Letter, Tom Spence to his parents

Letter, Tom Spence to his parents

Object number1998.044.14

DateMarch 18, 1862

Mediumpaper and pencil

DimensionsOverall: 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (19.7 x 24.8 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionLetter from Tom Spence to his parents. Single sheet of blue/green, lined paper. Written in pencil. He writes about General Vandorn (sic), the tiredness of the troops and about his "foot and one leg..." Written near Van Buren, Ark.

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 Van buren [sic]
March 19th 1862

Dear Pa & Mother,

We arrived at this place on yesterday. Nothing new. In other words, no news from the Yankees. I suppose they are in camps at Cross Hollows; will move down this way shortly. It is reported in our camps that Gen. Vandorn [sic] will give up this part of the state. Do not know whether it is so or not. If it is, our forces will be moved to Mississippi River. I hope that we will stay longer at this place, that is, stay long enough to give them one mor fight. I am truly sorry that we were defeated. Nothing more than one could expect of worn out and tired down troops in our Company. James Bridges, Bushnell, M.V. Cole, George May, Sterlin Burton, Clay Ellis are missing, supposed to be prissoners [sic]. Henry Benjamin and [?] Osburne's son are wounded. I guess Benjamin will die. Osburne is slightly wounded in the back by a bomb shell. I reccon [sic] the men in Clark that were staying at home until they were needed surely think it time to show their hand now. It almost seems dishartening [sic] to think that our forces are whiped [sic] on every occasion hear [sic] of late days. I hope the tide will turn in the next Battle. Capt. Flanagan is in good health, was not touched with a ball. I wrote to you four or five days ago but was told that Gen. Vandorn [sic] would not suffer letters to go off at that time. I was in the fight, got off from my company. I left the field about 1/2 hour by sun for fear that the Northern Cavalry would pick me up. My foot & one leg is [sic] almost [?] from walking. Write all the news.

Your Son,
T.F. Spence

[Periods and commas have been added to aid readability.]

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