Letter, Alex Spence to parents
Object number1998.044.28
DateJan 11, 1862
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions9 13/16 x 15 9/16 in. (25 x 39.5 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection
Terms
Location: Camp Price (Near Aguia Creek, VA)
This is a letter from Alexander Spence to his father. He writes that the officers are easy on them, since it is winter time and "too cold to drill." The 1st Ark. is being pressured to sign up for another 2 years. He says that he will not enlist with them (though he asks for advice on this matter in later letters). He is doing well and eating "plenty of fresh oysters. "
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 viewFebruary 4, 1862
September 25, 1864
November 5, 1864
August 16, 1861
March 7, 1864