1862 September 4 Fork

                          Fork  4 Sept 1861

Dear Jack
              Being here for a day or so &
learning that Mr Grigg will go on to the
regiment tomorrow I take the opport:
:unity to write you a line
   I trust that in the late battles forays
&c in which you have been engaged
you have escaped unhurt
    To us all looks bright & cheering
& we cannot but hope that our
brilliant victories will bring the
yankee government to [?] or
at the least open the eyes of the
Northern people for the fall elections
   Owing to the failure of my health
from the terrible foot service which
I underwent last winter & spring
I declined a reelection in April last

[page 2]
I am now almost as well & strong
as I ever was and am anxious
to reenter the service.  As a quarter:
:master for a regiment Commissary
or adjutant something that will
give me a horse to ride.
   First & foremost I want you
if there be any such place
in your regiment or in your
knowledge to get it for me if you
can.  With you it would delight
me of all things to find myself
placed.  and you must look out
& find me a position for I am
sick of inaction--if you can.
   Should you not think there
is any place for me.  then I wish
you to give me a recommendation
for a Quartermaster or Commissary
position--As to my qualifications

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& standing as an officer I can get
any recommendations on that head
I want from those with whom I served
but as to business qualifications
&c I should like yours also.
   I shall rely on you if it be
practicable to get me a place
out with you.
   Now for a little matter of business
If it be convenient for you I would
like for you to deposit the interest
up to 1 Jany last on your bond
to my credit in the Farmville
Bank  I find from a letter from
Mr Vaughan that my account was
overdrawn & I had disposed of
all my means before knowing it
  You must not however put
yourself to any trouble or incon:
venience as to the matter as

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I shall try also to make other
arrangements
  I write in haste--and
now my old dear & valued
friend may God take care
of & preserve you is my
fervent prayer & bring
you back in safety to
your family & friends
Write me as soon as you
can.
      Your friend
          F D Irving

Col. John T. Thornton

John Thruston Thornton, Colonel of the 3rd Virginia Cavalry

MSS 4021