The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-10-16
Cant, Seth B. Thornton.

We feel called upon to publish the
following interesting tribute from the
NO. Delta, not only because the la.
mented Thornton was an honor TO his
native state, but his memory should be
cherished by every one who admires
lofty and noble bearing in all situa-
tions. His history is. a part ofthe war.
His capture on the Rio Grande gave
the first warning of the insane policy
Of Mexico, in making war upon our
territory. The impression produced
by that incident caused thrill through
out the country, and Thornton's name
was on every lip. We well remember
the interview we had with him, when,
released from confinement at Mexico,
and after an honorable acquittal by a
Court of Enquiry, he was Fastening to
Washington TO ask for active employ
ment in the campaign. We were
pleased no less with the modesty with
which he told his adventures, than the
enthusiastic spirit of the man. We
saw him on his return, honored with an
important duty and eager for the field
Of glory. We have followed him with
the army to the interior of Mexico,
and marked with interest his faithful
and courageous discharge Of every du.
ty. In the last glorious battle he was
in the front OF danger, and a shot from
a Mexican battery made him the first
victim. The Delta's tribute is stamped
with the touching eloquence of truth
and feelihg:-Richmond Enquirer.
"This intrepid dragoon officer who
was the first to begin this war, was,
alas! the FIRST to sacrifice his life in the
late march of our army from Puebla.
The circumstances of his death will
be found fully detailed in the letters Of
our correspondents. Like Col. Butler,
he left bed OF sickness, to meet the
foe, upon whom he warmly desired to
avenge the treachery by which he had
been betrayed in The commencement OF
this war. He was killed by cannon
ball, in a Reconnaissance, several days
| UeiOTc tne Ddttles
| "We knew Seth Thornton well.
He was companion and schoolmate
Of our early days, and braver and
more warm-hearted soul never anima.
ted a human frame. He was born in
Caroline county, Virginia, and at his
death, was about thirty.three years OF
age. Young as he was, his life had
been checkered and eventful one.
We doubt whether there is any man
now living who had passed safely
through SO many and such imminent
perils and trials as have marked the
life of Capt. Thornton.
"Some years ago he was passen-
ger, when quite youth, on the ill-fated
Pulaski, and when that steamer took
FIRE, he was nearly the last to leave
her. When others thought only Of
saving their own lives, he thought only
of saving the lives of the fair women
and children on board. When all the
passengers had been sent off in boats
and on spars, Capt. Thornton, having
first securely tied his body to hen
coop, threw himself into the sea-
Whist in the water, he picked up sew
eral men, whom he had succeeded in
fastening to the coop, and thus they
Aoated for many long and weary
hour exposed to burning sun, and
without a particle of food. One by
one his companions dropped of, and
perished in the sea. Thornton only
remained; and at last, famished and re-
duced to state of raving insanity, he
was picked up by some boats and ta-
ken ashore. For long time his life
was in great danger from deirium and
fever consequent upon his intense suf-
tering and exposure. But he recover
ed, and the next time we hear of him is
in the Florida war, where he passed
through many extra ordinary perils,
and distinguished himself as a most
gallant and active officer. In the be.
ginning Of this war, Capt. Thornton
was selected by Gen. Taylor for very
delicate and difficult duty, the full ma
ture and results of which are familiar
to our readers. Last summer, being
relieved from duty, he came home on q
short visit, but as soon as he reached
| Washington, earnestly entreated the
War Department to allow him to take
the field Of active operations. His wish
was granted, and he hurried back to
the scene of war, and eagerly sought
anopportunity of Distinguishing himself.
"Captain Thornton, though ever in
the front ofdanger, and reckless of all
perils and obstacles, was by no means
physically vigorous or muscular man.
On the contrary, he was Of small and
delicate structure, and ofweakly con.
stitution. But his bold and manly
Esprit mado him always ready to dare