Letter, Tom Spence to parents
Object number1998.044.12
DateAugust 12, 1861
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 16 x 12 1/2 in. (40.6 x 31.8 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Born on October 20, 1835, Thomas F. Spence enlisted with the Confederate Army on July 27, 1861 at Camp McRae, Arkansas. He served with Co. E. of the Arkansas 2nd Mounted Rifles. On December 31, 1862, Tom was killed during the Battle of Stone's River (Murfreesboro, TN). He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia next to his brother, Alex, who died in 1864 at the Battle of Franklin.
At Camp near Springfield
August 12th, 1861
Dear Pa & Mother,
I now write to you to let you that I am still on foot. We had a very hard fight with
the Federal Troops on last Saturday morning. The enemy attacked us about sun up. We was [sic] all taken on supprise [sic]. Our pickett gard [sic] was called in the night before the attack. We expected to attack Springfield the night before they made the attack upon us. The matter would not do to travel with firearms.
The enemy's forces is [sic] estimated at about 10,000, commanded by [Lyons? and Sickills [sic]?]. Our force was supposed to be about 20,000 under McCulloch. I was in Springfield to day. The citizens think the Federal loss to be between two or three thousand. Our loss was, I guess, six or sevan hundred. I never saw the like of dead men in life. Our Company does tolerable well. Their [sic] was [sic] eight or ten that fought well. [The balladeer ran?]. I led the Regiment, that is, McIntoshes into the field and was the last over that left it. Cap. Flanagan is a brave man. Calloway, it is said, gave his commands...[portion blotted out]...scared I could see but very little. One minney [sic] ball glanced my fore finger on my left hand which you will see in my sickiness [sic] if you [?] close. The barrell [sic] of my shot gun was shot through which you will see. I send my gun by Mr. Kingsbury. Take care of it. If I ever get home, I will want it as Brother Solomon [gives me?]. I took a miney muskett [sic] from a dead [Dutchman?]. Whe had to fight the Kansas Rangers - the best troops in Missouria [sic]. It will appear in the pappers [sic] that all of our company did well. It is [portion blotted out]... This it is [portion blotted out]...Two lives lost and some wounded. [Sam?] was wounded a quarter from the fight by grape shot. Gen. Witherspoon's company was not in the fight. When I say this, I mean they did not fire a gun. George Ashby was shot in the foot--Mosley in the leg- by cannon. William Wilson was killed, the Parsons son. I have heard that the Arkansas Regiment was in the fight at Manassas Junction. I would be glad to hear the result. I hope Alex will get back safe. Has Tom Ewing got back? It is said that our fight was next to that. The people up this way think that the Arkansas Boys good fighters. I don't...[last line, p. 2 not on copy].
Tell all to write. I will close. T.D. Kingsbury will tell you all I have left out. He made quick time from our camp when the attack was made. Old John says he can go home in two or three days if he can travel as fast as he did when he left camp.
Your son,
Tom F. Spence
Direct your letters to Fayetteville in care of Cap. Flanagan.
[Periods and commas have been added to aid readability]
Status
Not on view
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