The following letter was written by James David Gornto (b. 1841) of Co. C, 4th Florida Infantry. James mustered into the company at Fort St. Marks, Florida, on 5 September 1861. He was with his company until 25 November 1863 when he was taken prisoner on Missionary Ridge with a wound to his right leg.

James was the son of a Madison, Florida, planter named Elijah Dowling Gornto, Sr. (1817-1886) and his wife, Susan Ann Allen (1821-1913).

Transcription

Tullahoma, Tennessee
January 4, 1863

Dear Mother,

I once more seat myself to drop you a few lines from which you will learn that I am well again—well enough to be up. Today is very cold. It snowed all night last night but is now fair and the wind blowing. I have been very unwell for some time but I think I am all right and more lean. [Aaron S.] Pope is going home now. I sent a letter to [brother] Frank by him. If he tells you I was well when he left, you may know it is not so. Mother, if you can send a box by somebody, some eggs, sausage, butter, and a bottle of syrup if you can. Don’t send no pork. We get plenty of that. We get plenty to eat but I can’t eat it. Send some red pepper and dry sage.

Tom is wounded in the leg and we heard had gone home & have not seen nor heard of him since the battle [of Stones River]. ¹

Mother, Sunday was a week I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. [Robert Lemuel] Wiggins preach. He has found me out of hand. Am up and been [ ], spent two evenings with him. He is the same old Bob. ²

Mother, I am very lean and only weigh [ ]. Oh, I forgot, do send me an orange. Tell Aunt Anny to send me one and send yours and father’s likeness. Give my respects to all my friends and relations. Tell grandmother to write. Write to Uncle Bob to write. Mother, keep Willy at home. Don’t let him come here if you can help it. He is too young. I would like to see him here on a visit but not to stay and he is not able to come here on a visit. Write soon.

I am your true and affectionate son, — J. D. Thornton

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¹ Probably a reference to James’ cousin, Thomas J. Gornto (1841-1909) who served in the same company. Thomas was the son of David Gornto (1805-1864) and Eliza Allen (1811-1871).

² Robert Lemuel Wiggins (1841-1915) served early in the war in the 1st Florida Cavalry but was transferred into the 4th Florida Infantry in December 1863.