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?