Letter, Alex Spence to parents
Object number1998.044.32
DateFeb 20, 1862
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions8 1/16 x 7 1/2 in. (20.5 x 19 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection
Terms
"Dear Pa,
I did not have an opportunity of amiling this letter on yesterday to Liza. All excitement around here now on account of the news of the fall of Fort Doaelson and the probable surrender of Nashville into the hands of the Federals. Col Teague leaves here this evenng for Rickmond to try and get leave to remove the remnant of the Regiment t Helena Ark and have an order issued from The Department for all those belong to the Regt off on furlough to rendezvous at Helena immediately. he thinks if he can get "The Order" he will be able to have the Regiment in "full trim" for fighting within 20 days from this time. If he succedds I shall try and come home from Helena, but if I do not get a furlough dont know when I shall be able to see you all. for if we are ordered either to Tenn or Ky I believe I shall stay with the Regiment I will write some of you agine on Sunday for by that time we will know whether we go or not
I hope this will find all, well. Your son
Alex E. Spence"
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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