs to go home most any time they chose. I reckon Tom Ewing has reached home this time and will meet with Tommy.
Today I received a letter from (?) from (?) of 18th (?) all well so (?). As it is getting late I shall close. I am in hope this will reach you all well. Tell mother I shall take care of myself for I want to see home about as bad you all want to see me.
Tell all the folks to write and please do so yourself. My love to all.
Your affectionate son, etc.
Alex E. Spence
Status
Not on view
August 16, 1861
February 4, 1862
February 18, 1862
November 7, 1861
November 5, 1864