Letter, from Alex Spence

Object number1998.044.27

DateDecember 25, 1861

Mediumpaper and ink

Dimensions10 3/8 x 8 1/16 in. (26.4 x 20.4 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionLetter from Alex Spence to his father
Location: Fredericksburg, VA

This is from Alex Spence to his father.

[In the following transcription, punctuation has been added but no spelling or gramatical changes have been made]

"Dear Pa,
I wrote you a few days and promised to write again soon am sorry though I can not say I am well. I thought by this time my fever would be broke but tis not. I have had a slight fever every day for the last few days. Comes on about 7 in the morning and lasts until two in the evening. I am very weak after the fever cools off I am able to walk about the house .the doctor says its nothing but cold and I will be well in a few days. hope he speaks right. A young man by the name of Cowan belonging to our Co died in the hospital at this place with Typhoid Fever, last night, I don't know where I will be able to go to Camps. mI wish if you have it you would send me about 20 dollars. you can send it in one bill. Tom Ewing has never benn able to pay me all you sent by him. If I have to stay here much longer I will need the money. I will write you again in a few days. I hope you are all well. My love to all, your Son Alex E. Spence
Tell mother not to be uneasy about me."

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.

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