Dec. 31, 1861. Henry & George went to town Lewis came over with a note from Tina. In the afternoon Willie & I rode to Clark’s & spent the afternoon. Tina had the toothache.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]      

                                                                                                Dec 31st 1861

My own dear Husband

                I was mighty glad to receive a letter from you this week for it seemed a coon's age since I had seen or heard from you.  I miss you more every time you go away; the weeks get longer, I dont get used to it one bit, why did Old Lincoln keep Mason & Slidell a little longer & let England challenge him, & let us have peace.  oh my hopes were so much raised when I heard that they were demanded & were not going to be given up, & that they would probably have a war, but as usual my hopes were blasted. I suppose you have received a letter from me by this time, you spoke of not hearing from me, you must remember that I had had no chance.  from something you said in your letter this week about “my being alarmed about what you wrote in your last.” I suppose that you wrote to me last week, and I did not get itl I am sorry you had such a dull Christmas, seems to me I have missed you more than ever since the boys have been here.  I am afraid you will be kept at Fernandina a long time & can not afford to come home often.  I suppose it will cost 12 or 15 dollars.  Willie says you might take two weeks in two months and then you would be able to stay a decent time with us, but that seems a long time between visits, but I suppose I would then be much better off than some folks, and may thank my stars if I see you that often.  oh well I will hope again that something will turn up or change the order of things.  I am sorry you are disappointed in the sum of your pay; I feared it would be so, & Willie told me of it after he came, every one must go for patriotism.  with so little I dont see how we can come out straight as you say, and I have been thinking lately of your horse business, and think worse & worse of it. the boys went to see the horses when in Pilaka & said “Pet” was a little sick I suppose you left the horse doctor with them, as I heard that eleven men were left with them.

                I suppose from your telling me to keep the darkie boys home, that you wrote me about some insurrection or some such thing, please tell me again.  I dont like this way of our letters crossing each other, and having to wait two weeks for an answer to any question.

                We have not had a very merry time but very quiet.  Willie is much more quiet than he used to be, I think him much changed.

                So you think the women worth looking at, perhaps by being in the service a good many will learn to appreciate their wives, you too of course, do you think you appreciate your good (for nothing) little wife, never mind you cant get one who would appreciate you more.  just now I heard a rustling & looked up and Rosa was sitting straight up in her crib, I went & laid her down & turned her over and she went right to sleep without moving any more.  when we tell her to call Pa Pa she generally says "Pa Pa don" she is learning to say "Ma Ma peas Ma'am" when she wants to nurse, & says "ide" for ride, Tum for Tom & pire for fire when Tom comes in the morning.  she has become quite familiar with Willie.  he and Davis take a great deal of notice of her and seem to think a great deal of her.  We rode out to the Pond the other day & Willie & Rosa amused themselves or each other by making faces, so for a day or two every time she would look at Willie she would make all kinds of faces.  today she saw me washing some of her potatoe off of the beaureau and she took her nightgown off the horse & a napkin and went to scrubbing the cricket as busily as possible.  Well I think I have strung out pretty long about her, but I guess you like to hear about her.

                I will not say anything of Mr Simmons as Clark (alias Tina) has written. I am sorry that the mill is to be a “bust” up, but Burrel says he dont care so much, for he will be put back, so much with the crop. he seems very industrious & trying hard to do his duty, but is greatly troubled about Jane. we have not heard from Mrs Bradley yet. Willie will go to the office in Pilatka again. we heard the other day that Mrs Bradley’s Amos was drowned off of a pole boat going to Jacksonville for things for a wedding for Francis.

                I am glad you had some good things for Christmas, I often thought of you & wished to send you something.  Tina had a fine dinner on Christmas.  Willie & I rode over to Clark's this afternoon, Tina had the toothache.  she sent over your note this morning.  I asked Clark before I got your letter to get me a barrel of syrup as he was going to get one & I thought you would take it, but Mr Tyner has risen again to 65 cts.  Davis says it is a dollar a gallon in Jacksonville.

                When did you tell me to bed the potatoes? the Hayties are decaying too. Our baby seems very restless to night. I hope it will prove to be only a tooth coming, she is not very fretful and has no signs of fever. I have not had any return of the chill & fever since the night before you left.

                I guess I must close, every one else is either in bed or going there.  this is a little better than the scrawl I sent last week.  I have been writing to Julie too.  Oh I hear that Mr Tydings & Lou are to be in Jacksonville this year.  Mother sends love and wishes you a "Happy New Year" & hopes the next New Years night you will be seated at your fireside, & your store houses & barns full.

                Good night my darling may the Lord grant Mother's wish.

                                                                                                Ever affectionately

                                                                                                Your Wife.

                I have not sent the shirt I thought it would cost as much as having some done up, have the calico ones washed.

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]   

                                                                                                Rose Cottage  Dec 31, 1861

My dear Davis,

                I send you herewith a daguerreotype of your Father, which was taken in the Autumn of /45 and was then considered a good likeness ‑ Both Tivie and I have good ones, taken at a later period and I thought you would rather have this than none. The socks may do for a while to save Mrs Maxey a few stitches. I intend writing her a few words to inclose with this before Willie leaves, expressing my thanks for her kindness.

                This is the last day of 1861 ‑ where shall we all be at the close of the next?  Echo answers where!  I hope you will not be disappointed in your visit to Mulberry Grove tomorrow ‑ A Happy New year to Mrs Reed & family and also to Mrs Foster and hers.  Your visit here affords us pleasant reminiscences and was I suppose a source of more gratification to us, than to you, as your stay was so very short in comparison with the trouble and expense you had in coming.

                I hope Willie has enjoyed his and think he has in a quiet way. Tivie sends much love and hopes you have recd. a letter which Winston mentions having written to you, by Henry Hopkins, on the 26^th. He wrote Tivie the same evening, was well and apparently cheerful.

                Write me next year, and accept much love from

                                                                                                Mother

Tivie says you must go and see Loulie as soon as she arrives and tell her we must have a visit from her this Winter certain. We depend on seeing the two babies together. Give much love from both of us.

[Willie Bryant to Winston Stephens]  

                                                                                                Rose Cottage  Dec last 1861.

Dear Winston,

                I have been here now 9 days enjoying the hospitalities of yr home, & have had a good time of it, but regret very much that you have not been here, as I counted so much on it; I was greatly disappointed on my arrival at J'vlle to learn how I had missed you, & that you had been ordered to Fernandina; & I expect if you could get off one of my old fashioned "swears" it would do you good, at the arrangement; but as you have left the "old lady" so well provided for yr mind should be as easy as any husband away from a young wife.  I am glad to see you so independent of Old abe; these times especially are farmers to be envied.

                I have knocked around but little, powder & shot being so scarce, & have spent most of the time with the women & children, but havn't entirely succeeded in captivating yr lovely daughter; she is hard to win, & very coquettish, I must say, & I think I am as usual the most struck of the two; she's a great girl, certain!  I have been over to Welaka several times & it makes me sad to see the place; I find Gardner about King, or trying to be; I have tried him for money, or to get a chance to cuss him, but of course it was no go;

                I think I would like to take the contract of "cleaning out" Welaka now, & if I should commence I would not leave many.  The "old lady" will of course give you all of family matters & general news, & I think from all the thoughts & wishes she expresses concerning you, you will get a grown person's dose of a letter.

                O, yr shot gun came up by the boat yesterday & is in the house.

                An old friend of our, & one of my mess, is now in Fernandina, whom perhaps you wd like to know; he was detailed from our company as telegraphic operator, he is not yr style but is a very intelligent & clever fellow; his name is Hatch. If you remain at F- & I hear a chance to get a job to go there, I will. I dont much apprehend an attack on F’da now; they must kow it would not pay; they would have a big fight on their hands at least; as for our post, I think we are unthought of, & despair of having a chance to “spread” myself there & truly wish I was somewhere else; if it were not for an alarm once in awhile I don’t know what we would have to keep us alive.

                I don't know what to think of the effect of this Mason & Slidell affair now it has taken this turn, & don't care much; if I can only be pd off now & then I am willing to "let things riss" awhile longer, I have recd but one mo's pay yet for all my services.

                Well, good bye!  If the Yankees come attend to them; I feel whatever may happen to us that "Divine Providence & Davis" will take care of the folks.  

                                                                                                Yrs alway

                                                                                                Willie

Dec. 30, 1861. Received a letter from Winston at Fernandina. Henry went to town for the mail. Willie & Georgie went to Mrs Hopkin’s and Mr Gardner’s.

Dec. 28, 1861. In the morning Willie and the boys went fishing. In the afternoon Mother Willie & I rode out to a pond two miles.

Dec. 29, 1861. [no entry]

Dec. 27, 1861. Willie went ducking with Mr Smith, did not come at supper time, so sent the mule for him & he was on the wrong road.

Dec. 26, 1861. Willie went to town in the morning. The boys went ducking in the morning killed five & fishing in the afternoon.

[Winston Stephens to Davis Bryant]

                                                                                                Fernandina  Dec 26th 1861.

Dear Davis

                I do not expect to make this long, or interesting, & hope you will excuse me for trespassing upon your time.

                I hope you have had a good time at Rose Cottage, & that all the rest injoyed your society & that you mutually injoyed a merry Christmas.  I often thought of you all & wished to be with you, but it did appear that fate was against it.

                We arrived at the Draw Bridge about Eleven oclock at night after we left Jacksonville, & remained there until yesterday, when the Cars were sent out & all day, we were movving & fixing up Camps, which you see occupied all by Christmas.

                Henry Hopkins will deliver this & if you can get me a pair of dark or black pants (I think your length will fit me) but have the seat more full.  I want a good article if you can get it, & a pair of No 7 Boots & send them by Mr Greely on his return from Palatka on next Thursday.  Mr Greely will call on you & try on the Boots.  Genl Hopkins starts up to Tallahassee in the morning for our State pay & I can send you the money soon or bring it when I return home on furlough.

                We have no news here of interest to you. The United States has compiled with the demand of England & will sent Messrs Mason & Sidell over in a United States Vessel.

                I dont think we are to have a battle here as it would likely have taken place before this. We have about three thousand men here with the Mississippi Regiment which arrived Tuesday & are now encamped on the main land one & a half mile from the drawbridge. Maj Hopkins took Supper with us tonight & sayed they had eighteen guns mounted & thinks they can keep back the Fleet of Lincoln if sent here.

                We have good rations so far & the men have behaved well but I fear the whiskey sold in this place is to be the means of considerable trouble. We commence in the morning to drill. We are to have a good drill officer sent to us by Col Hopkins. We have been temporarily attached to the 4^th Regiment and quartered with them.

                I should hate to stay here after the cold weather is over, as the sand flies & musquitoes will be very bad & I think the place sickly.

                We had a report here that Fort Pickens had been taken but I think the report too good to be true, but we hope it is so until contradicted. Give love to Willie when you see him & tell him not to let the Yankees pass up the River, as I want to find the family all there when I go to Welaka.

                I remain yours truly           

                                                                                                 Winston

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Fernandina Dec 26th 1861

My Dear Wife

                I have not seen a line from you since I left & I begin to feel quite anxious to see your fist on paper. I have just finished a letter to Davis, though short & uninteresting. I sent the letter to him by Henry Hopkins & as he returns in a few days & I presume I shal have a letter from Davis giving some details of his Christmas at “Rose Cottage” & hope to have a favorable report. I did want so much to be with you on that occasion, but it was decreed otherwise & I submit as cheerfully as possible.  We were ordered to this post on the morning of the 25th & the Cars were sent out for us & it took us all day to fix up camps, so you see my Christmas was not an idle one if not a pleasant one.  If I live I will see the next is differently spent.  We are now quartered with the fourth Regiment, Col Hopkins commanding.  We are only temporarily attached to this Regiment.  Capt Hopkins thinks we will not be here more than one month & if longer I can get a furlough of one week each month.  This is a dry & apparently a healthy place & I feel contented at present but the insects will be desperate here in warm weather.  Some of the Companys have Mumps & measels, but we have given orders for our men to keep themselves seperated & I hope by precaution to avoid these diseases.

                Capt Hopkins will start to Tallahassee in the morning to get our State pay which is for 26 days.  The pay in this service is not so much as it was in the old by about 25 or 30 dollars & I will not make so much by a good deal as I expected, my pay is $100 pr month but out of that I have to pay for my rations, servant hire, washing &c which will reduce it to about $85 pr month.  I shall be as equinomical as possible & try to clear all I can & if Burrel makes a good crop we will come out all right.  I hope you are not alarmed about what I wrote in my last but you know it is best to be on the lookout, keep those boys at home or about home on Sundays.

                We have about three thousand men on the Island including the Mississippi Regiment who are incamped near the Draw Bridge about six miles from Town.  Maj Hopkins took tea with us to night & told me there was eighteen Cannon mounted ready for action & they are erecting more on their batteries, he thinks he can keep the Yankees back or sink their vessels. If they land they will have a hard road to travel as the ground is favorable to our ambuscade we are to have the fun of whipping the Yankees at this place for these reasons ‑ 1st when Connant left here & went on to Washington we had no defences & he made a report to that effect & then was the time for them to strike but they have waited until we are ready to receive them & they know it & is hardly worth the lives they would spend in taking it.  The Blockader came up near the fort a few days ago and they sent some small shot at them & drew them on until in range of the heavy guns, they then turned one of the big guns on them & they were off in Bull Run time.

                I went out to the light house late yesterday & took a look at the Blockader & she looked as large as life but did not come in reach of our gunns.

                If anything happens worth writing you can write by the Sumpter.  I hope you all had a merry time this week with Davis.  We dont see any of the feminnie here only once in awhile & then it is good for soar eyes, you can see the men stand & look at them as far as they can be seen.  poor fellows I feel sorry for them.  You may rest easy on that score.  I hope when this reaches you that Mr Simmons will be at the mill hard at work & hope Clark will hurry up fast as I want Burrel with those chaps or they will not hurt themselves at work.

                Sergt McLeod who is one of our mess received a box to day full of fixings for Christmas, such as pies pound cakes sweet cakes sausages & all the good things too tedious to name & had like to have foundered myself to night.

                I give in the War Tax before I left Palatka. I hope you have heard from Mrs Bradley before this. Write to Mr Smith & ask him to send my letters here.  See Clark & ask him to see Mr Tyner & get a barrel of syrup & I will pay him the money when I come if at 50ct pr Gallon.  Give my love to Clark & family, Mother & family & say to them we are fat & saucy.

                Good night my Dear Wife & Daughter & God bless & protect you all.  Your aff husband

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

Kiss my dear Rosa & let her kiss you for me.  Direct your letters as follows                                                                                                                            Winston Stephens

                                                                                                Fernandina

                                                                                                care of Capt Hopkins

                                                                                                St Johns Rangers

PS the United States has consented to give up Messrs Mason & Sidell ‑ The Cowards

Dec. 25, 1861. Christmas day. Davis had to leave on the boat at breakfast time. Mother, Willie, Henry George Rosa & I spent the day at Clark’s. Lewis came home with us. The Dean folks were there & Mr Smith came just before we left.

Dec. 24, 1861. Clark & his family spent the day with us, this is his 39^th birthday.

[Octavia Bryant to Winston Stephens]       

                                                                                                Christmas Eve 1861

My dear Husband

                Here I am seated here to write to you instead of sitting by you here and having a nice time, you dont know how much I do miss you and more since Willie & Davis have been here, and I think that I could not hear from you by letter this week but I had not set my heart on hearing from you, from what you had told me. Last Sunday night Mother & I sat up for the boat, & at eleven o'clock woke the little boys & Tom & sent them with the mules to the landing and about one o'clock they came.  Mother & I went out and met Davis & went in the house & I began pulling out of the fire some potatoes, when I looked up and saw a big soldier standing in the door, and "to be sure" it was Willie, and when he came I could not help looking for you, thinking that if good fortune had sent him she might have sent you, but no I suppose she thought we would then be too happy.  Davis is to go down to morrow and Willie will stay a week with us they have wished so often for you, the morning after they came Willie looked around and said he wanted to see something that looked like you & I showed him your old straw hat.  Clark and his family spent to day with us and we are to go there tomorrow.  Henry & George went home with them this eve we drank your health this morning in egg nogg.  Mother has just said give her love & say we wished for you to day.  we darkies had a Christmas frolic getting the pig out of the big pot it was cooked to pieces, but it was very nice to the taste.  Burrel killed six hogs on Thursday the whole weighed 294 lbs. the blue one weighed 68. since then the black one has got out several times, I put in  with him as I could not keep him even in a new large pen, but the black one fought him so that I did not keep him in there many hoursm, he now stays around with the sows, which stay about the yard most of the time, we have the trough under the kitchen window for slops. Burrel killed his two pigs on Saturday one weighed 68 lbs the other less.  There was not quite enough beef for rations on Saturday & I gave a piece of pork weighing a pound out, and wrote to Clark to know the rations, he said 3 lbs to a grown hand 2 1/2 to Tom & 2 to Mose or Joe, as you give Burrel & Jane 3 lbs & Sarah 6, until I hear from you, what shall I do with the beef brine.

                Well my darling I dislike sending you such a mean letter but I must close for it is getting late, and I think Rosa is going to wake, she has looked so cunning to day in her new dress & sack I made and a pair of new shoes Davis brought.  he also brought her a new dress, & me some rice & a broom.  Willie and Davis send their remembrances, & said I must give their oft repeated regrets about your not being here.  No letter came this week from any one.

                Good night, pleasant dreams & a warm bed to night & a merry Christmas tomorrow.

                                                                                                Lovingly

                                                                                                Your Wife

[Davis Bryant to Winston Stephens added to the above letter]

Dear Winston

                I write on board the “Silver Spring” between Palatka & Jack‑e on my return from Rose Cottage where I have passed two days very pleasantly, tho not as merrily as if you had been with us.  I suppose it would hardly be necessary for me to give you an account of the manner in which we passed the time while I was there as you will have heard all about it from Tivie when you reach this portion of the sheet.  It was very unfortunate for me that I was compelled to leave on Christmas day, and so early, as we had engaged to pass the day at Clarks and I had in prospect another Christmas dinner to say nothing of the other pleasures.  I found every thing looking well and comfortable which is saying a good deal at this time. Little Rosa looks as well as possible but was quite shy and distant until she [?] before I left when she ventured from her shell and was very entertaining, and I was particularly sorry that I could not remain longer to enjoy her acquaintance. I left Willie there for a week longer. Under almost any other circumstances I would have staid myself. We were disappointed on not hearing from you on Monday after your arrival at the, probably, seat of war, though I suppose we could forgotten to mention the fact as will day, there was no letter at Palaka for you – Palaka we visited your Camp and spent some time in conversation with the men, who seem to be well satisfied and happy, but think they would be more so if with the company nearer the foe. The horses generally looked well though some of them were complaining or rather ailing. I think of nothing else that will interest you and as writing under such circumstances – is rather disagreeable to me I’ll halt, hoping you may not deem these few lines unworthy of some attention as some leisure moment, and that I may hear good accounts from you soon

                                                                                                Very truly Yrs

                                                                                                Davis H. Bryant

Dec. 23, 1861. Did not get a line from Winston.

Dec. 22, 1861.  Mother & I sat up until one o'clock waiting for the boat expecting Davis & not only he came but Willie too.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens] 

                                                                                                Camp near Fernandina Dec 22, 1861

My Dear Wife

                I take pleasure this morning to inform you that I am well & no one sick in camps.  We arrived at this place all safely on Thursday night about 11 oclock & found Capt Hickman to receive us & deliver us 16 Tents & poles, which is enough for our Company.  The day I left I got down to the flat before any one else & had it bailed out before any one arrived, & then had to wait until about ten oclock before we started over & it was twelve before I landed.  I then got on Pet & rode in Town as soon as possible, when I arrived I found Capt Hickman quite sick & the Company was to be gotton ready by ten that night, so I had to fly around at a rapid rate, soon after I arrived Ben & Lewis arrived & Jessups boy was waiting for them & I was called off & they got ready & left before I knowed it.  Ma wrote to me & I did not have time to do what she asked.  I am so sorry but it cant be helped now & could't be then.  They were all tolerable well but Dick had not arrived, & I fear will disappoint her.  To resume my travels, we left Palatka at 10 oclock that night & arrived in Jacksonville at 4 am & at about 7 I walked up to Mrs Maxeys & found Davis in the land of nod (where you know he was to meet Mrs M) I had him up in a short time & they (him & Mrs M) were surprised to see me but appeared glad & I think were.  I took a cup of Coffee butter & bread with pleasure & considerable comfort, after which Davis walked down Town with me & we left on the Cars at 9 AM & left Capt H with Mrs Smith. I arrived at Baldwin at 11 AM & had to wait until eight PM before the Cars left for this place & we arrived here 11 oclock.  We had our Tents all up & baggage & supplies stowed by 12 or one oclock & then I went to the land of Nod.  We are on the main land half mile from the draw bridge and I think six miles from Fernandina.  I like the place better than on the Island & in fact I like it better than in Palatka, only I would like to be that near you.  We have the sand flies here when it is warm & no wind blowing, but that is seldom now.  The object of our being placed here is to protect the Rail Road & the bridge as it is supposed the Yankees may attempt to land on the main & take possession of the Road which would cut off all communication with the Island & by so doing they could starve the forces into a submission, as they could at the same time blockade the water communication with their War vessels ‑ two rifle eight pounders are being mounted at the draw bridge to prevent the approach of Gun boats up from Nassau bar.  If we have any fighting to do the rail road will afford us considerable protection as it will make a good breast work.  If any of the Yankees attempt to take the bridge by land I think they will have something to do ‑ Yesterday I walked in Town to make my report to Genl Trappier, but could not find him, but left a written report at his office I was surprised at the size of the place & its general appearance ‑ I saw a number of my old friends from Marion & while at Capt Fletchers Camps we hird heavy firing toward Brunswick & it lasted from about 8 AM to 12 N.  Mr Eulee telegraphed to Savannah & they had not hird any thing of it there & sayed all was quiet in Brunswick when last hird from, some suppose one thing & others other things. I suppose we will hear in a few days. Davis will give you all the news about the bar & the capture of that vessel as I supposed at first, Capt S was not to blame as they could not see the Vessel from the Fort. We hird firing down that way this morning, but supposed they were practicing. We have 68 men here & left 15 in Camps at Palatka to take care of our horses till our return.  I wish I had known it & left Pet at home.  I hope you may all have a fine time christmas, and that Davis may not be allowed to have the blues while there.  I ordered my shot gun home & I want you to ask Henry to keep them all clean & loaded so they will shoot & tell Clark & you can tell your Mother but I want it carefully kept, but carefully watched.  I heard just before I left Palatka that six of Gov Moseleys negroes had been heard to say if Lincoln did not free them by 20th of January they would free themselves.  Now My Dear dont let this give you unnecessary uneasiness but I want you to be safe, & to be so, the guns must be loaded and Henry & George can do all the shooting ‑ Tell Clark that the men may establish a patrole & be on their guard, dont let the negroes hear of it dont say any thing before Jane.  I am not afraid of my negroes, but Mr Gardners negroes may take a notion if they are consulted, to join in the fray.  If I forgot to tell you how long to give the negroes give them from Wednesday to Monday morning.  I owe your Mother 5ct, as I handed Davis the letter & spent the money ‑ Give her & the boys love also Clark & family & I would be glad to hear often from some of you.  Kiss My Dear Rosa & accept much love from your aff husband ‑ Good bye & God bless my Dear Wife

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

Dec. 19, 1861. Tina & Minnie spent the day with us. Henry went to town. Killed six hogs all together weighed 294.

Dec. 20, 1861 [no entry]

Dec. 21, 1861 [no entry]

Dec. 18, 1861.  Winston left at daylight for Pilatka & Fernandina.

Dec. 17, 1861. Winston rec. two notes from Lieut Gray saying their company was ordered to Fernandina. “Toady” came & spent the day, he & Ben went to Clark’s in the afternoon. They will leave tomorrow for Ocala. Willie & Lewis Stephens came over & took tea & went back home after with Henry & George to carry Mother’s letter & a bundle to Ben.

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]

                                                                                                Dec 17, 1861

My dear Davis,

                I have written so much to Willie that I have but little time to devote to you ‑ and must refer you to that for all not contained in this.  I am obliged to have my letters ready to‑ night as the “Silver Spring” is expected very early tomorrow. And before I forget it, you had better ascertain from the Capt. when you come up, at what time he intends returning to Welaka – as we do not know certainly that his hours this week are to be his rule. We shall expect you between 11 & 12 o'clk on Sunday night ‑ I shall sit up in order to send Henry with a mule to make a fire at Winston's landing, as we find on refering to the Almanac that the moon will be just rising.  Winston says you had better ask the Capt. to blow his whistle about a mile below.  Winston goes early tomorrow morng. much to our regret.  He wishes you to ask at the P. Office in Palatka for a letter addressed to him and bring it to Tivie if there.  He says if you have time either coming or returning you had better see Peter Bennett about the War tax on the Welaka property ‑ Mr Mizell was in town yesterday and said Mr B‑ would be here to assess the tax on the 5th. Jany. ‑ it is to be paid, he thinks in March.  All property must be given in at the present cash valuation.  Tivie wishes a little whisky, not over a pint, for an Egg nogg, and says dont forget to bring your flute. Please ask Mrs Maxey if she has seen a dozen pattypans (for baking small cakes) which I left in her kitchen – Would like to have you bring them if you can. As to presents ‑ I think the most acceptable to Tivie just now would be 9 or 10 yds calico for a dress ‑ she has a handsome cashmere and others too good for every day wear.  The articles I ordered for Rosa are quite sufficient for her.  You will see by letter to Willie that Ben will not be here ‑ Neither Henry or George own a knife now and I suppose that is almost indispensable or considered so by boys of their age ‑ Don't get expensive ones, they will soon lose them.  These things with the order of last week I think will be as much as you can manage just now, certainly as much as any one will expect, and more too.  I hope you may get a glimpse of Winston on his way to Fernandina. Much love to the Fosters & Reeds and the compliments of the season to all friends – This is a poor return for your last - God bless you                                                                                                                              Mother

Dec. 16, 1861. Winston went to town brought letter for Mother from Davis and Aunt Julia.

Dec. 15, 1861. Winston left for Camp in the morning as the company have received orders. Ben went to Tina’s to spend the day. Winston returned in the afternoon to stay until Wednesday.

Dec. 11, 1861. In the afternoon Winston went to town & brought a letter for Ben & me from Ma.

[Willie Bryant to Davis Bryant]     

                                                                                                Rebel Hall 

                                                                                                Tuesday Dec 11/61

Dear Bro.

                The very devil is to pay in Camp this a.m. in anticipation of an order for furloughs to be stopped; the squad with a fur "detailed" go to‑day however, it is my turn also, but not wishing to go for any special purpose, & having no money, I have allowed some one to go in my place, trusting to luck to be able to go when I wish to; There is no doubt that the furloughs will be stopped, & it is hard & unfortunate, & I trust may not last long.  I will not be able to write Mother this week so please state my fears of being unable to be with her Christmas.  I have written Father, but The Pilot Boat has not yet gone out. I send bag clothes, which I must trust to you to get back as soon as you can, with them please be sure & send me some gun-rags. I am much obliged for Yr attention to order by Dock.

                No prospect of pay yet.  I am again elated at the prospect of state pay as I learn Judge Baker has really rtd.; God grant it!

                I shall not write Maggin by this oppt’y, bur send much love.

                I return Hoyle with many thanks to all Concerned. The sight of the St. Marys was cheering & I hope she may be able to continue; shd. she come on Sunday I will write again. Let me know how you get along, & about affairs as they stand, generally.

                We have not seen a sail since I wrote you, or anything else interesting.  This sojering is profitable eh!  4 mo's ago yesterday, I entered the service & have rec'd $32 ‑ & a little something to eat, for it; our rations are now reduced to flour & meat alone; the Coffee will be missed, sure.

                Sail oh! The Pilot Boat is at last off & is going out beautifully; good luck to her!

                The Capt. has had a slight attack of our fevers & is very charitable now; I think I told you of his promise of a big Egg Nogg at Christmas if we drill well. If Denny can lend me his oil stone again, or will sell it “on time,” so I may have it this week I will be tickled. More anon – Yours,

                                                                                                Willie

Dec. 12, 1861. [No entry]

Dec. 13, 1861. [No entry]

Dec. 14, 1861. [No entry]