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 16^th. did not reach me until last Monday (25^th) 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. 27^th

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 1^st. 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 1^st 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?