Johnson’s Island, Ohio

December 31^st 1864-

My Dear Darling Wife-

Your letter of 6^th Inst. was rec’d yesterday, & afforded me great happiness. I do not know why you get no letters from me as I write verry often- Yrs. have fortunately for me come, regularly to hand—fortunately because, they are my chief solace here. To hear from you, & son, & know you are well etc. is indeed a Godsend to me- If I am spared to a reunion with you once more, it will take Supernatural power ever to cause me to leave you again- I am sorry son has toothache- It is time, I reckon, for his filling teeth to begin to disappear. Be careful to cause him to use a tooth brush as soon as his regular teeth begin to make their appearance, & let him be accustomed to its use. Be careful, & let no old fragments impede the regularity of the new growth. Tell him father is well, & sends him much love, & that he must take good care of Mother until I come home. I am quite low spirited for I see no indication that, I will get home soon. But as long as my health continues good I shall bear cheerfully what can not be remedied- Give my love to Sister, & all, & tel them I think of them verry often- I had a letter three dys. ago from Cousin Emma Higgins. All were well- H is merchandising in Norfolk- She offered to send me anything to eat, or ware that I wanted, but I am not in need of any thing. Tell her brothers all are well- Continue to write me as you have done, & remember your letters are to me the next thing to seeing, & being with you- Give mother my hearts love, & tel her I am well- With love Yr. Devoted h- Stephen A. Corker

Capt. & Prisoner war