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