Letter, from Alex Spence to his father
Object number1998.044.37
DateAugust 1, 1862
Mediumpaper and pencil
Dimensions9 11/16 x 7 1/2 in. (24.6 x 19 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection
Terms
"Dear Pa,
As I have an opportunity of sending a letter by Dr. Carter thot [sic] to write you a few lines-We are still at this place but expecting orders every day for Chattanooga & tis said we will leave here next Tuesday. Nearly all the troops are leaving here for Tennessee. I shall go on with the Regiment when it moves but will probably resign & go back home. As the surgeon tells me I am unfit for duty & may not be able to stand a march for a long while- Tell Tom Ewing I saw a man who says his father was at Aberdeen since it was reported he was killed-& by Dr Carter I send his ? ? back to him. The health of our Co is very good I am getting along very well, think I will beable to stand camp life well all except marching As I wrote before Tommy is at Chattanooga ? at last accounts, I am in hopes all are well, Tell Mother not to be uneasy about me,
Give my love to all, Your son
Alex E. Spense
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.
Status
Not on view
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