Thornton, Joel F. (fl. 1839-1910) to Alexander Hamilton Stephens
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00238 Author/Creator: Thornton, Joel F. (fl. 1839-1910) Place Written: Crawfordville, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 July 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.6 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Thornton requests advice from Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy. Explains that he was previously deprived of one of his feet, and that he went to New Orleans in February 1862 to have an artificial foot constructed. Later, an agent sent to pick up the artificial foot had to escape New Orleans before the foot was finished due to the May 1862 Union capture of the city. Writes "I want you to let me know- what you think the chances would be to get the Commding General at Jackson to let a man have a flag of Truce- & also to get you to write to him & state the circumstances to him."
Thornton served as a private in 1861 for the Confederate 8th Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Company I, in the Army of Northern Virginia. He was wounded at the Battle of First Manassas, Virginia, 21 July 1861, was appointed 4th Sergeant in 1861, and was discharged on account of wounds 25 August 1861.
[draft]
July 21st 1862
Dear Sir
I wish you to give me some advice upon a question of great importance. So you are aware I have been deprived of one of my feet. Last February I went to New Orleans to have an artificial one made - I did not stay to have it completed but sent a man back for it in April. He went to New Orleans & found the foot not quite finished. When he had to leave it behind to make his escape from the enemy. I want you to let me know what you think the chances would be to get the Commding Genrals at Jackson to let a man have a flag of Truce, & also to get you to write to him & state the circumstances to him. If he will allow a flag of Truce I will send an agent there & pay all espence Tell Mr Lyne what you think about the matter as I am willing to reply upon your opinion. If you will write to the Commding Gen there you will put me under everlasting obligations to you.
yours Most ReS
Joel F. Thornton
Hon A-H Stephens
Crawfordville
Ga
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.