Letter, T.B Yancey to Alex Spence
Object number1998.044.02
DateJuly 17, 1862
OriginTupelo, Mississippi
MediumPaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 8 x 12 in. (20.3 x 30.5 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Born in 1838 in Alabama, Alexander Spence served in Co. B (Clark County Volunteers) of the 1st Arkansas Infantry (Colquitt's). 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.
Thomas B. Yancey enlisted in the Confederate Army on May 8, 1861 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He served in the same Company and regiment as Alex Spence. He resigned from his Arkansas regiment in August, 1862 and enlisted with the 54th NC Infantry. He was listed as hospitalized in Richmond at the end of the war.
Camp near Tupelo, Miss.
July 17th, 1862
Lt. Alex E. Spence
Arkadelphia Ark.
Dear Alex
Your favor of the 28th ult. came safely to hand and very glad were we to hear from you as it was the first news since Bill Gorham arrived and "you know Bill". Well as you did not write any news you must not expect any. You have heard all about the great Battle in the vicinity of Richmond. We have just heard that Hindman had captured Genl. Custis & forces. "God grant that it is so". I believe Hindman is the "man for the place" and regret to hear that Magrader is sent to take command of the forces on your side of the river. We are still encamped two miles N.W. of Tupelo. We are now under the command of Gen'l Hardee. Our vacancies were being filled by appointments. Crawford was Lt. Col. "Monroe Capt. of Co. B" (Capt. Stark having resigned), Edward Lt. in his Co. (H), Kirk in Co. K, but we received an order from Sect. of War stating that they could not come that game; vacancies must be filled by promotion. I have not got over my sickness yet. I am now staying about 4 miles from Camp but happen to come in today and get your letter. I wrote to you from near Gun Town, did you receive it? The health of our Company is pretty good just now, though we have discharged some of your recruits. Cousin Cross, Dickerson, Brown (who since died) Hemphill.
I am glad to hear that Fred, McI are doing so well. No more news, all the boys send their best respects to you & all enquiring friends.
You better come as soon as you can or send in your resignation. So Fagan says. We have just heard that you have been put to work by Hindman. Let us hear from you again.
In haste,
Yours truly
T.B. Yancey
Status
Not on view
July 17, 1862
November 5, 1864
August 16, 1861
July 18, 1862
March 22, 1863