1862 July 10 Camp on white House Farm, Va.

Camp on White House Farm
July 10th 1862

A courier is just starting for Rich-
mond and I have a moment or so
to write you a few lines, my darling.
Last night your letter written
last Saturday & Sunday was
handed to me.  I thank you,
dearest, for it. I too united
with you in ascribing praise
and thanks to God for his
merciful kindness to us in the
late battles. My heart bleeds
for those who have been
bereaved.  Remember me
with sincere affection
to Mrs Carrington and
assure her  of my warm
tender sympathy.  Poor Harrison
was a gallant, generous
noble man.  I have not
been able to learn why
he was acting as volunteer
aid for Genl. Magruder.
That General certainly
had a staff large
enough to have performed

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the duties pertaining to such
an organization for half
a dozen generals, if they
had been in place.  I did
hear a report that Genl
Lee spoke of this body of men
as "pusillanimous puppies,
whom Genl. Magruder called
his staff."  I do not know
that this is so, and you
need not repeat   it--
    I wish I had time
& means to write you a
long letter.  How much
I wish to see you, my
darling wife,  I cannot
tell. You must ask your
own heart.
Kiss the children for me.
Love to Mrs. Riddle.
Ten thousand kisses for
you dearest. I pray
for your safety, and that
you may have strength & courage
for these sad times & that we
may meet in joy when the dark clouds
are rolled away bye the hand of God--
Yr affec husband John T. Thornton.

John Thruston Thornton, Captain Co. K, 3rd Virginia Cavalry

MSS 4021