Dec. 4, 1861. Ben Henry & George went to town in the afternoon & brought me a letter from Winston, send by Frank Sams. I sent a bag of peas & potatoes to Willie by the boat. Ben & I wrote to Ma.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Camp Hopkins Dec 4th 1861

My dear Wife

                As the Duvall Steamer is going up the river to day I will write you a few lines & send you some of the Couviers as you are fond of them. You will perhaps see something in them that have hird or seen elsewhere. We learned this morning that Genl Trappier had arrived at Fernandina & had gone on to Tallahassee & as Capt Hopkins had written to Gov Milton I think it probable we will have some orders of some kind by Saturday.

                Frank Sams is the bearer of this, as he goes to Welaka to spend a short time. We are well & gitting good living so far.  Lt Gray is acting QuarterMaster & makes a good one.  I have no news of importance to communicate to you.  I hope you all are well & doing well.  We had a heavy rain night before last & last night it was cold to pay, but I sleep with Joseph Hopkins & by putting our blankets together we do finely.

                The steamer goes soon & I have to drill the Company so good by my Love.  I cant say when I will be with you love to all & kiss my Dear babe.  Your

                                                                                                Aff husband Winston Stephens

                I send you one lb of concentrated lie to make soap. By the rec’t you have good. good by & God bless you all.