Feb 28, 1862. Worked in the garden in the morning. Burrel carried cotton to Mr Priests, had a little trouble with the negroes.

[Rebecca] Feb 28, 1862. A fine day – Sew all day.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Enterprise Feb 28, 1862

My Dear Wife

                You see we are on the St Johns once more, I received orders at Smyrna last night & to night I am here - My Orders are to divide the company into detachments & station them at various places that I may think best & watch the river, & not allow the enemy to come up the river & surprise the party at Smyrna.  I shall station some at Volusia & some at Welaka & as I am boss I think I shall stay near Welaka - I suppose I will be home in less than two weeks - I have not received any letters from you yet, but suppose when the Waggon arrives I shall have one - Do send me a letter by the boat Monday - it is late & you must accept a short letter & I will write you a longer one next time - I am feeling tired as I rode from Dunlawton yesterday to Smyrna & from there to this place today.  Give much love to Mother & boys & accept lots for yourself & Dear Rosa. 

                                                                                                Your Aff husband               

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

Feb 27, 1862. Cleared up the house of the soot & rain from yesterdays storm.

[Rebecca] Feb 27, 1862. A high wind and no sandflies! Tivie and I busy about the house in the morng. – Sew in the afternoon – The night cold.

Feb 26, 1862. Mother Rosa & I started directly after breakfast & went to see Mrs Hopkins then to Tina’s where we spent the day. About dinner time a tremendous storm came up & Tina fell down on the piazza & was for a time quite unwell. Coming home the trees had blown down so thick in the road that we tried to ride around them & were lost for some time, but at last arrived home safely & found all right.

[Rebecca] Feb 26, 1862. Tivie myself and Rosa ride over to see Mrs Hopkins immediately after breakfast – found her already to go off in the stmr. Drove to Mrs. Stephens and remained for the day – A severe storm came up about 1 o’clk – Mrs S- had a bad fall. Returning found the road filled with fallen trees, and in avoiding them lost our road for sometime.

Feb 25, 1862. In the afternoon sent a bundle & letter to Winston by Sergt Mizzell.

[Rebecca] Feb 25, 1862. Write to Davis and Henry writes to Willie. A high cool wind which keeps off sandflies.

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]

                                                                                                Feby. 25^th 1862

My dear Davis,

                I was truly rejoiced to see your handwriting and Willie’s yesterday morning. It was a luxury to hold in my hand a letter of 4 pages! The few lines sent by Lieut Gray were recd on Sunday last. Burrel happened to go over to town, and Mr Smith happened to be at the store and gave him the letter. We suppose it came on “the Gov. Milton” which passed up on Friday eveg. and left a package (the long looked for) for Mrs C. Stephens. I am puzzled to know how the letter came to be stamped at Jacksonville P.O.

                All the articles arrived in good order but I am sorry to say Henry cannot get on the shoes and I am afraid to cut them lest he shd. not be able then to wear them – It is really too bad that you shd. be at the expense of buying two pairs of shoes, and having one half-soled for nothing. Ah. Ha! Henry has succeeded in getting them on – after finding that he could step in one, I consented he shd. cut the other and he can wear them with thin socks. The trouble is his high instep.

                From a letter which Tivie recd. on Sunday from Winston we were prepared to hear of Capt Hopkins death. Last eveg. just as we were going to the tea-table Lieut. Peterman and one of the Sergt’s arrived and came in to borrow the mules of Tivie as the horses in the wagon were broken down – Their Capt. died on Friday night. Winston had sent them with a detachment of 18 men to take his body to Palatka, where he had requested them to bury him, near his son John. These men had been travelling since day light on Sunday and it was eight o’clk last night when they left here to go to Buffalo Bluff and thence to Palatka in a lighter. They were to rest six days before returning to Smyrna – Winston is to remove to Smyrna with the company to-day – Hence forth all stores &c for the company are to be send to Enterprise and hauled across in wagons – Mrs Hopkins and Bella left the camp on Saturday and arrived last eveg. with the men. Mrs H- is sick from fatigue and excitement. Capt H- was not willing to believe he wd. not recover until Friday. He returned his reason and made his will a few hours before he died. It must be a great comfort to Mrs H- and Bella that they were with him. I suppose we cannot hope to see Winston for a month. He will probably be elected Capt. We hear that Lieut Gray went up to Enterprise yesterday on the Hattie.

                Henry has been writing to Willie, who I suppose will have left you before this is recd.

                Please read and forward it to him soon – Tivie sends much love and thanks you for attending to her wants. She wants to know if we may not expect another visit from you before long – The sand flies would be a great drawbacks to your enjoyment now – They are voracious that’s poz. We know very little about Smyrna and wd. have been glad of your information, suppose it is becoming important on account of vessels coming in there. Please write where Lieut Huger is and how you expect letters to reach “father” through him and Nassau. Your letter was a real treat, it mentioned several persons I was anxious to hear from – Remember me very kindly to Mrs Hewitt when you see her – Tell Charlie that Henry is a little piqued that he did not answer his letter – I am very sorry for Mrs Wilson and also for Mrs Maxey she has so much worry when they are sick. Much love to the Reeds and Fosters – and to Loulie when you see her. Am glad you wrote to Aunt Julia as I cannot this week. Whenever you see a calico or gingham that you this wd. suit Tivie please get it –Much love from Mother.

                Did you agree to take turpentine from Gardner and can you get it?

Feb 24, 1862. Mother received a letter & bundle from Davis, about supper time Lieutenant Peterman with 18 men passed with Capt Hopkin’s corpse. Lieut P & Sergt Shalley stopped here awhile & brought me some shells from Winston.

[Rebecca] Feb 24, 1862. A parcel recd. with a letter from Davis and P.S. from Willie who is still in Jacksonville. Tivie busy making pies & cake to send to Winston – I sew all day on sand-fly net. Early in the eveg. Lieut. Peterman and 18 men stop here on their way to Palatka to bury Capt. Hopkins. Mrs H- and Bella returned home.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens] 

                                                                                                Rose Cottage Feb 24, 1862

                Well my dear husband I have just finished my part of the cooked things (or things to be cooked), and taken my seat on the steps to begin my letter to you but it is so dark that I can hardly see the lines. I send the best I can now and if any man says any thing against anything you just give them a choking for me, I have worked hard enough all day to have everything better, but it cant be helped, you can tell them, I never knew any thing about “sich,” but do it or try to please my “old Man,” the cake & Pone look very rough, but hope they will taste better than they look.  I had forgotten that I said I would not send anything & wish now that you had not asked me, I am willing to do anything for you, but I never like to have anything I do go where there is a chance for it to be commented upon, well all I hope is that my husband will not think any the less of me because I can not quite come up to other wives, I may improve, I am young yet.  Burrel brought me your letter on Sunday while we were at dinner & I assure you I was glad to get it, the week was a long one to me.  I was very sorry to hear of Captain H's situation, but was surprised too that he was alive.  I have heard since that he was dying Friday afternoon, and suppose that all is over now. Capt Bird brought the latest news. I send you a mattrass & a sandfly net. I guess when you first see it you will think I have sent you a dress. Davis sent it up to day & Mother has been working hard on it all day but says I shall not take a stitch on it until this is finished, so I am scratching away at a great rate & hope you’ll excuse me.

                Just as I finished the above sentence one of the men of the company came in to get the mules (as they were passing with the Capt’s body) to go on to the bluff as their horses had broken down. after a little while Lieut Peterman came back with the same man (Shelly I think) & brought me the shells you sent for which I thank you. one man told Henry that he left my letter with Clarke not knowing he would see any of us in passing. Lieut P- talked so queerly that I could not understand when Mr Mizzell would go back so I will write this as though it had to go tomorrow. I thought he said not until Thursday, well then you will get a long letter if it does not go until then for I will probably add some to it. I declare I can not imagine that Capt Hopkins has been carried past here a corpse. Mrs Hopkins must feel thankful that she was with him at the time of his death.

                I am sorry to hear that you are ordered to Smyrna, for I fear the Yankee will be ordered there before long.  We heard bad news this week from Tennessee.  Fort Donelson was surrendered, but Gen Johnston had retreated about 15 miles from Nashville, & had rec large reinforcements of soldiers & inhabitants & it was thought there would be another desperate battle, there are several reports but that was the latest & I believe the most true.

                The barrel of syrup came this morning, Burrel brought 2 sacks & part of a sack of corn over the store, I forgot how much you said was there.  The mill can not grind meal, the threads to the screw that tightens it are worn so that the screw drops right out.  Burrel has fixed up the old mill for a time until we can hear from you, what shall we do, go to Clark's to grind?

                Old George came from Ocala last Friday, he came to see you about his hogs.  I paid him a dollar as Ben had told him that you had killed some hogs & would pay him for them.  Tina recd a letter from Ma, I wrote to her.  Ma had a log rolling, quilting, and wedding for Mart in one day & had a great time so George says, Ma sent word to you through Tina that she could not write to you as her eyes had given out, that she had told Dick to settle with you, that it would not look well to have brothers go to court.

                Mother received a letter & bundle direct from the boys to day, the bundle sent last week was stolen.  Willie was still in Jacksonville - but he thought he would leave in a few days. 

                Mother sends love & says she hopes you'll have pleasant dreams under that net. 

                When you sent for your linen coat you forget that it was gone.  I will send that beautiful faded one, & all the thin clothes I can find. oh yes, I see you are paving the way to go to live at Dunlawten, fine land, fine fish, & oysters eh, oh yes all very fine, by the way if the box goes I will send you some eggs, I consider it a dangerous plan, but hope there will be no bad effects produced from them, (that you all may continue in the same health you know). I was taken sick the day after you left & continued quite unwell until yesterday, I felt much better & relieved. will you be home before the 15 of next month if not I suppose you will wait a week after that time.

                The mules have the itch & their hair is coming off.

                Well my darling I am very tired & my old limbs ache so I will go to bed, and bid you an affectionate good night, or would if I could.

                                                                                                “Latest News”

Dear husband, I could almost say really, for I have just rec a note from Tina saying Mr Mizzell was going to start tonight but cant carry your trunk, so theres an end to your fixings. Well I’ll try to send them by the boat, next week. I declare it’s a shame, but no use to grumble I’m in a hurry, as we heard the wagon was going Thursday we did not finish the net, & that the worst, never mind by sending on the boat will not make much difference. I rec you note from Clarks this morning. I send the caps in the trunk. Willie did not get any flannel shirt. I will try and send a letter next Monday. This is mostly about what you wont get. Much love to all. Your

                                                                                                loving Wife

                                                                                                Tivie

I send your key in this bundle, as I have one to lock your trunk.

Feb 23, 1862. Received a letter from Winston, Capt Hopkins still very sick. Mother received one from Willie which should have come last Monday.

[Rebecca] Feb 23, 1862. Warm – Sandflies plenty. Receive a few lines from Willie dated a week ago – A letter from Winston gives very little hope of Capt. Hopkins recovery. Service with the negroes.

Feb 22, 1862. Tina & Minnie spent the day with us.

[Rebecca] Feb 22, 1862. Very pleasant. The inauguration of Jefferson Davis as President of the Con. States for 6 yrs. takes place to-day. Mrs Stephens & Minnie passed the day with us.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Dunlawton Feb 22, 1862

My Dear Wife

                Our Capt died last night at 11 oclock.  Poor Man he suffered very much for about three hours before his death, but the last few moments he was easy & died without a struggle.  he was in his mind up to the last & made his will just before he died but I think Mrs H is dissatisfied as she says he gave some of her property to the children - he gave her Felix & Wife & the two youngest - & Miss Bella, Harriet, & Henry, small Frank, & Joseph, John Bull, then he wanted his debts paid & what was left divided between Bella, Henry, & Joseph, except the lots - those he wanted for the use of Mrs H.  I will go to Smyrna next week.  you may keep the shot gun & shot but send other things.  The waggon will not start back here before Thursday - I send Lt Peterman with a detachment of men to bury Capt H & they will take him to Palatka.

                I am quite well - I send you some shells, send the bag back -Your aff husband

                                                                                                Winston

Feb 21, 1862. Daddy George came from Ocala to see about his hogs. I sent a letter by him to Ma. Hard rain after supper.

[Rebecca] Feb 21, 1862. Cool and pleasant in the morng. Another heavy rain after tea.

Feb 20, 1862. Henry went to town in the morning to get a peck of corn from the store. Hard rain after supper.

[Rebecca] Feb 20, 1862. Very warm in the morng. – A heary rain comes on after tea.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Dunlawton  Feb 20, 1862

My dear wife

                I arrived here about 4 oclock on Tuesday & found Capt Hopkins very sick & not expected to live until the next morning, but he is with us yet & at this time I think him better than when I first arrived. We are working night & day for him & although Dr Holmes says there is no hope for him, I think it is possible for him to recover. When he gets up to stool he is able to stand & help himself a great deal & is rational all the time when aroused or clearly awake – sometimes when he is partly asleep he talks at random but not otherwise – but when I arrived his mind did not appear so clear as it does now & the change to day is rather for the better or merely a temporary change before dissolution but I think & hope it is a permanent chance for the better - poor man!  He is so very much reduced in flesh - he gets up to stool from four to five times a day & it is very dark and offencive.  We are using injections of gumerabic & the blisters have drawn well & we give him brandy in boiled milk & arrow root & the Dr says that is all that keeps him alive.

                I send the waggon home & I want burrel to haul the manure out & plant the old field corn as soon as possible - fix up my trunk blankets & if you can fix me up a small matras & musquito bar I will thank you as we are ordered to Smyrna & they are bad there, also send the box with fixings if convinient, send every thing over to Welaka as soon as you can get them ready & Sergt Mizell will bring them down.  I cant return now & dont know when I can.  We have been ordered to Smyrna to cooperate with Maj Barnwell with the work he has to perform & we will go up as soon as the Capt's condition will permit.  I sent 20 dollars to Col Deval & wrote him to send me a barrel of syrup and hope you will get it by Mondays Boat.  has Mother heard from the boys yet & why is it she has not rec'd letters by the last two mails?  I rode out yesterday to kill a deer & killed a very large Panther but no deer - the men have no meat and I went on their account & to day I have sent out for some pork.  I am suffering so much for want of thinner clothing - ask Clark to see Mr Tuton & try & get enough goods to make a pair of pants - send my light linnin coat & vests. We have just had a rain – but no sand flies or Musquitoes here – but the finest lands & finest fish oysters, oranges &c. I will ad a P.S. in the Morning.

                                                                                                Your loving Husband

love to Mother, boys & many kisses to my Darling babe & all you want for yourself.

                                                                                                Winston Stephens 

Dont forget to send my old shoes - & send my shot gun the goasd of buck shot about one pound of small shot & if Davis sends the caps send me the Water proof & one box of the others. send the trunk key in the letter as I had as soon not have a trunk in camp as to have one & no key – When Burrel goes over with the things ask Mr Smith to send the corn I told him which was my rations. PS The Capt was not quite so well during the night & if he is no better soon he cant hold out long. I sent last night to Augustus after Dr Peck, but fear he will do no good as he cant arrive before before Monday - Send the Sword in my bedding -Much love to all - Yours Very truly

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

Feb 19, 1862. Nothing of much importance.

[Rebecca] Feb 19, 1862. Very warm – Tivie and self sewing busily all day – Nothing new.

Feb 18, 1862. In the morning Mother wrote letters. I scrubbed the orange trees with sand.

[Rebecca] Feb 18, 1862. Very warm – Write to Davis in the morning. Tivie washing Oranges trees.

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant]    

                                                                                                Rose Cottage, Feb 18, 1862

My dear Davis,

                I am on the verge of desperation! Not a line from anyone this week again! My last letter from Jacksonville yours of the 31^st ult. when Willie was recovering from his sickness. I wrote to you last week, but do not know whether you recd. my letter, therefore will repeat that the dish pan and plough-points came safely to hand but Henry’s shoe and small articles were not with them and as no letter came, we thought there might have been a package stolen. I was glad to see Willie’s handwriting on B & C’s card, as it was presumptive evidence that he was again able to attend to business.  In my letter last week, I inclosed one to yr father, but after it was mailed, Winston saw in a Chstn. Courier that the new Secy. of War, had forbidden letters being sent from the South to any persons except the prisoners of war at Washington.  So it seems we are to be again cut off from all communication with yr father. I hope however that there may have been one from him on its way before this order was issued and that I shall hear that you have recd. an answer to yours, if I ever get another letter from you. If your letters have been sent by mail, would it not be advisable to write to the P. Master at Palatka about the matter? If sent by private individuals may they not have been dropped in the P.O. and detained there because not prepaid?

                Winston left us yesterday morng. for his camp at Dunn Lawton.  On Sunday, about sunrise, a man arrived who had been sent with Josie Hopkins, express for his Mother to go to his father, who was very ill and the physician attending him had very little hope of his recovery.  The man who came here said that he did not think they would find the Capt. alive on their return, he was so entirely reduced by dysentery which he had before he left here, as to be unable to raise himself, and was most of the time delirious. This is the second or third attack he has had since the company was formed, and his constitution is so much broken down. I think there is but a slender chance for his resuscitation – Mrs Hopkins, Bella and Josie left on Sunday afternoon, the ladies riding in Mr Stephens’ cart to the Priest settlement where they were to get a buggy. Josie and the man who came with him went in on horseback, and I believe they got a pony from Gardner for Frank Samms to ride. If Capt Hopkins is better, Winston will return with the wagons and be here next Sunday, if not, he will be obliged to remain with the company. Lieut. Gray is expected back this week and I suppose will remain here until Winston returns, to attend to the loading of the wagons. Have you heard from Aunt Julia since Munro went and did she receive the picture safely? I shall write to her next week, if nothing occurs to prevent.

                We heard through Mr Smith that Mrs Latham has a serious hemorrhage on Sunday morng. The misunderstanding between her and the Hopkins family was all made right as soon as the letter returned from Jacksonville, and they are now as intimate as ever.

                Last week I wrote for some material to make a sand fly net for Winston to take with him and also for a box of waterproof caps and one or two G.Ds for him. Mrs C. Stephens wrote by Mr Halliday to Mrs Fleming, and sent money for some purchases she has recd. no reply – If you shd. happen to see either Mr or Mrs F- it would be well enough to mention it. Remember me to both Mrs Maxey’s – I am anxious to hear again from Kate Wilson. love to the Fosters. And as much as you can endure for yourself and Willie from

                                                                                                Mother

Tivie & boys send much love. Henry is almost barefooted Sand flies are numerous.

Burrel wishes to know how much the repairs on his watch will cost, so that he can send the money for it.  Willie carried it down with him.

Feb 17, 1862. Winston started as soon as he finished breakfast for Dunlawton (or camp). Henry & George went to town for the mail, no letters from Davis or anyone, brought a hat for Winston (palmetto),

[Rebecca] Feb 17, 1862. Clear and warm. Winston leaves immediately after breakfast for Dunn Lawton. H & G go to town for mail and bring nothing but newspapers! I am nearly disheartened.

Feb 16, 1862.  Before we were dressed in the morning a Mr Donaldson came from camp Dunlawton saying that Capt Hopkins was so sick that he & Josey had come for Mrs Hopkins.  After breakfast Winston went to Mrs Hopkins to help her arrange to start. returned just before dinner.

[Rebecca] Feb 16, 1862. A warm morning. Winston receives intelligence that Capt. Hopkins is very ill and his wife is sent for. W- goes to town to see her. Rain and a cool wind in the evening – Retire early.

Feb 15, 1862. Winston went to town again to load two more wagons gone all day.

[Rebecca] Feb 15, 1862. Feb 15, 1862. Very high wind which keeps off sandflies in the morng. – Quite warm after dinner and sandflies plenty – Sew after tea until quite late.

Feb 14, 1862, Very warm, Winston finished mending the buggy. I made soap. Sandflies pretty bad.

[Rebecca] Feb 14, 1862. Quite warm Winston completes the repairs on the buggy – Tivie made soap. Sand flies very troublesome again.

Feb 13, 1862.  Winston started before day & went turkey hunting with Mr Duncan Dykes & returned before 8 o'clock with a turkey weighing 23 lbs.  After breakfast he went back to town to load the waggons for camp, his waggon went also.  I sent some of the turkey & c for his dinner over to him, he did not return until after tea as he had been hunting with Clark & C- killed a deer.

[Rebecca] Feb 13, 1862. A fine day. Winston left home before daylight and returned with a turkey before 8 o’clk. The turkey weighted 23 lbs.

Feb 12, 1862. Winston went to town in the morning to a boat with soldiers provisions, back to dinner.

[Rebecca] Feb 12, 1862. Weather milder. The mail went down by the Sumter.

Feb 11, 1862. Very cold rains Winston went to town in the afternoon to give the men their rations.

[Rebecca] Feb 11, 1862. Write letters to send to P.O. – Very cold all day. commence a sock for George after tea.

Feb 10, 1862. Winston went for the mail in the morning, he rec one letter from Ma. none from Willie & Davis but some things (dish pan &c) came from them. Henry went to Mr Gardner’s got some flower cuttings.

[Rebecca] Feb 10, 1862. A cold rain. No letters from any one! Tivie receives some articles sent for from Jacksonville.

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant] 

                                                                                                Rose Cottage  Feb 10, 1862

My dear Davis,

                The dish pan & plough-points came to hand this morng. but no letter or shoe - I am disposed to think that a letter, and perhaps nutmegs were put in the shoe or shoes, and were stolen off the Boat – Winston examined the string attached to the plough-points and thinks something had been cut from it.  Nothing is heard from Mr Mims on the letters he had charge of – Winston says there is a man of that name that runs the Emma White (not the Burt as you wrote) and enquired about him of Mr Smith, who says the Emma has not been up the river but once for a month and then Capt Mims was not on her - My disappointment in getting no letters from any one to-day has given me the dumps.  It seems an age to wait until next Monday. I have written your father, and enclose it for you to send, according to the directions copied from the Couier – Via Norfolk and Flag of truce. I hope you have written him before this.

                I noticed the pan was directed in Willie’s handwriting on B & C’s card, and from that infer that he was at the store again on Saturday. I hope this sudden change in the weather will not bring a return of his rheumatism. I am very glad to have it cool for the sand flies on Friday and Saturday gave us fits.

                Tuesday morng. I found yesterday that Winston was not going to town until this afternoon and therefore laid my letter aside to finish this morng. hoping to find some thing worth writing. We are all pleased with the change in the weather, especially for two reasons, it enabled Winston to kill another pig thereby giving us some fresh meat and has frozen up the sandflies for a time.  I declare!  I have had an adventure since I wrote.  We all went to pass Thursday at Mrs Stephens' having Winston's horse to pull the buggy - coming home Winston stood on the back of the buggy and drove.  The horse is not accustomed to going in harness and it is difficult to make him turn his body enough to clear the trees - when about a quarter of a mile from Mrs C- Stephens', trotting briskly, we came to a sudden turn and between two trees and Winston could not bring the horse round quick enough to avoid the right hand one, consequently we smashed in to it and broke both shafts and split the swingle-tree!  We expected every moment the horse would kick, but he stood perfectly quiet when Winston spoke to him and Tivie, Rosa & I remained in the buggy until the harness was all taken off – then Winston took Rosa, Tivie led the horse and we all walked home. Winston thinks he can make two shafts and repair the damage so that it will carry us to town. He expects to stay here until the wagons go again to Smyrna (or thereabouts) and return – probably until a fortnight from to-day. Some of them came last eveg. they left Capt Hopkins quite sick but better than the day before they started.

                Tivie is writing to Loulie – Winston wishes you to send him a box of waterproof caps, and two of the G. Do if they are not expensive, also an almanac for /62 if it is to be had. If you can get material for a sand fly net, please send enough to make one for Winston – you will not complain any more that we do not send for any thing. I think – I am glad you have had a little dancing to enliven you, of late – it was a shame Willie could not attend either of the parties – I imagine he has returned to camp yesterday or to-day – it will be hard for him to return to camp-life after so long a visit in town and country. Much love to him and also for yourself from all of us -

                                                                                                Mother

Feb 9, 1862. Rain. In the afternoon our Sunday meeting of the negroes. Lewis & Willie did not go home on account of rain.

[Rebecca] Feb 9, 1862. Very warm in the morng. Clouds gather about noon and a steady cold rain sets in before night. Service with the negroes, in the afternoon.

Feb 8, 1862. Tina & Minnie spent the day with us. Winston went hunting in the morning with Clark Mr Smith &Frank Sams. Clark came home with him to dinner. they did not kill any thing. Henry & George went over & spent the day with Clark’s boys & they came home with them to stay till Sunday afternoon.

[Rebecca] Feb 8, 1862. Mrs. Stephens & Minnie pass the day here – Mr S- & Winston hunt in the swamp – return after dinner without any game – Sandflies bad.

Feb 7, 1862. In the afternoon Winston went to hunt a wild hog but got none. Henry & I burned off the grass in the yard.

[Rebecca] Feb 7, 1862. A warm day. Winston begins to repair the buggy. The boys & Tivie burn the yard.

Feb 6, 1862. Mother, Winston, Rosa & I spent the day with Tina, coming home the buggy broke so that we had to walk most all the way home. Mrs. Hopkins & Bella came to Tina’s also after dinner.

[Rebecca] Feb 6, 1862. Cloudy or warm We pass the day at Mrs Stephen’s and returning break the buggy and walk home. Mrs. Hopkins & Bella at Mrs. S-‘s in the afternoon.

[Rebecca] Feb 4, 1862. Write letters all the morng. – Read newspapers in the afternoon. Rain all the eveg.

Feb 5, 1862. Winston went to town in the afternoon.

[Rebecca] Feb 5, 1862. Weather pleasant. Sew most of the day.

Feb 3, 1862. Winston went to town before breakfast to give the company the rations & was gone all day. Henry & George went in the morning for the mail, but came back to dinner saying no boat had come, but Winston brought letters from Davis, Lou, & Julia. Rosa did not have fever. Winston received letters from Jessup & Dr Heard.

[Rebecca] Feb 3, 1862. Warm again – No mail until late in the afternoon. Letter from Davis – also one from Julia A. Bryant – Learn from Davis that Willie has been sick, but is better. Rosa missed her fever to-day.

Feb 1, 1862. Rosa had fever. George came home in the afternoon & Lewis with him.

[Rebecca] Feb 1, 1862. warm & cloudy Rose has fever again this afternoon. The “Hattie” comes down about 8 o’clk P.M.

Feb 2, 1862. Rose had fever again.

[Rebecca] Feb 2, 1862. Cooler with prospect of rain. Rosa has fever all the forenoon – Read Rev. F.W. Robertson’s lectures most of the day with much interest.