1862 July 22 Camp on White House Farm

Camp on White House Farm
     July 22nd 1862

I am thinking of you, my darling, even more constantly than
usual.  This day twelve months ago I went through rain and storm
from Ashland to Richmond to meet you, my heart tilled with joyous an-
ticipation of the happiness that would be ours as we
enjoyed each others society in that little village.  I remember
my walk through the wet streets to the Danville Depot and my
disappointment when the cars came and I looked in vain for
your dear face. Then I wended my way slowly back to the
Hotel and found your telegram to tell me of the sickness of our
dear Mother, and I walked to the Office of  Genl. Fauntleroy
and obtained a short leave of absence. The next morning
I started for home about this hour and soon I held you in my
embrace.  Will you ever forget our ride to Oak Hill?  So full of
bliss and joy.  The memory of it often visits me, and I see you,
darling, clearly, distinctly, as you looked that day.  How full of
love your face was.  And as we talked and kissed each other
between the sentences, and listened to the gay prattle of our
dear boys who were in the carriage with us, did the sun,
in his course around the earth, shine on a happier couple
than you, dearest wife of my heart, and I were?  When will
these happy times come again?  Let us, darling, look reverently
and prayerfully up to our Heavenly Father and beseech him
too dispel the dark clouds that hang over us and reunite
us in peace and joy.  I know what sincere petitions you send
up to the Throne of Grace.  Let us encourage each other,
Dearest, in well doing, and trust with christian courage
and christian faith to the mercy and compassion and loving

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Kindness of Him who gave  his only begotten Son for us.
        I have nothing new or of interest to write you.
Col. Goode was quite sick yesterday and is no better to-day, and
I am thus placed in command of the Regiment.  I was a little
amused darling, a the delight you so heartily expressed at my not
meeting the enemy who were reported as crossing over into
King William, you say you love me so much that you
cannot wish me any opportunity for distinction where my life will
be placed in jeopardy.--Dearest, I merely desire to perform my
duty.  I have not thirst for military fame for I know it is
won through blood and tears and suffering.  But I do
desire to aid in driving the base invaders from the Soil of
Virginia.  I am amazed that men can sit quietly at home
when they see the fate that awaits us if the enemy
succeed in subjugating us--I am sitting now as I write
you in full view of what was, before the invasion,
one of the loveliest estates in Virginia.  It is now
a scene of desolation.  The fields are naked, the fences
destroyed, the houses burned down, the laborers stolen
away, and the owners fugitives, and if this were all
their wealth, beggars.
      Farewell my darling.  My love to Josie & your
Mother.  Kiss the children for me.  Remember me to the
servants.  I press you to my heart, my own, dear wife,
and kiss you over and over again, &  pray God to have you
in his holy keeping and to protect you from all evil.
                                             Yr affec. husband,
                                            John T. Thornton

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

MSS 4021