[Manuscript Letter, Signed, by Settler Lawrence P. Speck, Discussing Politics and Job Opportunities in Antebellum Arkansas]

Camden, Ar: August 5, 1860. Very good.. [2]pp. on blue lined paper. Old folds, minor edge wear. An interesting pre-Civil War letter sent from Arkansas settler Lawrence P. Speck to his cousin Jennie back in Tennessee. Speck moved from Tennessee to Arkansas to pursue business opportunities, and writes that he "likes it a great deal." He then reports on the "beauty of Arkansaw women.... I am head over heels in love with about a dozen and I have already 'popped the question' to one of the nicest, and most beautiful of those 'unsphered angels'...." He then turns his thoughts to Camden, politics, and his work in the state: "We have a great many balls and parties here in Camden. There are a great many young people here and they always are up to something to enjoy themselves. I am very much pleased with Camden. Political excitement is running very high in this State now. There are two democratic parties in the field and things are getting pretty warm - The Election comes off tomorrow [referring to the Arkansas gubernatorial race]. I am assistant Editor of the Southern 'Star' a copy of which I send you every week. I am going into the Cotton Shipping Business next week for R.E. Arrington, as a book keeper. I can make more money than by the business I am now in.... This is the largest city in Arkansas and at the head of navigation of the Ouachitee River there are about one hundred thousand Bales of Cotton shipped there every year." According to the 1860 census, Speck was living in Camden with the family of the editor of the Southern Star, George Turner, along with three "printers." A short time later, Speck appears to have fought for the Confederacy as a private in the 1st Regiment, Arkansas Infantry.