Letter, from Alex Spence to His Parents
Object number1998.044.88
DateOctober 14, 1863
Mediumpaper, ink, pencil
Dimensions7 15/16 x 10 9/16 in. (20.2 x 26.9 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection
Terms
Location: Chattanooga, TN.
This is a letter written by Alex Spence to his mother and father in Arkansas. Half written in ink and pencil, Spence writes this on the eve of battle in Chattanooga, TN. He complains that he has not recieved any letters from home in a "long long time." Due to rumors about the "Yankees" capturing Arkadelphia, he fears for his family's safety. Since his "valise" was stolen, he is in need of money and clothing.
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
November 5, 1864
August 1, 1862
December 8, 1861
July 18, 1862
