1862 June 25 Camp near Richmond

Camp near Richmond
June 25th  1862
I wrote you, my darling, last week shortly after I
received your note written me by Mrs Knight.
I sent my letter by Judge Marshall to be
mailed and I hope it has reached your hands
safely.  since that time I have not heard from
you.  Elijah, Mr Evans Servant, leaves camp
to visit Prince Edward tomorrow morning
and I avail myself of this opportunity
to send you this sheet.  since I wrote last my
time has been spent in Camp except on a
reconnaissance commencing Monday morning
last and ending Tuesday morning just after
daybreak I was in the saddle about twenty one
hours and was very much fatigued; so yesterday
I slept a great deal and this morning am
refreshed and well.  It was twelve months yester-
                                             will be
day since I entered the army and  ^ four months
tomorrow since I parted from you the last
time in our dear home.  It is useless to
speculate as to the period when the war

[page 2]
will end, I hear opinions of various shades
expressed.  It is still more idle to indulge in
thoughts of what is to become of you and I
in the progress of the conflict.  Our lives and
fortunes are in the hands of an all wise and
merciful God and we must give our souls
repose in the faith that He will do all
things for us better than we could for
ourselves. this is the truest, best and
firmest consolation we can have
in these days of trouble. When I can visit
home it is impossible for me to say.  How much
I would like to drop in on you this morning
& see you, dearest, and our children all
around you.  Let us trust that such joy is laid
up in store for us, and without perplexing
our hearts look forward to the future with
confidence and courage.  I doubt not, darling,
your faith is firmer than mine: but by mutual
encouragement we can strengthen the hearts
of each other to bear misfortune if it is sent

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upon us, or to receive with joy and gratitude
whatever blessing may be vouchsafed.--
  Can you buy me in Farmville a light colored
felt hat? Kit Lockett can aid you in fixing the
size to be purchased.
    Did you ever reply to a question I asked
you some time since as to the price at which you
would buy half a dozen hams for me?  I want
them for our mess. they now ask seventy five
cents per pound in Richmond.  What can
chickens be bought at? What vegetables
would bear transportation from
Farmville to this point? and on what
terms could they be got?  Marketing is
very high down here, and every thing extremely
scarce.
    I haven't seen Col. Anderson since
the day on which my last letter was
written.--
   Every one in the army and the
citizens around seem to be looking for a


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battle every day.  I am without sufficient information
to form a very intelligent judgment, but if
the tidings that come to my ears be true I think
Genl Lee is preparing to attack the enemy.  Dont
be alarmed, and wait with patience for tidings
from me.  I f I am wounded I will try to send
you the earliest intelligence of it.
  Farewell, my darling, I pray God to
sustain and bear you up and console you
in all your troubles.  Kiss the children for
me. Tell Willie & James to write to me.
Say to Dick he must take good care
of the cup I sent him: that Captain Palmer
gave it to me, and he must keep my present
clean & bright.--Give my love to Mrs
Riddle: I hope she has recovered her health.
Remember me to all the servants.
   Once more I say good-bye to you my
own dear wife.  I kiss you tenderly, warmly,
lovingly.  I embrace you with unutterable love.
                      Sincerely, Your affectionate husband,
                               John T. Thornton


[in top margin of page one]


Is Whiteman still working in Farmville? If so send
to him & know if he has good materials to manufacture
boots & let me hear




John Thruston Thornton, University of Virginia alumnus and Captain, Co. K., 3rd Virginia Cavalry


MSS 4021