October 1, 1861

2

Camp Georgia Roanoke Island

N.C. Oct. 1, 1861

My Own Precious Wife –

            To morrow we make a forward movement toward Hatteras Inlet to retake the Fort there – I think that the attack will depend upon a contingency.  We are to repair to a certain position & a wait then news from a detachment which left our camp today.  They have gone forward to reconnoiter the enemys position.  So you perceive my Darling wife that in all probability we will engage the enemy & this may be the last letter your Darling Husband may have the privelege of writing you – Darling remember how precious & dear we are & have been to one another – If I should be cut off,  You must not grieve for me but remember my dear Peg you are a Christian & I feel assured we will meet in a better world – And I  could not give my life to a better cause than the defense of our Country – Darling I can not refrain from putting on Record in this front and perhaps last converse with the, to me, dearest one on earth my testimony to your loving kindness your devotion your purity of soul & above all your upright Christian character May the same God who has upheld you thus far sustain & strengthened you thru life & enable you to rear our beloved son aright = i.e. “in the admonition of the Lord”  I feel that, the forgoing should be written & yet darling I have an assurance within that harm will not over take me – If I survive & am engaged it will give me great satisfaction & I had rather have a sharp brush & be taken prisoner a few months than to go home without a fight – Darling!  If you should be left to raise our Boy give him the best advantages for an education you can – Spare no pains in his Moral, Religious, & intellectual training – I have you know by will given you everything we had – I think it will after my debts are paid – suffice for you & him if you manage it well – If you find the debts trouble you sell a negro at once and get shet of them

I don’t know My Darling that I can say anything more by way of admonition to you – you have always been to me a bright pattern of purity & excellence – Write me often for your letters are all to me here – I do not know that I can shed luster on the name but be assured & tell mother that if I die I will die gloriously – Give her all my love – Accept my undying love for yourself & our Boy – Devotedly

                                                                                    Fes

                                                                  [His name was Stephen Alfestus Corker]

P.S. I think the foregoing is a verry serious letter perhaps properly so, but I never felt in better spirits in my life & am as fat as I can be – If I am alive I think I will be home in a month –

Fes

[on outside of envelope]

The mails are so uncertain here I don’t know when this will reach you.  I learn that letter a fortnight old have not left the Island – I wrote to Sister some time ago enclosing a certificate for Bob – I hope Newton will not leave until Bob gets his –

                                                                                                            Fes