George A. Thornton, USMA Class of 1861 resigned April 22, 1861, two months prior to graduation. He mentions in his correspondence, classmates Pelham, Rosser, & Kennard who later served in the Confederate army.

He never rose above the rank of Captain, serving mainly in staff positions, lastly with Gen. John G. Walker, commanding Forney's Texas Division of Infantry, May, 1865.