When he saw Ashford, he asked someone who she was; that person later alleged that Thornton stated that he had been intimate with her sister three times, and would also be intimate with Mary Ashford or die for it.
Upon recognizing Ashford, the individual asked about her background; it was later stated that Thornton asserted he had had intimate relationships with her sister three times, and would be willing to risk his life for an affair with Mary Ashford.