January 23, 1864

19

(Cumming is very sick)

Johnsons’s Island Ohio

Jany 23^rd/63 -

My Dear Wife,

            Tho I have not heard from you since I last wrote, I can not forgo, any longer, the pleasure of writing you again, notwithstanding, I had hoped to be able to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you of recent week – I have, heretofore, heard from you Mouthly; but presume, that no communication is being had with the South as a longer period has elapsed than ever, Since I have had tidings of You  -  I wrote Mother not very long ago, as also, yr self  -  Hope you have had the pleasure of receiving them  -  I am much better situated than I have been.  I am now occupying a good comfortable room; & am quiet etc.  -  Cols Baker & Harmsburger, Capts Foster & Hertsfield & Lieut Ellis from Geo & Col Boyd & Lieut Hill from NC & Harwood from Va are my room-mates. -  We get along well  -  I am President of a flourishing debating Society at which we have much merriment & sometimes instruction - Ashton is here, & in fine health - .  We were lately put under command of some old soldiers from Va; & are much pleased at it, as the behaviour of the Militia who have never been to the front is unkind, & ungentlmany to us sometimes -  Our imprisonment has been long & irksome, but we bear it cheerfully—I hope you & all are well - I would be content, as near as possible, if I could know, that you & Mother were always well, & happy—But I know however, that, this is impossible in view of the condition of the country—Be of good cheer my dear wife—Your devoted husband Stephen A Corker Capt & prisoner war~

[with envelope]

http://www.aug.edu/~liblsc/Finding%20aids/Cumming_letters.pdf

Start page 42 letter #278 August 11 - Newton University Hospital, Baltimore, Md., Julien  
           Cumming to Henry H. Cumming, Augusta, Georgia, Continues to  
           write though under difficulties by the doubt as to whether his  
           letters reach home. Letters are submitted un-opened for inspection  
           before they are mailed for the South. Arm is healing, though it’s  
           crooked and will remain so Has occasional sharp pain, but suffers  
           more from confinement to two small rooms, well ventilated and  
           compulsively clean. Good food, but has no appetite. Is painfully  
           uncertain as to what will come of him. Sickens at the thought of  
           spending years in a Federal prison. No word from Washington  
           regarding his letter. Has nothing but Confederate money which is  
           worth nothing here. Suggests he send a sterling bill.  
           August 18 Wound healing but suffers with it at night. ALS  


His wound was caused by a minnie ball; it shattered  
            both bones. For a time it looked like amputation would be  
            necessary.