Saturday, June 28th 1862 101/2 am.
I have written to you twice, my darling since we parted
and have received no letter from you except the one sent by
Mrs Knight. I fear you are sick and have thus been pre-
vented from writing to me.--I take my pencil
and paper this morning to send you a short note
and to advise you of my whereabouts and what
I am doing.--Our Regiment is in the same
position it occupied when you were in
Richmond, and is by order from Gen Lee, en-
gaged in watching the fight flank of our
position so that the enemy may not turn
it without our having our notice. We have
thus seen none of the fighting which has
at 3 o'clock, was continued yesterday and
has been, I suppose, resumed this morning.
All I have learned is that Genls Hill &
Longstreet crossed the Chickahominy Thurs-
day afternoon at Mechanicsville and drove
the enemy yesterday five or six miles before
them. Genl. Jackson on our extreme left
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engaged the enemy yesterday near Old
Church in Hanover. After a very hard fight
the enemy gave way about night. Our men
slept on the battle field and renewed the
battle this morning at 2 o'clock: when my
informant left it was day break, and the
the[sic] Enemy were falling back and we
were pressing on them. I pray earnestly
that God will give us a complete and
decisive victory over our foes. The
indications of success thus far are favorable
I will try and give you the earliest
intelligence of any part I may be
called on to act in this great strife.
Kiss the children for me. I would
give much to see you and our darling
boys this morning. Love to Mrs Riddle
Remember me kindly to the servants.
Upon you, my dear wife, I pour out
all the wealth of my heart, & pray our
Heavenly Father to sustain & uphold you.
Yr affectionate husband
John T. Thornton.
John Thruston Thornton, University of Virginia alumnus, and Captain, Co. K, 3rd Virginia Cavalry
MSS 4021
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