New Years Day, 1862. Willie left us just after breakfast to return to his camp at the Bar, I sent a letter to Winston and Cousin Julia.

[Rebecca] Jan 1, 1862.  at Rose Cottage, Willie left us this morng. at 8 o'clk having been with us 9 dys.  Our family now consists only of Tivie, Henry, Georgie, myself and Rosa ‑ The year has opened with bright sunshine, quite a contrast to our national affairs and domestic prospects.  Memory has been busy with the past all day and sad thoughts have intruded themselves in spite of all my efforts.

[Julia Fisher to her nephew Davis Bryant]

                                                                                                Thomasville Jany. 1^st 1862.

Dear Davis,

                My first letter in the new Year is to you, may it find you well, & as happy as we can hope to be these times!

                Mr. Edward Remington will bring you this. You will remember him as the near friend of Paris. and also an acquaintance of Willie’s and will be glad to meet him. I should have written more at length, but company all day, & many other cares prevented. Mimoe will tell you any thing you may care to know. I have Andrew & Alfred on hand yet, negroes hire low, & are very plenty this year. I hope to manage somehow, & meantime hope & work on. If I should fail in doing all I hope it will not be surprising, when men feel they can hardly get along. I hope you may find your situation profitable & permanent. I hope too Richard & Lou may get along comfortably & pleasantly. I will just put in a few lines to your Mother, which please send. All well here, love to Willie in abundance.

                                                                                                Yours with truest affection,

                                                                                                Aunt Julia.