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