These letters were written by Cpl. Warren B. Thorndike (1840-1865) of Co. I, 19th Maine Volunteer Infantry. Warren was the son of Larkin Thorndike (1809-1893) and Abigail (Hall) Grant (1804-1863) of Camden, Knox county, Maine. He wrote the letters to members of his family, including his sister, Harriet Eleanora Thorndike who married Roscoe “Miles” Carter in March 1863, and to his brother-in-law, Miles.
As a member of the 19th Maine, Thorndike saw action at Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Bristoe Station, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the North Anna River and Cold Harbor. On June 23, 1864, Cpl. Thorndike and 133 other Union soldiers were taken prisoner along the Jerusalem Plank Road near Petersburg and marched off to Andersonville Prison. He died of scorbutus in March 1865 and is buried at Andersonville National Cemetery—grave marker 12716.
[Note: Most of these letters are from the private collection of Greg Herr and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
Camp Howard
Bolivar Heights, Va.
October 9th 1862
Dear Sister Eleanora,
I now seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I received your welcome letter last night and was glad to hear from you and brother Miles and to learn that you were well. My health is not very good but better than it has been and I hope I shall enjoy good health hereafter.
You wrote that you thought that I would be disappointed in Miles’ not writing. I was but you tell him that he had better get you to write the whole of his letters. Tell him I send my best respects to him and desire his prayers for me. Tell him not to forget me. I am glad that you and he does think enough of me to write to me although I am unworthy. Tell all of my inquiring friends how I do and tell the girls to write to me.
It is hard to live a Christian life here but I will try and live as near to the cross as I can with my brethren and sisters praying for me at home. You must excuse my pencil for ink is scarce here. Write as soon as you can. Tell Miles to write when he gets a chance. I must draw to a close by wishing you and Miles good day. From your brother in Christ, — W. B. Thorndike
Letter 2
Camp Howard
Bolivar Heights, [Virginia]
Sunday, October 26th 1862
Eleanora, dear sister,
I now take the opportunity of writing you a few lines in answer to your letter which I received last night. I was very glad to hear from you and the rest of the folks and above all to hear that you was well for if we enjoy good health, we can get along very well in hard circumstances. My health is not very good but I get along very well considering circumstances. It is raining today and it is so cold that I cannot hardly write. My tent is so small that my head almost reaches the top sitting down and it is made of thin cotton cloth and it is rather cold some of the time. I wish you could see me sitting on the ground writing for that is the way I have to do it. Seems so strange to what I have been used to. When I was eating my supper last night, I thought of you and Miles. I will tell you what I had for supper—a little piece of fresh meat about two [ ] and a piece of hard bread as big, and that, when I broke it up, the crumbs scrambled all over my plate. And that is the way we live most of the time. It is hard to bear and the laws are very strict so I dare not say anything. I hope and pray that this war will soon close. Pray for me. We are not allowed to was sometimes for a week. It seems hard to go hungry and dirty both. I have not been in battle yet but they think we shall go soon. You may think that I am homesick but it is not so. But I am about sick of this war. There is no news of any importance that can be relied on. I am glad to hear from you by the way and glad that you are doing so well. You must not get so engaged in the world that you forget your highest interest and your unworthy brother. I find it hard to live here in a spiritual sense. Religion is low with us. I almost give up sometimes. There is no one to give me advice and to talk with. Everybody is engaged in the war so much and of all wickedness that ever prevailed you will find it here. It is nothing but swear and curse all of the time. I sometimes almost fear that I shall fall. Dear brother, pray for me for I need your prayers. I view the war in a different light now than what I did when in Maine. You can see things here but at home you read. Provisions are very high here. Potatoes from two to three dollars per bushel, flour 10 to 12, and other things accordingly. Write as soon as you get this and write often. Give my love to all of the folks. I wrote to Bro. Hiram some time ago but have not got answers from him yet. I shall begin to think that he doesn’t think as much as he pretended to at home. Good day, Miles. — W. B. Thondike
Letter 3
Camp near Falmouth, Virginia
Sunday, January 25, 1863
Mrs. E. A. Leach,
Dear sister, I once more take the opportunity of writing you a few lines today as I have a few leisure moments. I hope this will find you all well. My health is not very good. I have been off duty one week tomorrow. It seems a long time to me. I have not had an answer from the last letter I wrote to you so I thought I would write again. You must excuse me for writing so often. I wrote to Miles last Wednesday I think it was, so you cannot say I have forgotten you. But I fear my saying is coming too true in a great measure. I am glad there is a few still who remember me. I am not unthankful for it. I wish I was there to go to meeting with you and Miles today. I should enjoy it much but alas, that cannot be at present for we are a great many miles apart, separated by land and water. But I am thankful we have the privilege of conversing with each other through the medium of the pen. If it were not for this privilege, I should be very unhappy.
It has been six months tomorrow since I enlisted. It don’t seem but a few days to look back upon. I haven’t but two years and a half longer to stay. That isn’t a great while. It will soon pass away and then, oh the joy of meeting once more. But whether we shall meet on earth again or not, who can tell. But sister, I hope we shall meet in realms above. Oh the joy of meeting there where there will be no parting nor sorrow. I wish I were there to dine with you today for all we have to eat is hard bread today. It is rather hard. To think that there is a plenty to eat at home and we have to go hungry. But these days will not always last.
I haven’t got your box yet but expect to in two or three days. I long for the time to come. How I shall enjoy it. I shall write to you again when I get it. I am glad you thought enough of me to take the pains to do so. I never shall forget it in you and the rest of my friends. The reason I did not get the box is they calculated to have another battle but owing to the storm or some other cause, they have delayed it for a spell and I hope forever,
Today is quite pleasant. I suspect you have cold weather in Maine. We do not have very cold weather here. I was reading your paper you sent me today and wishing I had a later one to read. I should like to get home in the spring time to go to Sabbath School but that is improbable. It causes me to sigh when I think of it. Sister pray for me that I may be spared to get home once more. I think I can be contented to do so.
I wish you could see my house I live in. I guess you would laugh. Give my love and best respects [to] your Mother and Father and Henry and Fanny and all the folks. Tell Miles I want his prayers for me. Tell him to write to me punctually. You must write often, Eleanora, for I like to hear from you. Tell Edward and Emily I send my love to them. When you write, tell me all the news you can think of for I like to hear what is going on at home. Tell all of the folks to write for I should be happy to hear from them. I sometimes almost get discouraged and ready to give up but that will never do. I find it never will do to look on the dark side. Religion is low with me but still I have a hope in God’s mercy and hope I shall never be left to deny the cause [of] Christ.
I had a letter from Mrs. Jane Ingraham last week and was glad to hear from her. She spoke about my box. I also had a letter from Roscoe Carter the same day. He thought I was foolish for enlisting for so long a time. I think so too but I may get home when the 9 months men [do]. A great many think here that we stand the best chance after all. They think that we shall stay here a spell. I wish we could get to Washington where we could get something to eat. We are going to be paid off. Eleanora, don’t you think it is too bad they say all they are going to pay us is two months pay? Just think how many are abused. The army will not always stand it. We har of regiments rebelling. I think it would be the best thing that ever happened to the army. You may think I am secesh but I cannot help it. I never saw such actions in all my life.
Eleanora, I have not seen a Sunday since I left Maine—that is, what I call a Sunday. They sent a lot of the sick to Washington this morning. Poor fellows. How they suffer here in these tents. I will send Hiram Ingraham a compliment. Tell him that our Major looks like him. I hardly ever see him but what I think of him—they resemble each other much. Ask him how often he thinks of me. Ask him if he ever misses any of the sleepers of the gilding. I am glad that you miss me. I didn’t know as I should be missed. Tell Margaret Cutler I send my love to her and hers. Tell her to write to me. Tell Albert [illegible].
I want you to send me some more stamps and write how many you have sent me for I calculated to pay you so don’t fail to write the next time and tell me the whole number of stamps you sent me and I will see that you are paid. Amos is writing to his brother Frank. He is well. Cal is not very well today, This regiment is growing small very fast. When we came out here we had 99 men [in our company] and now all we have is from 18 to 20 men fir for duty and some of the [ ] is smaller than we are. The most of them is sick. I have to lay on the ground but we are going to build knee bunks tomorrow if I am able. I should like to lay on a bed tonight.
It is most time to east hard bread—not supper. Eleanora, how I long to get home where I can get enough to eat but I will try and be patient and wait for better day, hoping in the mercy of God. Give my love to Alex and the baby but I expect he is as big as Alex was when I left. I should like to know how you get along in the Sabbath School. Write to me and let me know. You must excuse me for writing such a short letter. Excuse all mistakes. Write soon. Yours truly. In haste. Your brother — W. B. Tho
Letter 4
Camp near Falmouth, Va.
February 1, 1863
Eleanora — respected sister,
I received your letter this morning dated January 28th and was very glad to hear from you and that you were all well. And now take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will still find you all enjoying the same great blessing of God.
I am on guard today and was on yesterday too. The regiment is on picket today so I have to stay on two days. It is rather hard — especially on Sunday. I was very glad to get those pens. They will come in time of need and those stamps too. I got a letter from Father and Edward this morning. I was very glad to hear from home. I wrote about getting my box in my last to you. I have fared first rate since I had some sausage and doughnuts for my breakfast. They were nice. I thought of you when eating them for the most of my meal was cooked by you. I am very thankful for it. I would once more thank you all for your kindness to me. Clara’s cheese was very welcome and very good and all the box too. Eleanora, thank them all for me and give my love and best respects to them and receive your share with the rest which is not small.
The weather is warm here now. The sky is overcast today. I wish I was there to go to meeting today. I have quite good times now although I am lonesome and long to once more meet my brethren and sisters. It is noon and I will close and write some other time. Good morning, Eleanora.
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 1st.
I take my pen to write a few more words. I have been on guard since I wrote this forenoon. It rains now. I shall not have to stand guard tonight in the rain. Hain’t I lucky? I am as fat as a pig [and] enjoying myself well. Coming home in the spring if not greatly mistaken. Why did you not write how many stamps you had sent me? The next time you write, tell me how many and you can have your pay. Tell Miles to remember me. Tell him I send my love to your mother and the rest of the folks. Good afternoon sister, — W. B. Tho.
Monday morning, Feb. 2nd
Sister Eleanora,
Good morning. I should like to see you this morning but [it is] impossible. The weather is cold today. I have just been to breakfast. I had hard bread, apple sauce and butter and doughnuts. I fared nicely. You must excuse me for so short a letter for I have 4 letters to write and finish before the mail goes so good day. Write soon. Yours in haste.
— W. B. T.
Send me some stamps.
Letter 5
Camp near Falmouth, Va.
February 15th 1863
Sister Eleanora,
I take my pen in hand this morning to write a few lines to you hoping to find you in good health. I am happy to say that my health still continues good. I received a letter from you this morning dated February 8th. I was very glad to hear from you and your family but sorry to hear you were unwell. It rains hard today. The weather is generally warm. Amos is on guard today. Calvin and Amos are well.
The army is leaving here. I expect we shall go soon to Washington, I hope. I often think of you and Miles and wish I could see you and hope to before long. The boys are talking and bother me so you must excuse all mistakes. I should like to be at home to go to meeting today with you and Miles, It does not seem like Sunday. No meeting nor anything like religion. I desire your prayers for me and you shall have mine as long as I live. Tell Miles I send my love to him and desire his prayers. Tell Alvenia I send my love to her and hope she will be a good girl. Give my love to your Mother and Father, also to Henry and Fannie and your little boys. My love and best wishes to you and all the rest of my true friends.
I write to you to know how many stamps you had sent me. You said you believed 28. I thought it was more. Please send more and I will settle with you. Keep a true account. I wouldn’t write to you for them but I cannot get htem here. You may think me bold in writing to you for them but I look to you as my sister and put the same confidence in you as I do in my own sister. I don’t know as you look to me the same but you and Miles have been so kind to me, I cannot help it.
The people think here that this war will be over by May or June. This regiment is dying off fast and getting their discharge. It is about noon. I should like to take tea with you today. My fare is about the same. write often and I will do the same. So goodbye for the present. Yours with the truest respects, — W. B. Thorndike
Write soon.
Letter 6
Still in Camp
Saturday evening, April 11th 1863
Brother Miles,
I take my pen to address a few imperfect lines to you in answer to yours dated April 5th which I received tonight. I was very glad to hear from you and to learn you were getting better. I am glad your life has been spared but sorry that little Allie has left you never more to return to you on earth. But if we are faithful we shall meet him where parting is never known nor sorrow never comes. Brother, I feel to sympathize with you in your affliction but we mourn not for Allie without a hope. I have lost a brother since I came away from home. Oh that I had the assurance of meeting him hereafter never to part but I have not that assurance. All I can do is to trust in God. Oh brother, pray for me. I trust I have them. My feeble prayers are for you daily. I still find comfort in Heaven.
Brother, I should like to be at home to go to meeting with you tomorrow. I miss these blessings. I should like to be there to go to Sabbath School this summer, but I must be contented at present. I hope and believe that before another spring comes, I shall be there. Brother, there is one fellow here that does not like me. He has been a professor—a Methodist. He is trying to put me down but by the grace of God helping me, I can out live him. He says he has had letters enquiring about me. He says a girl wrote to him to know what kind of a fellow I was. He said that there is bad stories about me at Rockport. Let them talk. I know in who in I have believed. He was speaking about what that girl said tonight. I told him I was willing for her or anybody else to go in to the neighborhood or to the corner and enquire about me.
Amos is well. Calvin is not very well at present. The weather is quite warm here. There is no contemplation of a move at present that I know of. There was three went home out of our company today discharged. I have plenty of duty to do now in guard or picket most every day. I must close so write soon. Give my love to all enquiring friends. It is about roll call so good night to you, Brother. With a kiss from your brother, — W. B. Tho.
Letter 7
In Camp
Thursday Eve, April 23rd 1863
M. L. Leach,
Dear brother. Feeling somewhat lonesome at the present time, I thought I would spend a few moments in writing a few lines to you. It has been raining hard most all day but has ceased now. One week ago tonight I did not think I should be here writing to you for the reason one week ago we got orders to prepare for a march with 8 days rations to be ready at any moment to start. I am unable to tell where our marching destination was or which way we were to go. There are varied opinions on the subject. Some think we were going across the [Rappahannock] river again. Others thought we were going south but I do not form any opinion on the subject. We are still under the same marching orders. We are to be ready at a moment’s warning. I am afraid I am writing a disinteresting letter. I will change the subject for fear I am.
My health is very good. I hope this will find you enjoying good health and the smiles of the Holy Spirit resting down on you. Brother, I am enjoying some of the love of God in my heart. I have in a measure been refreshed. I will tell you how I came to exert myself to be refreshed by God’s love. Last Sunday night while pacing my beat, I heard a soldier praying aloud in his tent. It struck me with weight. The thought struck me, “Warren, how are you spending your time and talents? Are you proving faithful to your vows? Are you striving to build up God’s Kingdom? Is God the utmost in your mind?” These and others too numerous to mention revolved in my mind over and over. I felt to cry to God for help. He heard and answered my prayers and I feel to praise His holy name for it.
And now, brother, I’m determined to live as one professing Godliness. Brother Miles, I want your prayers for me. I never have lost sight of the cross in full but I have lived far beneath my privilege and duty. I never have given up secret prayer but I must confess I didn’t enjoy it as I should. Brother, there is little or no [ ] for good. It is hard living as one ought but I am determined to be faithful. I know that my Redeemer liveth.
I had a letter from Bro. Kiran [?] the other day. He writes that religion is low at home. My prayers are that God will reach you all in the spirits of your mind.
There is a great many men’s time out and soon will go and our government is not doing anything to raise more men to fill their places. What is the meaning of it> You are aware of the reverses we have met with of late. What does the government [plan] to do. I cannot tell. I am not homesick nor discouraged yet but things look strange. I must soon close… — W. B. Tho.
Letter 8
Friday Morning, April 24, 1863
Dear brother Miles,
I should like to see you this morning. It has cleared off quite cool. I go on picket tomorrow. I hear that Bro. J. G. __berton has got home. Give my love to him. Tell him to write to me. I hope you will have a good Sabbath School this summer. I should like to attend but I have other duties to attend to at present. Calvin has gone to the hospital. Amos is well. I have faith to believe that I shall one day get home and I wish so to live that you will not be ashamed to call me brother.
Tell Eleanora I remember her in my prayers. Give my love and best respects to Mr. and Mrs. Howard and to Edward and all enquiring friends and accept a Bro. for yourself from me. Write soon and all the news. I will close by wishing you good health and the love of God in your heart.
From your brother and friend, — W. B. Thorndike
Letter 9
Sunday, May 10th, 1863
M. S. Leach, dear brother,
I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you in good health. It is Sunday and I am on picket. It seems a good deal different what it does to go to meeting, I tell you. I should like to be at home to go to meeting today. I thinkI could enjoy it. I said I was well. I am—all but a bad headache. My hand trembles so I cannot hardly write atall. It is very warm today and marching down here almost beat me out. I find I am not so tough as I was in the winter. I am losing flesh every day. Warm weather does not agree with me and we have very sudden changes in the weather here. My head aches so I guess I will stop for the present. So good day, bro. Miles
In camp abreast of Fredericksburg
May 11th, 1863
Bro. Miles, I again take my pen to write you a few more lines. It is now about 6 o’clock in the afternoon. Our regiment moved this morning at half past 6 o’clock so we are in new camp now. It is very pleasant here. I have been very busy in washing and fixing my tent. I should like to see you very much tonight. I feel as well as common. I wish you could see us in camp here. You would laugh I guess. I am a sitting in the back of my tent now. Has the Sabbath School begun yet? I hope you will have a good school.
We are within a few rods of headquarters and also of the railroad. Bro., I still am trying to struggle on in the way of well doing. Eleanora wrote that you told her to tell me you thought there was some signs of a revival. My prayer is that it may be so. It would be a great encouragement to me to hear so good news. Bro., labor hard to aid it on and may God bless your endeavors. Give my love and best wishes to Sister Eleanora. Also to Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Henry & Fanny and to all enquiring friends and receive a unworthy bro. to yourself.
It would be useless to write anything about the battle for you know more by this time that I do about it. I will close by asking your prayers for me. Good night. From your brother in [ ] and fellowship. — W. B. Tho.
P. S. Give my love to all the Brethren and Sisters. Tell them to pray for me. Good night, bro.
Letter 10
Bakersville [Maryland, near the Potomac river]
July 10th 1863
Sister Eleanora,
I take this favorable opportunity to write you a few hasty words. I just received a letter from you dated July 6th. I was more than glad to hear from you. I also got one with them stamps a few days ago. I got a paper from Miles today.
My health is very good but I am most beat out. I was on picket night before last, last night throwing up breastworks most all night. We expect a battle here. In the last battle Amos [B.] Oxton was wounded in the hand. Joseph [W.] Wilson was killed. We lost our captain, two sergeants, and two men besides Wilson and a lot wounded. We went into battle with 45 guns and came out with 19. [Sergt.] William [E.] Barrows of Blackings Corner was killed. I have not time to write much. I will tell you how I spent the 4th of July. I was digging rifle pits with my bayonet and plate. The evening I was burying the dead. Oh, I cannot describe my feelings there.
Give my love to all, Tell them to write to me. Pray for me. Write soon. Yours in haste, — W. B. T.
Letter 11
In Camp near Culpeper, Va.
September 14, 1863
Brother Miles,
I take my pen to answer your letter of the 6th inst., which I received the 11th, but owing to having to march the next morning, I haven’t had a chance to answer it before. I was very glad to get a letter from you once more for your letters always encourage me to persevere on.
We crossed the river yesterday morning. We are expecting to move forward every moment. I hear heavy cannonading in front. Our cavalry was engaged by spells yesterday. We drove them and took a lot of prisoners and some artillery. The news is that the Rebs have crossed the Rapidan and burned the bridge but how true the report, I cannot tell. The negroes here say that most of Lee’s force has gone to South Carolina.
My health is good for me and I hope these few hasty written lines will find you in good health. I am still trying to pray as of former days but I am far from enjoying what I have enjoyed of former days. I find it hard to maintain my Christian principles for I have everything to fight against but I have not time to write about that now. Brother, pray for me. I desire to be a true Christian. I hope soon to see you and enjoy the blessing of prayer and other privileges of home. Give my love to [sister] Eleanora and to all enquiring friends and accept a brother’s [love] yourself.
You spoke about sending out boots. I don’t know what to say but as we are now, it would be no use. What price do you get for those boots you spoke about to me at home? If I see a chance to do anything, I will write you. I think there will be a sight when we settle again. Write often as you can and I will do the same. I will close by wishing you good day.
I still remain your brother in Christian love, as ever—W. B. Tho.
Letter 12
Camp 19th Maine Vols.
Sunday morning, April 10th 1864
M[iles] L. Leach,
Dear Brother, I once more take my pen to write a few lines to you thinking perhaps you would like to hear from me. I know I have no right to think so but I can never give up your friendship. I love you as of former days. I can never forget your kindness to me and always so and always shall remember you in my prayers, feeble though they are. We still continue our meetings and we now have prayer meetings at one o’clock in the afternoon. It rained yesterday and there were only four of us, two corporals, and two privates, but we had our prayer meeting just the same and God met with and I had my spiritual strength renewed. Two weeks ago today there were 10 baptized. I thought of the time when I took upon me that solemn vow, and took new courage to persevere. I have found religion to be the one thing needful. I sometimes wonder why only God ever looked upon me in mercy and saved me from endless misery and when I then feel to pour out my heart in prayer and thank God that I am saved by His grace.
I must stop writing and get ready for inspection. I will write more some time today. I do not like to do such things on the Sabbath but I have to obey orders.
Good morning. I once more take up my pen to try and finish my letter. It is now ten minutes to one. I have been to meeting this forenoon. Chaplain Hathaway of the 19th Maine Volunteers preached, or rather read to us. His text was Acts 26-28 and 29. I never liked to hear sermons read. I think that if a man is called to preach, that God will not let him lack of words when he is to preach. I suppose this the last Sabbath we shall have the privilege of attending meeting in the chapel for we are to turn in the covering this week for a all sutlers and everything else that is a stoppage to the moving too. The army is ordered to the rear by the 16th of this month. I shall not have many more privileges of going to meeting this spring nor of writing much. I ask you to write to me every time you can and I will not forget you while away. I think of you often and of the Sabbath School. I think often with much pleasure. I wish I could be with you some time as I have of former days which are now in the past, never to return. I know not as I shall ever again make one of your number or tread those sacred aisles of the church or look upon those scenes I love to look upon in former days. Death is certain and life is uncertain.
There is to be hard fighting this summer and I have seen enough of war to know that many must fall, never to rise until the resurrection day. I am as likely to fall as anyone and again I am as likely to live. No one can sit and wait God’s own time. If I never return, I hope to meet you above where we shall never part. I ask you to pray for me. I have great faith in prayer. I think that I shall live to get home. It seems that there is something telling me so continually. I feel whether I do or not that my life is hid from God.
It is a beautiful day like the last of May in Maine. But there is a shower coming. It has rained most all of this month so far. I was on picket one week ago today. We have to stay there three days. It rained two of them while I was out. But I have got so that I do not mind laying on the ground in a snow or rain storm.
I wrote to you the 13th of last month and have received no answer. I wrote to you for a dollar’s worth of stamps. I am all out and cannot get them here. I wish you would send them as soon as you possibly can. You may have sent them. If so, send as many more, and tell father to pay you. I want you and Caleana to have your minatures taken and send them to me. I wrote to Eleanora about it some time ago. I will pay all bills. I want to see your faces once more before I start on the march. I may never see you again, but if I do fall, I want you near me—that is, your picture. Tell Edward I want his and his wife. Be sure and send them. Do not forget, will you? I know that some of my folks do not do as I wish they did, but that does not make me any the worse. I feel sometimes as if I was forsaken by my friends. They do not write as they did when I first left home and I cannot help thinking so. I know I had not ought to write to you about it but I want you to be my friend as you was when I left home. I always was willing to tell you all of my trials and troubles, doubts and fears, and I still want to do the same. Shall I have the blessed privilege of putting confidence in you? …
Give my love to Eleanora and Mrs. Howard, to all my brothers and sisters; also to all enquiring friends. Remember me when you meet to worship—especially at conference and prayer meeting. I love those places. I shall never forget our parting when I came away…. [W. B. Tho.]
Letter 13
Camp 19th Maine Vols.
Thursday, April 14th [1864]
Bro. Miles
I thought I would write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well and on praying ground. Roll call is over. It is now 8 o’clock. I should like to see you much tonight. Everything is all astir here now. We were paid off today and the sutlers are getting ready to leave tomorrow and the next day for they have got to all leave by the 16th. I have just ate my supper. I bought it to the sutler’s. I will give you a few of their prices. Butter 60 cents, ham 30 cents, eggs 50 and 60 per dozen, apples 5 cents apiece, oranges 10 cents and everything accordingly.
Yesterday there was a Brigade Review. Today General Inspection, Tomorrow Division Review, and next day Corps Review, and I cannot tell what will follow that. There was not any meeting tonight. There was a lyceum instead. There is a fellow here that wants me to get him a dollar’s worth of stamps so I thought I would write to you. I will send the money in this and you will greatly oblige by sending the stamps by the next mail.
My trust is still in God and in Him also do I trust. I shall have to close for it is taps. I will write more tomorrow if I get time. Good night, — W. B. Tho.
Friday morning, April 15th
Good morning Bro. Miles,
As I have a few moments to spare, I will improve my time by writing to you. I have got ready for review and now wait for the order to fall in. We are to fall in at 10 o’clock and it is now 20 minutes to eight. I suppose that some think that we live a degraded life and lose sight of all the finer morals of society. That is false…I have talked with some that have been at home and they tell me that a great many look upon the soldier as a low, mean being and call them nothing but an old soldier. I for one am proud that I am a soldier and do not think I am any worse for being a soldier, but am earning an honor that will last as long as time. So you can see how I look upon such talk and I also learn that many of the young ladies (if such they are) say that they never want a soldier for a husband. I for one do not want to be a husband to such nice things. I will not say any more on this subject.
I wish you could see our company this morning. We look nice, I tell you. I pride myself that we look the best in the regiment. Our boots and everything we wear that is proper to black is blacked and we make a fine appearance. You may think me a brag but I speak the truth.
I should like to be at home tonight to go to meeting with you. I should enjoy them better than any other meeting we have. I have made the acquaintance of a nice young man out here. He has experienced religion this winter. He belongs to this regiment. I think much of him. He is a sergeant and belongs to Co. D. I should like to see you all but we are separated far from each other and may never meet. If we do, it will be a happy meeting, and if we do not meet here on earth. I hope and trust we shall clasp hands on the other shore and sing the song of deliverance forever. If I do meet you again, it will not be long before that time will come—only 16 months and a few days longer, and that will soon pass away. I expect that I shall hardly know West Candor by the time I get home. I hear that there is to be built two more stores there and such a change in the people. Many have passed away never more to be seen on earth. and it seemed as if everything was changed…
Give my love to Eleanora and to all enquiring friends. My love to the Church and to you. I will close by hoping you are enjoying good health. My health is good. Write soon. From your Bro. in Christ, — Corp. W. B. Thorndike
Letter 14
Co. I, 19th Maine Vols,
On picket at Po River, Va.
May 19th 1864
Sister Eleanora,
I received your [letter] today. I was glad to hear that you were well. My health is good. I have but a few moments to spare as the mail soon goes out. I have been in several fights but as yet unharmed I remain. I suppose you have heard of John Leach’s death. I cannot describe my feelings. I sympathize with you all. I saw Henry last Sunday. He was not very well then. We have lost most all of our regiment. I am acting Orderly of my company so you see we must be very small.
I got 8 letters today. I must soon close. Pray for me, My love to all. Your bro. in great haste, — W. B. Thorndike
Letter 15
Co. I, 19th Maine Vols.
near Petersburg, Va,
June 20th 1864
Bro. Miles,
I received your letter yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you and to learn you were well. My health is good but I am most tired out. I have seen hard times this season, as you know. Yet I do not complain. God is my stay and hope. In Him, I trust.
I shall be short this time. I am in command of the company and do not have much time to spare. I feel to mourn with you in your loss of John. I loved him as a brother. Capt. Burpee was out on the picket line last night and has not been heard from since. He was either killed or wounded or taken prisoner. I think he was taken prisoner. He was on the Brigade staff acting Adjutant General. He was a brave man and a kind officer. I feel sad without him. Both of my lieutenants was wounded. I feel incompetent for the officer I have to perform. I hope you will pray for me that I may discharge my duty aright.
The 4th Maine is transferred to this regiment, the old members time having transpired. I am under the necessity of asking you when you write to send me an envelope or I cannot answer you. Write all the news and a long letter. I remember you all with sweet recollections of former days. My prayers are with you all. I remember the church and sabbath school. It is my home.
We are now in the front line of breastworks and there is constant firing. I have not had a night’s rest for a long time. Tell not father of it. Tell him I am well and will write soon. Ask my former friends to write. I remember them all the longer I am away the more. I miss home. I hope to meet you once more on earth. If not, God grant that we meet in Heaven. I love you as if former days. I cannot forget you. You were my first Christian friends and I loved you as I love myself. Pray for me and God bless you and be with you is the prayer of your unworthy bro. Write often and send your advice and kind letters. My love to Eleanora and all my dear friends. My time has come to a close. I could write all night but I must close. Pray for me. Goodbye.
From your ever true friend and bro., — W. B. Thorndike
Letter 16
Armory Square Hospital (Ward I)
Washington
July 5, 1864
Mr. Leach—Sir,
I received intelligence from my company on Saturday of the capture of some of my comrades and death of others. Among those taken prisoners was an intimate friend and tent mate, Warren B. Thorndike. My informant, Francis Carver, said he was the only one of the original boys in Co. I which was present at the time he wrote and I felt it a duty due my comrade and his friends at home to forward the unpleasant news believing that, however sad it may be to hear of his misfortune, it is better than suspense. Carver did not mention any circumstances but the mere announcement that he was taken prisoner.
I trust he may soon be exchanged or recaptured and enjoy the blessings which he has so nobly and faithfully [ ] his comfort and life. With respect, — Wm. H. Little, Jr.
Letter 17
Camp 19th Regiment Maine Vols
near Petersburg, Va.
July 5, 1864
Mrs. Leach,
I write you a few lines to inform you that your brother Thorndike was taken prisoner. I supposed you had heard of it before this for I wrote to cousin Eliza Thorndike and all about it and I supposed you had all been informed of such. There came a photograph today by mail and I send it back today in return., it being the best I could do. No more at present. From F. S. Carver, Co. I, 19th Regt.
Spared & Shared 23 