Mr. Wharton -- cousin? -- I am thrilled to hear from you. First, many, many thanks for your generous donation of Richard Polk Wharton's papers. It gave me great pleasure reading them, although the microfilm I was viewing didn't leave very much of the diary legible. As a journalist by profession and an avid student of history by choice, for me an original personal account is like gold. Again, thank you.

I have heard of the nickname "Dock," though never any explanation of it. I am also curious about the origin of his middle name, Ambrose, which my father inherited (but never liked).

Please email me directly at bluepeter@comcast.net, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Tony Wharton