Nov. 28, 1861. [no entry]
Nov. 29, 1861. Mother and I went to Mrs Hopkins then to the office where we met Henry & Georgy to get some things.
Nov. 30, 1861. [no entry]
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Nov. 27, 1861. Winston left in the morning for Camp again. Henry went out in the country. Ben & Georgy went to town in the afternoon.
[Rebecca Bryant to Willie Bryant]
Rose Cottage Nov 27, 1861
My dear Willie,
Your most welcome letter of the 16th. did not reach me until last Monday (25th) I suppose it was the consequence of the St. Johns not coming up the river. Late as it was in coming, every word was appreciated and read over and over again.
We have just said goodbye to Winston who returns to his camp for a month, if not longer. O, these partings in these times of danger are trying indeed! Tivie bears up bravely however, she makes a first rate soldiers wife ‑ I never was intended for one, or if I was, my resolution has all been spent, year's ago. However I do not grumble much, when I can help it. Tivie says I must tell you to begin with, that you and Davis must be sure to come at Christmas, that she will have pig's feet, pig's jowl, pig's brains and all sorts of pig. Winston killed 8 hogs last week, none very large but all in good order, altogether weighed 599 lbs. He managed to cure it all before he left, except what we ate, which was considerable. Some more are to be slaughtered for Christmas I believe. You know it will be five weeks from to‑day! I suppose neither you nor Winston will be able to stay after the Darlington leaves on that day, and if so, we must celebrate Tuesday the 24th. – Your affair in prospecter with the blockader, must have been quite exciting – I hope you may not see one any nearer, suppose you do not.
Your trip to Jacksonville “on special duty” the Monday after you wrote me, according to Davis’ account must have been quite apropos, as you had an opportunity of joining in the festivities at Mr Burnitt’s. What an imposing scene it must have been to the bridegroom, eh! Speaking of festivities reminds me to say that Winston, Tivie, Rosa, and her grandmother all passed the day at Mr C- Stephens’ yesterday and were treated very hospitably. Rosa is growing more cunning in her tricks every day. Tivie says “tell the boys she has a fine voice and ear for music” as her Mother rocks and sings her to sleep she accompanies her in a monotone. Henry started this morng. on one of the mules to ride 18 miles carrying a note from Winston to a man who has been promising for 6 wks to come and put up his cotton gin. It is on the road that Henry traveled when he went with the fishing party to New Spyrna – He will return to Mr Tyner’s this afternoon and probably pass the night there, having six miles to ride in the morning. He is very stout and active – I hope he will make a good man as well as a smart one.
I have been writing Aunt Julia – must write Davis a few lines and therefore can say no more to you this time.
I intended to induce the boys to write to you as you request – George goes to town to-day with Ben Gaines who takes my letters &c – he sends love and says he will write you soon.
Goodbye, Mother
[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]
Wednesday Novr. 27th
My dear Davis,
I have but little time to devote to you to-day, and therefore must make amends by asking you to read and forward my communication to Willie – Don’t know that there is anything particularly interesting in it, but it will inform you of our doings and our good health.
The tub, shoes and lines came safely on Monday as did you long and interesting letter, and one from Willie. I am afraid you sat up long after midnight to write so much after Mr & Mrs Hewitt were there and you had to write to Mr Mizell too. Well, I can assure you it was enjoyed and highly appreciated. I will not expect as long as one every week, but I want to know all that interests you and don’t spare any details but you need take no pains with your chirography. Write a good deal in short hand, I can manage to read it. I know it must be very irksome to write after being at the desk all day.
Your account of the wedding entertainment was extremely rich. It happened very fortunately that Willie was there. It may prove ominous, your being thus brought to the alter.
I am very sorry for poor Mrs Bouse, and for him too, but I know she suffers most – in a land of comparative strangers too, it is unusually sad. Don’t let Mrs Foster & Maggie forget me. Tell them I often review with much pleasure the evenings past with them. I am glad to hear the Reeds are all well again, my lover to them when you see them.
Tivie says she intends if nothing occurs to prevent next week to send a bag of peas & potatoes for Willie. Please ask when the Darlington arrives for said bag, marked for W.A. Bryant. We heard nothing from Col. Hemming and don’t know whether to expect his family or not.
In respect to Gardner I do not know any thing except that he is not in Welaka, thinks he shall get his turpentine off by a vessel (the Fanny) now gone to Nassau N.F. with a load of Rice, when she returns. Winston thinks he will soon move his camp further down the river and all will rejoice if he does, the negroes are to thievish. He paid only three months rent viz. to April 1st. I must fold up my letters as Ben and George are to start for town in the buggy immediately after a hasty dinner. They are to send Winston’s trunk by Darlington and this time I think my letters will be sure to go by Capt Brock I intended they shd. before but Mr Smith mailed them.
My affectionate remembrances to Mrs. Maxey and her daughter in law and ask her to give my love and Tivies to Mrs Wilson.
I hope Charlie Hewitt recd, H-s letter last week.
In haste and much love ever
Mother
Will you envelope and pay postage on letter to Aunt J- as it will be too late for mail here.
Kind remembrances to Chauncey always.
Winston says the taxes must be paid before 1st Decr. He thinks that the property belonging to Willie you and me is taxed about $14.50. He knows nothing about Aunt Julia’s taxes which Mizell promised to write you about therefore when You write about ours tell him that as he failed to give you the information, he must not allow them to be sold for taxes. Please hand the enclosed to Col. Hemming soon after its receipt. Tivie & boys send lots of love.
Mother
Winston wishes you to get a pair of stout shoes about the quality of the last bot. for Henry, No 6.
Please send them in the blue foot tub I left in your room, Henry is anxious to leave a troll line for catching trout. If it is the proper season I suppose he had better have one, if not do not sent it. I enclose a dollar thinking you may need a small bill to pay for the line and freight. I have $2.25 left so don’t left scared. I wd. Like to have the change from the dollar sent in the bundle if you can on account of paying postage.
Has Mrs Reed lost Til? Did the Tableaux go off well?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Nov. 25, 1861. Winston went hunting with Mr Gardner & Clark did not kill anything.
[Willie Bryant to Davis Bryant]
Rebel Hall Nov 25, 1861
Dear Bro.
Yrs & Becks came down Friday Eve, Charlie in his kindness of heart bro’t them over to me on my post of guard & I enjoyed them that night by the camp fire. I was of course much surprised & very sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Bonse’s child; it is a sad blow to them & I sincerely sympathise with them; poor Mr B! “misfortunes never come singly!” I fear this last trouble will greatly accelerate the process of his disease.
Beck's letter was of the kindest & most friendly nature; it was commenced before Bonses return; poor girl she had been writing me of her Mothers health failing fast & before closing the Bonse’s arrived & she closed with the sad circumstances connected with it; Beck writes me that during the past 3 weeks her Mother's other lung has become affected & her cough increased, & that they are both assured of the failing strength; poor girl, what the gloomiest of life's pictures in the future is hers! & yet she can feign light-heartedness, it is wonderful!
My letters to you both passed yrs on the way I suppose you know. I have this Eve’g finished quite a long letter to cos. Lizzie – which Hollis takes up to mail – I go on guard again tomorrow a.m. & it’s too cold to write more night, so I must turn in; tell Beck to expect a letter from me on Saturday, & give her my love.
I am sorry I have not yet heard from Mother, I will write this week & try to ensure it's going through. We must go up to Welaka Christmas, certain. There is nothing of interest here to mention.
We hear by the Barroso to-day that they have been fighting at Pensacola 2 days, but no particulars.
Leave the Capt’s coat at P’s, I said he wd send for it.
Good night -
Yrs always
Willie
Nov. 26, 1861. Mother Winston Rosa & I spend the day at Clark’s.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Nov. 20, 1861 [no entry]
[Willie Bryant to Davis Bryant]
Rebel Hall Nov 21, 1861
My dear bro.
I arrived yesterday at 5 o.c.p.m. pretty well used up.
Soon after you left me T. night was neither Mr. T. or Chauncey came, & I was cold, Asteen, who was to come down with us, & I built a fire by Porttings’ oyster depts. & waited for the others, where to make a long story short I spent a most miserable time till after 4.o’clk next a.m. when Chauncey made his appearance & we went to Syd’s for Mr. Tomb & soon after started; our starting so late was the means of our meeting a head tide about 12 miles down the river & the next 3 miles to Y. Bluff was a tug, certain; we staid there till about 4, took the tide & came on. That night Mr. T. & Chauncey made the calculation that we should start at 3 o.c. in the morng. & at ½ & 10, the time I had set for our starting, left for sleeping quarters without C’s thinking to insure means for my knowing it; I was provoked & sorry about it, extremely, but as Chauncey felt very badly about it also I said but little on the subject; to my great relief the boys hand was no worse & the delay had made no difference, & Capt. S. was in good humor & perfectly satisfied about the matter.
At Y. Bluff we got breakfast, & I took a short nap, then had some music & fun at the house, when we had a good dinner & some time after left.
The ladies expressed their regret at Yr not going there while down this way & hopes you wd yet have an opp’ty of honoring them with a call; They also gave us some more very fine lemons.
This p.m. Doc & I settled the Nichols affair; we went to Mport & with Dr. N. went to see Powers, he asked us over to his house & as he had been informed somewhat & was expecting the meeting; it was soon ended.
In the first place he plead drunkenness at the time of the conversation & at the time of speaking with Nichols & said that he did not recollect that either of you made any remark derogatory to Dr. N. & when he spoke to Dr. N. he died not wish to convey the meaning that you had, acknowledged he had done wrong, & was very sorry for it; all of which I believe, & as both N. & himself were satisfied in regard to Yr innocence & Willingly dropped the matter there; the whole thing has been conducted in a calm, business like, & gentlemanly manner, & I take much credit to myself for it for with my former excitability & passion I feared I might be unable to do so to my satisfaction.
Chauncey & I bro’t the mail down with us to Mport, & Doc recd his letter which I notice is directed in Yr hand-writing; a number were in the house when with pleasant anticipations he opened his double letter, & when he showed the contents the laughs & jokes were uproarious; & Doc was very much teased, & as he has just been apptd. Lance corpl it is called his commission & has gone the rounds of the camp; You were among the first he suspected & tho’ he is not now so sure he still things the writing very much like yours; Charlie H’ing & I got up the joke & sent the Hdkf to Denny of the success of the joke.
My trip to town I enjoyed & with Beck particularly I enjoyed a conversation; she gave me fits about my [tight?] the night of the Katzenberg's party, which she discovered by my looks the next morn'g, & felt deeply grieved about it; she is a dear girl, & her depth of friendship beyond any I have yet known, & such is most rare in this world; her influence upon me has been great, & it wd take a very great deal to destroy it; her letters give me great pleasure, I only wish she was better versed, & more correct in the style, I notice a marked improvement however. I will not write Mother this week as I have but little to say, & she will receive mine of last week; you will I suppose mention my run to town.
[Willie]
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Nov. 19, 1861. Bens 16th birthday. Burrel went to town for some things & brought a bundle & letters from Willie & Davis. In the afternoon Winston went to town.
[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]
Welaka, Rose Cottage Nov 19, 1861
My dear Davis,
I cannot express my disappointment at not hearing from you or Willie by yesterday's mail. I have not recd. a line from you since Monday following my arrival here. I acknowledged the receipt of that and the knives by return mail. Last week I accounted for my receiving no letters by the non-arrival of the Darlington, but supposed she would bring me two this week. I should fear you were sick, had not Gen Hopkins told Winston he saw you in Jacksonville last week, on Tuesday I believe, and you were well and said that Willie was. I have a faint hope that a letter may come down the river when the Darlington returns tomorrow.
You may suppose that Tivie and I passed an anxious week. On Monday (of last week) we supposed the Darlington was aground this side of Palatka, as the fog was very dense until past the usual time of her arrival. One Tuesday afternoon we sent again to town and learned that as nothing had been hears of her, Mr Smith had gone to Palatka in a row-boat. On Wednesday eveg. after ten, Ben Gaines George and blk boys went to town again, returned at 10 ½ o’clk without letters but with the exciting intelligence that the Lincoln fleet had taken Port Royal and Beaufort and were, at the latest accounts commencing an attack on Savannah! That Gen. Hopkins’ company were going to Jacksonville to be mustered in there. We heard no contradiction of all this until Saturday eveg. when Winston arrived about 7 o’clk. He had been nearly all day getting from Palatka and crossing men and horses over this side from Hamlin’s old store. Winston expects to remain at home until a week from tomorrow (Wednesday) as they now await the Governor's orders. They mustered in with 58 men and were complimented by the mustering officer as being as orderly and good looking a set of men, for their numbers, as he had mustered in since he had been performing that duty. Winston seems to be very well satisfied with them as a company.
Henry has had a trip of nine days to Smyrna since I wrote last. It had been arranged before Winston left that Burrel & Ben Gaines should accompany Clark Stephens his boys and Lewis Gaines and Mr Tyner down to the sea-coast to get mullet, carrying barrels and salt, to bring home a large quantity. Ben was taken with chills & Fever a few days before they were to start and had to give up the trip. It was necessary that some one shd. go in he place to manage the boat while Burrel fished – Tivie did not want to take Sam out of the field as all hands had lost so much time by sickness and Henry was crazy to go of course. They returned last Saturday noon, rather disappointed in their trup, bringing, instead of three barrels of fish for each family as they expected, only about thirty fish and a bushel of racoon oysters for our share. The sand flies were so troublesome from sunset to day light that it was impossible to sleep ‑ they worked their way through the blankets. Henry looked rough and tough notwithstanding, and his tongue seemed to be hung in the middle all the next day.
Tuesday P.M. Hurrah, Hurrah!! Just as I laid down my pen to go to dinner table the boys came running in with a large bundle and a letter; "from whom," I asked eagerly before I could see the handwriting, and was answered by both at once, "from Davis." I assure you my heart leaped for joy as I pulled the treble communication from its envelope, and devoured its contents, before my dinner. It appears that when Henry went to the store yesterday morng. Mr Smith had gone to breakfast, he left a letter which came from Col Hemming somewhere within Henry’s reach but the bundle was laid away carefully for another opportunity, not noticing the letter I suppose. To-day Winston sent Burrel to town for his trunk and roll of bagging that he expected and Mr Smith produced the bundle. I am delighted to hear of your visit to the Bar, it must have been such a pleasure to Willie as well as yourself. I was thankful too that you have obtained so good a situation in Jacksonville ‑ and I am also pleased to learn that letters have gone to your Father, with a prospect of hearing from him. O, that he might be able to leave his business and come back in the vessel for a visit, if only a short one. I feel very sure that our letters will reach him and will be a great source of gratification to him.
How very kind and considerate Aunt Julia is! I should write her by this mail, but have a letter commenced to Aunt Mary Ann which I want to finish not having noticed hers recd. last July, and must reply to Col. Hemming in the morning. If you have not already acknowledged the receipt of the bundle, please write a few lines and say I will write next week, that I am very grateful for her attention and so is Tivie. Col Hemming wrote to inquire if he could rent a comfortable house for his children in this place, he wishes to send them farther from the enemy than Jacksonville, prefers this place to Palatka – There is no way but to turn Dr Currell out of Grandmother’s house into the house Capps occupied – Winston hesitates about doing that as there is no chimney to the kitchen – his negroes have occupied one of the rooms there, his overseer has been sleeping in the Axes house and he has negroes in every other house on the place except Uncle George’s – Tom John’s family are in one of those and two negroes of Gen Hopkins’ in the other – Winston has gone to town this afternoon, I shall leave the decision to him as he has the renting of Grandmother’s house.
I believe this is the last month of grace for the taxes here – and as Mr Mizell has not written you I think, will ascertain from Winston what he knows about it and add before I close.
I cannot write to Willie this week for reasons above mentioned, so if you have a chance send him this or an epitome of it. Remember me most affectionately to the Reeds & Fosters and congratulate Mrs Maxey most heartily as having her son and his family restored to her – Tell her that Tivie and I have been talking of her anxiety continually since we heard of the taking of Port Royal.
With much love to Willie and yourself, I remain
Most affectionately
Mother
After reading my note to Col H – please seal and deliver.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Nov. 14, 1861. Capt. Hopkins man came from Pilatka said Winston was well but brought no letters there must have been some mistake, I sent a letter by him.
[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]
"Rose Cottage" Nov 14, 1861
My dear Husband
You dont know what a state of suspense and anxiety I have been in since Mr Parker came last Friday morning, I have watched for you every day since then from daylight until I went to sleep at night until last night. I wrote a note to Mr Smith (whom I suppose you know has been to Palatka) and his reply made me feel worse than ever, for he not only did not send me a letter from you, but said that you were to go to Jacksonville yesterday to muster in, and told Ben of the fleets attacking two or three places, and I of course supposed & do suppose that you will hurry to Fernandina or St Augustine, and oh you dont know how I feel when I think of it, would to heaven you had never left me. It seems so long since I heard from you, it seems as though you miss every chance of sending to me, when Mr Parker came I went out to meet him thinking of course that he had a letter for me, but was sadly disappointed, but from what he told me I began looking for you the next morning and put "your name in the pot" for dinner although Mother & Ben did not expect you until afternoon, and I did not give you up until last night. oh I dont know what I would have given to have seen you last night, the boys carried my note to Mr Smith after supper and we sat up until eleven waiting for them, & I began to feel really sick from suspense, and felt as though I was going to hear something unpleasant. Joe waited in town all Monday morning waiting for the boat, & Tuesday morning Ben & Georgie went over to see if any news of the boat had come (for we supposed her aground as it was very foggy). They found Mr Smith getting ready to go to Palatka, so it was too late for me to think of sending anything, so I concluded to wait patiently until his return. thinking of course if he did not see you & bring me a fresh letter he would bring the old one which I suppose you wrote by the mail, but not a letter came. You do not know how my feelings changed while washing dinner dishes to day, for Jane came up & said that Jacob had passed from the Bluff with letters for Mrs Hopkins and said that Capt Hopkins had returned to Palatka, but I can not understand from Jane whether he said you were going to leave tomorrow or Wiley. I suppose I will hear more when Jacob comes for this, I can not imagine why you did not write by Wiley, unless Capt Hopkins sent him directly off as soon as he arrived from Jacksonville. I hope it was ignorance of the chances prevented your writing not want of inclination.
Burrel and Henry left last Friday morning with Clark & the three boys for Smyrna. Ben missed his fever on Thursday, but looked badly & I thought he ought not get up in the middle of that night for the first time & start on such a journey, but said nothing to him, but Burrel did not want him to go in such a condition and spoke to Clark about it, & he gave up that night, Burrel said if Ben went he should take Tom, but when he found Henry could go in Ben's place said he would not take Tom, I felt very sorry for Ben, but was glad he did not go, for he looked so badly, Mother broke his fever with quinine. I believe I wrote you that Joe had one the same day that Ben had his second, he did not have any more, all I gave him was ginger tea while he had the chill & fever, I made some of "Old Maria's stew" that afternoon but no one has needed it yet, Sarah gave up again last Monday night, she had never been free from her fever since the time you were here, I dont know what to do with her. Rosa has got to be pretty much herself again, but I have to be very particular about her diet, her tooth does not seem to come forward very fast, if at all, she tries very hard to talk, she jabbers a great deal, calls a bonnet hat or anything to put on the head bahtah and loves to eat her "ta ta" with a fork very much, I wish you could see her dont your heart have a yearning for her sometimes, dont you ever feel a "honcing" to see her. If I only knew when to expect you I perhaps never, oh I do hope this hateful fleet will pass us by.
We have four fine banks of potatoes besides the seed, the cut ones were so few that I had them, & the watermelon rows put in the smoke hours, the latter were so small, while Burrel was banking, & I was talking to him some one came & said that some one had been in the lot patch again, but he said he would look for himself, & came back & said it was a false alarm, & I believe they have not been troubled since. The cotton is not very thick, for two or three days last week 49 was the highest picked in a day. I mean all put together. It was thicker in the New Ground & Peach cut, where they are now, all the hogs excepting the wild sow & those at town are in the potatoe patch.
I believe I wrote you that I was to send Burrel to help Clark kill the steer, well they hunted for it most of Thursday morning, & at last gave up & Clark divided his beef with me which was not enough quite for the rest of the weeks allowance. I gave them syrup this week as Burrel said potatoes hurt them, Jane said gave them heart burn, they have been possum hunting often, one night Jane & Rachael went with them & killed a fine possum, Ben has killed a few squirrels for us, they started fishing but found that some one had stolen their poles. I have killed quite a number of chickens yet have had no meat some days. Oh! Mrs Parker wants to get some syrup from me & do sewing to pay. I told Mr Parker the morning he was here & I gave him a little for the child, that I thought you would not like to spare it, would you? seems to me it runs slow anyhow. I carried Mrs Parker a few peas, potatoes, & fifteen or sixteen ears of corn the day before Mr P came. Well my dear I must stop now and have this all ready when Jacob comes. Mother sends love & says we are doing our best to keep up our spirits, & that Rosa has not learned to love her as well as you yet. Do make haste and come home, dont let the Capt boss you too much and keep you there, when you can come. Good bye my dear husband, God bless, protect and bring you back safely to us is the prayer of your
loving Wife
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Nov. 5, 1861. Tina & Minnie spent the day with us. Ben had a chill. I wrote to Winston in the evening.
[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]
Nov 5, 1861
My dear Husband
I wonder if you have received my little scrawl and are two feet deep in your papers to night. I took great pleasure in sending them, knowing you are so fond of them, although I make such a fuss about your reading them at home, but would you not like to look in upon us to night and see how we do without you? & what we are doing? Well I can tell you what we are doing now. we have a nice cheerful fire with the horse in front of it drying Rosa's socks &c, and a table out in the middle of the room & Mother sitting opposite me writing. Henry & George sitting a little to one side studying, poor Ben in bed where he has had fever this afternoon. Rosa asleep, now if you were only here our picture would be complete, though we would rather have Ben with us too. As for getting along, we do that pretty well but I assure you I miss you sadly, but I can not help thinking that you will be home soon to stay. I can not realize that this is only the beginning of worse. Rosa has not yet forgotten how to say Pa Pa, though she is too often reminded to forget how to say it, if she does not forget to whom it applies. The first night you were away when I took her into bed Mother had not yet got in and she looked all around and kept calling for Pa Pa and made me feel right sad, she has been very cross for two or three days and nights, I am quite certain that there is another tooth coming, she has been better today, and slept quite well last night. just as I finished that sentence she awoke, I took her up & she went right to sleep again. I guess you think those folks sit up late & sleep late & every thing goes on wrong, all have been behind [the] hands in the morning but are getting better, it was not our fault, & this morning I called the negroes a little before six, and told them they must get smarter.
Burrel began digging potatoes after dinner yesterday. I do not know how near done they are, he said he wanted to get the hogs in & get those from town before he went on the Coast, which will be Friday morning, but I think he will not, for Clark wants him to come over Wednesday night to help him kill his beef early Thursday morning. Tina spent to day with us. I had beef enough for half ration, & we are intirely out of meat, have had chicken for dinner twice, no fish to be caught by any body. The boys started before breakfast the other morning for the Ocklawaha & did not return until afternoon, & got a mud fish & cat. I one little squirrel & a brim. I assure you they came back disheartened and hungry, for they carried four “chokers” for their breakfast which they roasted Sunday night, the tide is so high that no one catches any fish.
Last Saturday night Gardners negroes took the rounds, one came here (early in the eve) one at Clarks & two at one of the Priests, for potatoes. Burrel had been to Clark's & saw the fresh track in the road & got over in the patch (by the lot) & sure enough they had grabbed the best hills of three rows. I sent the measure to Mr Allen, & I hear he has found out who it was, but I do not know yet of the punishment, the one that went into Tina's chicken house has been laid up a week, one of them came here Sunday morning but Burrel made him leave and Sarah says he took a good look around before he left.
Joe had a chill to day the same time that Ben had his, & Sarah says Rachael had one yesterday. I have some stew all ready for the next. the cotton is very thin & buggy. I hear that the wild sow is becoming tame. the mules have not yet given trouble, but this afternoon they and Charles jumped the fence & went to Clark's but Mose was soon behind them. Well my darling I must say good night, it is nine o'clock half an hour past our putting up time & Mother says I must not write any more, for I have been saying yes'm only one more sentence. Good night. God bless you.
Well here I am again after a very good nights rest, I hope you slept as comfortable, we wished when we got into bed that you had one as comfortable, Rosa slept very well & woke up very good natured, but I tell you what we had a time of it after breakfast, thank gracious she is asleep now, you have no idea how she has changed in behaviour, I guess you will think, oh yes its her not the baby, but I try all kinds of ways with her, but of no avail, you had better come home and take care of her.
You do not know how relieved I felt when I heard that you had exchanged your horse, nor how frightened I was when you were on that hateful little thing, I think if you ever did a foolish thing, you did it when you got that pony. Tina said yesterday that you wrote Clark that you hoped I would get the three notes you sent me to have them attended to before Wednesday, I cant think which you mean unless you mean Mothers three letters from the boys. Tina says tell Mr Parker that his wife & grandchild have been very sick, the latter is still & that they are in a state of starvation, he had better come home, she Mrs P went begging to Tina for a few potatoes & was going to Mrs Hopkins the next day. Mr Smith did not send me the oil, Henry is going to carry the letters, & will ask him about it.
Will you please try and get me four knitting needles a size smaller than the piece I send? Well Mother has finished her letter so I must close & let Henry go. I believe I have told you all I had to say particularly. I shall not expect you until next Monday, but hope you may come before. no one heard from Ma this week. Ben is up & sitting here reading, Toady has missed his chill. Rosa is still asleep so I will not wake her to send you a kiss, Mother sends her love, I wont send mine, for you have it already, provided you are a "good boy".
Very affectionately
Your Wife
I think you were nice to take all the envelopes off with you.
[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]
Nov 5, 1861
My dear Davis,
Your two acceptable favors and the knives, came safely to hand yesterday morning and I thank you for your promptness. I did not intend to make you pay freight on the knives, but thought if you were coming to Palatka you could hand them to Winston, who expected to return here for a few days after he was mustered into service.
I am rejoiced that you are not going to join any company. It really made me feel miserably to think of your being so far from all of us, in case of sickness or accident ‑ It is bad enough to have Willie where he is, and while you remain in Jacksonville he has frequent communication with you ‑ if you left, we would seem to be more widely scattered with no connecting link. I think Winston will feel disappointed, as he seemed desirous to have you accept the office of Sergeant, but no doubt he will think you judged right, under the circumstances. I hope he will be as well satisfied as he anticipates, and that their head quarters will be at St. Augustine. Welaka looked forlorn enough, I assure you, the morning I arrived and every thing here appeared different from what it ever did before, but now the negroes are all up again, we begin to get straight and I feel more reconciled, more at home than at first. Henry has killed a few squirrels, but no one has had any luck in fishing here lately, they say the tide has been too high. The boys and Ben Gaines went up the Ochlawaha yesterday morng. before breakfast and did not return until 3 o’clk, but caught only cat-fish. Today I have commenced attending to their studies, which they dislike now as they have run wild so long, but think they will soon get into the way of studying and will enjoy their play the more. It was necessary to do something to keep them from such constant and familiar intercourse with the negroes. Ben Gaines had a chill to-day and has fever to-night, I should not be surprised if the boys had a touch of it soon, they are now in fine health however.
Tivie is writing Winston, we have made a resolution not to sit up later than nine o'clk, as it is necessary that we shd. rise early or the negroes take advantage. I must bid you good night and add a line or two in the morning.
Wednesday A.M.
Good morning my dear Davis, I hope you feel as well as I do this morng. I am glad you are having some social gathering to enliven you. Hope Mrs Maxey will have regained her spirits by the time this reaches you. Give my lover to her and say I was rather homesick at first but find the best antidote is plenty of occupation, which I know she always has. Ask her to let me know what the prospect is of her sister’s being with her this winter.
Henry wishes you to tell Charley Hewitt when you see him that he intends writing to him soon.
You would be much amused to see Rosa trotting about and trying to imitate the actions of her elders, she speaks two or three words very plainly and appears to understand almost everything that is said to her.
I hope Mrs Reed and her family are well now, remember me affectionately to them and to Mrs Foster and Becca. I want to write a few lines to Willie and must bid you adieu for the present. With much love
Mother
Remind “Miss Maggie” of her promise to write to me.
Nov. 6, 1861. Henry carried the letter to town in the morning.
Nov. 7, 1861. In the afternoon Mother Henry and I went over to the office to carry Mrs Parker some potatoes &c came home by Tina’s.
Nov. 8, 1861. Burrel & Henry started at daylight to go down on the Coast fishing. Mr Parker came from Pilatka but did not bring me anything from Winston.
Nov. 9, 1861. [no entry]
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
[William Bryant to his brother Davis Bryant]
Rebel Hall.
Sat’dy night. Nov 2/61
Dear Davis,
I have devoted all the time I could take this eveg to writing Mother, & now time is just about up, but I must scrawl few hasty lines to ensure yr hearing from me by boat. Hollis goes up Monday a.m. I send Mothers letter to be put on stmr Jville to ensure it’s going past; Burton will do it.
Let me know when to write Father. If you are to leave town, or want money, better send watch to me to raffle while money is plenty here; just as you please tho’, I don’t want either.
Got all articles buy Syrup. Will write Beck Monday by Hollis.
I send by Burton J.L.I. for Syd, as for Envelope.
We have enjoyed the visit of Burton & Driggs tho’ the weather has been unpleasant, & I wish they could stay longer.
By the way! I did not take Inventory of articles left at Bouse’s, please do so.
Amen – Yrs always, Willie
By Hollis will send Denny’s Stone & saw for Mother.
Please deliver inclosed note about Pipe & if convenient get yes or no for me.
[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]
Porterville five miles from Palatka Nov 3, 1861.
My Dear Wife
I will send you these few lines that you may see the Pony has not quite finished me, I must own that [hole in paper] a little more stupid than usual but [hole in paper] Hotel fare, as some of the Boys had no blankets & shared with them & slept quite cold last night, & then some two or three had no blanket & had a colder bed than I did. I feel sorry for Mr Parker, he has nothing but the few clothes on his back & cant get any in Palatka & while I think of it you may tell Mother I send the Envelopes but there are no brooms in Palatka & I send the dollar bill as they would not give me the change for it, & I cant get a pair of shoes in the place unless I take red brogans. Tell Ben I cant get him any. I think I shall take a pair of brogans for camp use as I cant go without & those Willie give me will not last long in camp. I never have seen stores so empty in my life. We are in Capt Porters yard five miles from Town, where we have a good pasture for horses & a pleasant place for the men, I say pleasant I mean about as pleasant as we could expect. Friday night we had rain just after going to sleep & we got up & crowded in the house & roosted on the floor, I would give you a description of the house but it is beyond my ability & it would look bad on paper so I may give it when I can be with you, over some horses have just left camp for Capt Hopkins & a friend of his from Georgia, who are expected by 10 oclock. I am to meet him with the men I have in camp. The Gentleman desires to become an honorary member of the Company & will present us with a nice bugle. I think it could have been done some other day but the Capt made the arrangements [hole in paper] & I had to comply. We have not hird from the mustering Officer & cant tell when we will muster. We are recruiting some men every day & think we will have a good Company. I met the Darlington yesterday in hopes of hearing from Davis but did not see him or hear from him, but saw a letter to Mother & presume she will know by that what he intends doing. If Mr Symons does not come on Monday I want you to have the potatoes dug by the cotton & the hogs turned in at once & make Burrel get the four or five hogs from Welaka & if Symmons does not come by that time I want them to get old drive & hunt the Hammock for the rest of my hogs & if they find any they must go in a pen & be fed. I dont want the potatoes by the lot dug. Make Burrel bank them. I have a fine Mare which Cost $200 & she is only four years old & gentle. I intended sending you several things by the Darlington but they cant be purchased in this place. Mr Smith will send you one gallon of oil & that will last you with the other things for a light for some time. If we are mustered before Wednesday I shall come home this week, but write if I am not at home. I hope you are all well before this. Give love to Mother & the rest kiss Rosa for Pa Pa & accept many kisses much love from your aff Husband
Winston
P.S. If you get out of Beef ask Clark to get you some & I will pay for it, he spoke of killing a steer if he does you can get some of that.
Yours Winston
Nov. 4, 1861. I received a letter from Winston. Mother rec one from Willie & Davis.
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