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.