Letter, Alex Spence to Sallie Spence
Object number1998.044.49
DateAugust 14, 1864
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 6 1/4 x 8 in. (15.9 x 20.3 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Location: Near Atlanta, Georgia
Letter from Alex to Sallie. Tan paper, blue lined. Handwritten in black ink, folded. All sides of document are written on. Alex writes under fire while defending Atlanta and inquires about friends back home.
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.
"Trenches around Atlanta Ga
Sunday Evg. Aug 14th 1864
Well, Sallie, I have written all the letters to Arkansaw [sic] I intend sending by "the [Boys?]" but one, and that one is to yourself. So this evening I will write you provided I can keep from "dodging the bullets" that are flying around us long enough to do so. Let me tell you something about our situation. "Our Brigade" is now stationed on the extreme left of our Army. We are strongly fortified & just fronting us distant about 1/2 miles, the Yankees are strongly fortified & both parties seem to be waiting on the other to assault their works. Our skirmishers & the enemy's are very close. Consequently, "sharp shooting" is an every day occurrence in some places. Our works and the enemy's are within 250 yards of each other. "Our line of battle" & fortifications is some 12 or 15 miles long & extending around Atlanta. We are now some 6 miles southwest of the place. This evening it is reported the Federals are moving east of Atlanta, so I guess about tonight we will shift our position to the extreme right as "Cleburnes Division" are charged with protecting the flank of the Army. The troops have the utmost confidence in Genl Hood's ability as a commander and all are satisfied to go where he says go. I have no idea Sherman or any of his northern hordes will ever reach Atlanta, only as prisoners of war. The citizens have nearly all left the place. The Federals "shell the city" at a furious at times [sic]. Several ladies have been killed. I was down there the other day & while "Shells" were flying thick, I saw a good many ladies on the streets. I guess you knew Atlanta was once my home. Have staid [sic] there about 3 months, in 1863, when I was on post duty. My acquaintances though now have all left the place.
Sallie, in my letters home I expect I have written enough about "wars," so to some other subject. I have met up with a good many old Talladegians [sic] in the Army. Pa's old friend Jno. T. Morgan is a "Brigd. Genl." They say he is a perfect drunkard & I believe does not stand very high as an officer. What do you think? You recollect Miss Martha Stone? She is now Mrs. Mickle. I heard from her a few days ago through a friend. She lives in South Ala. She sent me her best respects and a very pressing invitation if I ever got a "Furlough - sick or wounded" to be certain to visit her, as she is a "young widow" and very wealthy. Probaly [sic] I will visit her. Her husband Capt. Mickle was killed in the battle of "Chickamauga" last fall. The yankees have been to Talladega, but I suppose did but little damage. Miss Sarah Ann has heard long ago of her mother's death. She died some time last year. I wrote her once about it & I believe I have also written you about meeting Uncle Ben's youngest son. He is a Lieut in an Ala. Regt. here. I do not know whether he has got [thro?] our recent battles safe or not. I have not met up with Rufus Hearn in a good while. Suppose though he will write you by Smith Johnston. Rufus is said to be the best soldier in the Battery. Why don't you & Mr. Hearn write him? I guess the "Artillery" have had about the easiest time of any Company that ever left the place. We have been through the ["subbies"?] I do assure you. Sallie, ere long there will be a couple of officers from our Regt over to Arkansas after the men belonging to the Regt. They will be in Arkadelphia after some of my Company who are there. Do not say anything about this until they get the men. I want you if you please to try and send me two or three nice white shirts, or any kind of nice ones. They will be but little weight and any of my Company will bring them. I have met..."
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Not on view
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