U.S. Military Prison Johnsons Ilsand Ohio

April 14^th/64

My Dear Wife-

I again resume the pleasing duty of writing you. I have nothing new to report. No changes, since my last. Every thing is “status quo”. We are much exercised on the exchange subject. But we have been so long disappointed - our hope so long deferred that we do not credit any thing we hear on that subject. We see by the Press. that commissioner Ould has recently visited Fort Monroe & we inferred that exchange was the business of his Mission. We hope something will come of it. A few days ago a Yankee Chaplain gave me a copy of the New Testament. I have just finished a thurough [sic] reading of it. I was indeed obliged to him for it, for I had wished much for one. It is the first I have had since here & I feel that it has afforded me vast benefits, as well as satisfaction. But dear, this is not a place to nurture ones religion; tho I hope I have not retrograded in my Christianity, contrite, feelings & principles. There is so much gloom, so much to engender moroseness, in being perpetually shut out from the sunny world, & the radiant smiles & happy faces of those we love, & all mankind, that it is natural that our hearts should grow wicked & less devotional. But think not so of me. I have constantly in my mind, the part; & I do not forget how we have visited God’s House together & kneeled at his altar, side by side. This gentle influence is always upon me, (& tho dear you must not be flattered) I think it will remain always with me. Oh! how I long for those days to return. I was ambitious of distinction then; but now all I crave is my life as it was then. My health is still verry fine. I enclose you 2 stamps. Miss Emma is going to be married. I don’t know to who. I have it from herself. Miss Mollie O’s brother is dead - Give my love to mother & all. Your devoted husband Stephen A. Corker

Capt & Prisoner war

Kiss my boy-

[with envelope]

Send me immediately Yours & Sons picture. I can’t wait any longer. Fes