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

November 21, 1864


34

U.S. Military Prison

Johnson’s Island Ohio
Nov 21st 1864

My Dear Precious Wife-

            Thank God I am still spared to you, & to write to, & commune, with you in spirit. If I could be with you, hear you talk, laugh, sing, I would be happier than ever. I could eat, sleep do everything with more pleasure than ever before. Ever day my being seems more indisolubly bound up in yours than the day before. The longer I am sepparated from you the nearer, & stronger am I united to you by an an invisible chain of love, & sympathy . Were it not for these feelings my existence here would be a blank, a nothingness. I would be out of my life connexions, & enjoyments, like the broken branch of a living tree. I look back with joy at our happy married life, & know, & feel, that, when it shall please God to reunite us, this happiness will return with ten fold sweetness. You are dearer to me this moment than ever before, & if I ever felt- that, our union was Heaven-born, I feel more so now. Dear, & lovely, as I ever thought you, you are infinitely sweeter & lovelier now. I must say something to you of our dear boy. I sympathise with you, for the sole care, & training of our son, is in your hands; but I am consoled with the reflection that you are equal to the task. As he is approaching an age now, when impressions are likely to be lasting, & when they will be indelible for good or for evil, you will at once comprehend the responsibility upon you. His moral training you will say is of the first importance. I will only say that if you will give your good sense, & good heart to the work, all will be well. Notwithstanding you are so young yourself, I could not wish him in better hands. My spirits & health is verry good but I do not see any chance now to be soon exchanged. You must take the greatest care of your health. Write me how much you, & Son weigh. Give sister, & all my love. Tell Mother I rec’d her letter, & was glad to know she was so well too. Take good care of Affee’s children. Tell Elbert I hope to see him again some day soon. I want his wife to stay with him. I have a late letter from Mr. Nott. They are all well. Your devoted husband- Stephen A Corker- Capt. & Prisoner war-


[with envelope]
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