Stephen Alpheatus Corker was born May 7th, 1830 in Burke County Georgia which is near Augusta. He died in Waynesboro, Georgia on October 18, 1879. He was a lawyer, soldier and US Congressman. These letters were written mostly to his wife before the War between the States, during the War and after when he served in the 41st US Congress. These letters tell the span American history from 1859 to 1872. "Copyright, 2012, John C. Hall, Jr."

Friday, May 18, 2012

December 25, 1863


18

Johnson’s Island Ohio Dec. 25th/63~

My Dear Wife,
            I always feel an indescribable pleasure when I sit down to write you.  When I reflect on the fleeting happy years of our early married life, & compare them with the painful tho necisitous [necessitous] ones of sepparation; and above all when I think of your christian meekness, and resignation to the will of God, in our great trials, & afflictions, I can account for, that, pleasure which nothing else earthly, can give – But a greater pleasure, a greater happiness, I feel, is in store for me; and, that is, a reunion with you which will remain unbroken until the drapery of the eternal couch is drawn around us – May that reunion soon come – Yesterday!  Christmass, I could depict in my mind that happy family group at fathers & I could see sad faces, & happy ones – The joyful face of my dear boy, his bright eyes, & fair features, and oh! if I could but have joined you – Two hearts would have beat happier, & two faces looked brighter – The great question with us is exchange – We constantly hear that, we will be, but ‘tis like mans blessing here – never to come – I still receive frequent letters from Miss E – Nothing new – Ben McKinnon wants Judge Palmer to say to T S Mitcalf that he was well etc. – on the 20th inst.  I hear from Mr. Nott now, & then – All were well last accounts. – Tell me, if you know, who of the compy were wounded, & who died – Did Col Gibson get home?  Remember me affectionately to all – Tell Mother I am in good health – I rec’d her last letter a few days ago, Yours also of the 27th ult.  I will write to her soon – Kiss my dear boy – Is Milton there with him?  I reckon Sis Mollie is with you all; if so kiss her my love-
Your devoted husband,
Stephen  A Corker Capt, & P War


[with envelope]



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