Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-29
CAPT. SETH b. THORNTON.

This intrepid dragoon officer who was the first
TO begin this war, was, alas! the first 10 sacrifice
his lite 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
CoI lfutier, he lett bed of sickness, To meet the
foe, upon whom he warmly desired to avenge the
ireacherr Ivy which he had been betrayed in the
commencement of this war. He was killed by a
cannon BALL IN reconnaissance, several days before
| the battle.
! We knew Seth Thornton we'll He was a
companion and schoolmate of our early DAVIS and a
Drawer aud more warm hearted soul never animated
human frame. lie was born in Caroline county,
Virginia and at his death, was about thirty-three
years OF age Young he was. his life had been
chequered and eventful one. We doubt whether
there Is any man now living who had passed safely
through many and such imminent perils and tr-
ais as have marked the life of Capt Thornton.
Some years ago he was passenger, when quite
a youth, ON the Inflated Pulaski, and when that
steamer took fire, he was nearly the last TO leave
her- W hen others thought only of saving their
own lives he thought only ofsavDg the lives of the
tar 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 Il hencoop. threw himself into the sea- Whilst
IN me water, he picked up several men, whom he
also succeeded IN fastening TO the coop, and thus
they huated for many long and weary hour, ex-
posed TO burning sun, and without particle of
~ o'S hiS CpiiIpuiiohS dropped OH, ana
persisted IN the sea. Thornton only remained and
at last, iamIShed and reduced to IA state of rayinr
llIan'i% he was picked up by some boats and taken
as'-r~Y tr \ iung time his life was in great dan
ger from dellrium and fever consequent upon his In
tense suiierngs and exposure. But he recovered.
and the next lime we hear of him is in the Florida
war. where he passed through many extraordinary
pers, and distinguished himself as a most gallant
and active officer. In the beginning of this war.
Capt. Thornton was selected by Gen TAYLOR for a
very delicate and difficult duty, the full nature and
results of which are familiar to our readers Last
summer, being relieved from duty, he came home
on short VISIT but as he reached Wash
ngton, earnestly enlreated 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 an opportunity of
himself.
captain Thornton, though ever in the front OF
danger, and reckless all penls and obstacles, was
by no means physically vigorous or muscular man.
On the contrary, he was ofsmall aud delicate struc-
lure. and of weakly constitutions But his bold and
manly spirit made him always ready to dare every
Hanger, and assume the most trying and perilous
positions which could be pointed out to him
But alas poor Seth, he is gone-cut off, not as
his brave heart painted for, in the glorious conflict
ii arms at the head of his bold dragoons-hs bloody
sabre flaming in the sunbeams, and the frightened
zoe lying before his averaging arm-but i'm a mere
reconnaissance, by an accidental cannon shot, and
when no enemy was in sight, his brave spirit was
oosened from It's mortal tenement and thus he fell
with his face 10 the foe. Peace 10 his manes-im-
mortality TO his memory !"-N O. Delta