[Rebecca] March 31, 1862.  Very warm.  Write letters to Willie and to Julia to send by Winston who leaves in the morng. for Tallahassee. Sandflies bad!

March 28, 1862. In the afternoon Winston & I went to Clark’s, Georgie went to town & brought Mmr Greeley’s horse. Mr G left for Pilatka. when we returned from Clark’s found David and Henry had returned from

[Rebecca] March 28, 1862.  Winston improving....Davis and Henry arrive about 4 o'clk, having gained some important information -The 3rd Regiment to which Willie belongs is stationed 7 miles from Jacksonville.  Mr Tydings has been arrested and is confined at Tallahassee...!

March 27, 1862. Winston up to day. David & Henry did not return as expected. Mr Greeley went to town in the afternoon but returned before night.

[Rebecca] March 27, 1862. Cloudy and high wind – Mr Greely here sick. Davis did not return this afternoon as expected which gives me much anxiety.

March 26, 1862. Winston improving. Mr Greely came over with a hard chill on him, was quite sick all the morning. Davis Henry & Tom started at 8 ½ o’clk for Orange Spring in a small boat. In the afternoon George went to Tina’s, she has sat up & was doing well. Sergt’s Shedd & Mizzel came to see Winston. Mr Greeley will stay to night.

[Rebecca] March 26, 1862. Much milder. Winston better. Davis Henry and Tom leave abiyt 9 o’clk for Orange Springs, in Davis’ boat. Wind high in the afternoon.

March 25, 1862. Winston still in bed but a little better. some of the men of his company came to see him in the morn. In the afternoon Mr Greely came & stayed sometime. Davis went hunting one squirrel & a duck.

[Rebecca] March 25, 1862. Still cold – Winston but little better, not able to sit up until eveg.

March 24, 1862.  Winston in bed.  Davis went to town in the morning thinking of going to Dunn's Creek with the company, but the company did not go.  Lieut Gray & Peterman came to see W.  also several men through the day.  One man sent him a quarter of venison. Just as we were sitting down to supper 2 boys came with a note from Mr Greely saying he was sick at Pilatka.

[Rebecca] March 24, 1862. Winston confined to his bed, taking medicine. Very cold and windy until after midnight when the wind subsides and a heavy frost falls.

March 23, 1862.  Winston quite unwell.

[Rebecca] March 23, 1862. Winston very unwell. The day cold and blustering.

March 22, 1862.  Winston came last night after all had gone to bed. After breakfast Davis came over in the buggy & he & W- went to town. Davis went home in his boat & Winston & I came in the buggy. In the afternoon Winston and Davis ran bullets.

[Rebecca] March 22, 1862. Davis takes the buggy over to Mr Stephens’ and Winston Tivie & Rosa return before dinner. Davis brings his boat which had been brought from Palatka.

March 21, 1862. Tina had fever. Henry & Geo came over in the morning & brought some milk & butter.

 [Rebecca] March 21, 1862.  Davis goes hunting in the morng. – H & G go over to see Tivie – Mrs Stephens has fever. Winston arrives a little before nine, having ridden 60 miles!  He retraces his steps to his brother's place to pass the night.

March 20, 1862.  Davis drove Rosa & me over here to Clark's in the morning in the buggy.  found Tina doing well.

[Rebecca] March 20, 1862. Davis takes Tivie & Rosa to Mr Stephens’ about nine o’clk. A heavy rain in the afternoon.

March 19, 1862. Mother & Henry went to Clark’s in the morning, just as they were starting. Willie & Lewis brought me a letter from Winston and one for Clark. In the afternoon Davis went to see Clark about my going somewhere out of the way of the enemy, concluded to have me stay at Clark’s. Davis and I wrote to Winston after supper D took the letters to town.

[Rebecca]  March 19, 1862.  letters recd. from Winston insisting on Tivie's moving back from the river.  The enemy have gone up Dunns' Lake to burn the St. Mary's and other vessels lying there – Consult with Mr Stephens and it is thought best for Tivie to go over the Mr Stephens for a time leaving H & G and myself here.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]   

                                                                                                March 19, 1862

My own dear husband

                Your long letter was received this morning. I might have had it easily enough yesterday, but suppose Josy forgot, for Mr Dean told Josy that I was Clark’s, & Mr D- thought it would be sent over by horseback or he would have brought it himself when he came at Dinner time.You can not think of the different plans &c we have had & thought of to day, at one time I thought they would send Rosa & I to Ocala any how, as you have such fears for me, but all think it entirely unneccessary & in fact "jumping out of the frying pan into the fire" for the enemy will go there next for they know that Marion is the richest place, and I said not go for we could not move all scarcely Rosa & I, as every thing is situated now, so as Clark is going to stay & be parolled if necessary, & he says he will protect me, so I am going there right off & stay & if the enemy come I will hide & they are not going to hunt me up.  Mother & the boys will stay at home as long as permitted, everyone thinks without being molested, if they come to burn why then they'll burn, but much quicker if no one is there, we will have to meet them at some place why not now have it over, do not think that I trust them, for I do not, & will keep out of their way.  I will be safe enough, for Clark will give up so easily that they'll not trouble any thing of his, we can not go to Ocala, & if your life is spared we will get together somehow & somewhere, so much depends our crop now nearly planted, and it is left to us, we will get along for awhile, if not why then we will have to do the best we can, going to Ocala will not help, but I think make it worse, oh if I could only talk with you, why did you not come yesterday, or the day Lt Gray got back if only for one night, the officers could have spared you that long certain, they'll keep you there as much as possible.  Why do you not disband your company?  I hear you have only one months provisions, & there is no governor I hear, Pearson's company have mustered out, do give up, come home, parole & let us try and be happy here for the present at least, the State will be conquered any how, so give up now as many others have had to do, territorial government will be better than none & we have none now.  Governor Milton took the State papers into Georgia & when he returned the people put him out of office.  My dear if you lay down arms now they will parole you all, think, do my dear.  Think of our baby & me, if you & my property should be taken away what would become of us, when if you should come home you might save all.  You need not talk of the defence of your home & country for you can not defend  them, they are too far gone now, so give up before it is too late. I fear it is now too late for I think they are on their way up the river now, we heard last night through negroes that two boats one the Darlington, had gone up Dunns creek, but heard there were 10000 men on three boats which you know can not be so, so no telling how much is true, they seem to be stringing their boats all up the river. I suppose that the coffee the enemy took was not private property, it was Government property. I have not heard of their injuring any private property yet, they say they will not, they have opened a store in Jacksonville I hear & selling flour at five $ a barrel &coffee 8 lbs to the dollar, oh I am so sorry you did not come on Mon until I was nearly sick, yesterday I was at Tina’s & had something to take up my attention but looked for you home when I came, each day I felt more sure of seeing you, but  again I am put off for no telling how long, perhaps forever.  I have tried to write in good spirits to you, for I had some hopes of our State's being saved, but now all that hope is gone, I tell you I am miserable, & I come to me, & let us bear what comes together.

                I think the negroes will run, then if the enemy burn why they’ll have to burn, all think they will not burn the house if Mother is here, be sure my darling they shall have nothing to do with your wife, I will keep out of their way, Clark certainly can and will protect me, & by the time, or before you get this I will be at Clark’s, put yourself as much at ease as possible, and take care of yourself & come as soon as possible. the State can not be defended, so give up now while you have life and quickly too, for things are coming to a crisis. I wonder if you think Old George is with us, he is not. I supposed you meant for him to stay in Ocala, but your saying let him stay at home & take care of the hogs &c I thought you thought he was here. no one has seen the hogs in a long time. Tina is doing nicely so is the baby “Charles Henry.” Our baby improves fast & looks finely, is nearly weaned, nurses only once in twenty four hours, that is in the middle of the night.  I will have to take some of the bagging for pants for the negroes, but I will not trouble you with that, I will find something to clothe them.  We do not know anything of Willie.  Can not hear from any direction, but from you. You do not say how many companies are with you, we have heard differently at different times the last account were that you had 800 men with you.

                You speak of our going in the woods & not letting the negroes know where we are, it is impossible & we are afraid to go far for fear they may cross from Dunns creek & find us.  No my darling I think it best as it is arranged.  I dislike to leave home but will as you have such fears for me.

                It is growing dark.  I have said all I can say. Davis will take this to Sergt Shedd to night as we heard he was going to you tomorrow. Once more I say give up.  I will take care of myself.  I shall hope to see you soon.  My prayers shall be constant for your safety.  Ever yr loving

                                                                                                Wife

P.S. I send you a package of envelopes, I had bought from Smith before you wrote, could not get any after you wrote. I have part of a pack. Mother sends her love and says she wishes you were safely at home, & that you must not be so much troubled about us. I have just read Davis’ letter and find it the same as mine only in better style. My dear I cannot destroy your letters.  I have them packed away as my choicest jewels. I have had my small trunk packed since the first of the excitement her in case they came to burn I would try & save a few things for Rosa & me to wear. Good Night my dear dear husband. God bless you & bring you home safely to us, your own

                                                                                                Tivie

[Davis Bryant to Winston Stephens] 

                                                                                                Welaka Mch 19. 1862

Dear Winston

                Your letter to Tivie which should have been rec’d yesterday did not come to hand until to day (this morning) and I did not know its contents until just before dinner, when I returned from an attempt to get some “fresh meat.” The tenor of it troubles me much, as it shows that you are in painful anxiety about affairs here, which, tho’ natural under the circumstances, (I know from my little experience) I now think is in a measure greater than need be. I am very sorry we did not get it earlier that we might have had more time to consider before writing you, or before it is necessary we should form a conclusion. However, our conclusion is nearly the same with the plan I had formed before. Your fears for Tivie, particularly, caused me to feel my responsibility greater than before, so I concluded I would call in other counsel, and accordingly went over to Clark’s to consult with him, as soon as possible, and have just returned with the conclusion that Tivie had better stay there with his wife until all danger is passed. He is to stay at home he says and will protect her which I have no doubt he can do without trouble, as I have no fear of her being molested then at all. And in fact have no idea she would be if here with Mother and the boys. As the soldiers are under no circumstances, allowed to go about at will, and we certainly have nothing to fear from any officer that would, undoubtly, have charge of men that might be permitted to go outside of the lines. Numbers of families have been more exposed than yours without being harmed. The case in Fernandina there seems to be some doubt about as the commanding officer at Palatka says, so I hear, and we should credit such hearsay if we listen to that of the other nature – that the matter was investigated and found – proved - to be false. And even if it was so, it was under different circumstances. Mother and the boys will stay here and protect the property if possible. If they cannot do it, I suppose no man, that are in our power could. If  the place was deserted I have no doubt it would be destroyed. These reports we hear we cannot depend upon, whether in our favor or against us, but it is of course wise to consider them and make arrangements accordingly. The report you mention about St. Augustine I had no heard, and after their assurances to Gov Mosely at Palatka (which I heard from a man who was there at the time) that they would not interfere with private property, I cannot believe it is as bad as represented. That they (who are civilized human beings) would burn corn of those who are under arms against them, particularly as in doing so they must unavoidably burn the property of others in many instances. The coffee was Government property and they took the negro to conduct them to the place where it was secreted, I understand they promised to return the negro, but have not done so, which, apparently, is a breach of the assurance, yet there may be some  thing in connection with it that would modify their offence. The negro possibly might not have returned when sent &c. I will not however try to exculpate them from blame in this case, as it certainly was an interference to say the least of it. The stealing of the chickens is what we may expect from them. Do not infer from what I have written that I am fool enough to believe all they say, or risk any thing of consequence on it. In acting for you here, If I felt that I was exposing any thing of your unnecessarily I would of course (and I know you do not doubt it) do otherwise by some means. But under the circumstances, which you know are very trying, and “peculiar.” I think I am right. If it proves to be a wrong course I will have much to reproach myself for, and have considered this in my decision. You may be sure that in any event I shall not forget that I have a Mother and sister under my protection (the boys I have no fear for) and I shall make any sacrafice for their benefit. I shall keep out of their way as long as possible, but if it becomes necessary shall not hesitate to make my appearance from any selfish motives.

                And now Winston I want to make a suggestion which I know will be hard for you to act upon, but which I should not hesitate to do in your situation, and which has been done by others, and others will be compelled to do, in similar situations, is go out of the State. It is that you give up your commission, which you can do honorably soon, if not at once. John Pearson, of Bangs Springs, had his company mustered out and disbanded, and I understand they were in Confederate Service. That would, of course, be best, and I should think might be effected. You have every thing at stake here and nothing to gain by persisting in your pursuit service (I mean of course nothing compared with what you can do here) and I think it is generally admitted that a man’s first duty is to his family. I wish you could see those arms safely away from Smyrna and have your deserts for the public service, but I         fear about all has been done that can be done in that direction that is thought prudent. You will of course be ordered away when it may be too late to do good here. If a man lays down his arms he will of course have the same privileges with any who are not under arms.  Being on parole is very humiliating I know, but is it not the best alternative. The enemy, we hear, went up Dune Creek, in the Darlington and one Gun Boat, yesterday, so we have reason to expect them up the river soon, and we have to make our arrangement at once. It would be impossible to move any thing or any body but Tivie and Rosa, and how, as we have no conveiances.

                I am terribly disappointed that you have not been here as I depended on seeing you before deciding what I should do in all respects and would give anything if you were here now, but will do what I can, and pray it may be for the best. I send a letter which as I don’t know where to direct to him. Take care of yourself and I'll try to take care of all here.  Yrs ever

                                                                                                Davis

March 18, 1862. Rosa & I spent the day at Tina’s, heard measles were in Welaka. Winston has not come yet.

[Rebecca] March 18, 1862. Tivie & Rosa pass the day at Mrs. Stephens’. Boys go fishing after dinner.

March 17, 1862. Davis & the boys went hunting. I had the old wharf pulled down.

[Rebecca] March 17, 1862. Davis and the little boys go hunting in the morng. – bring hom 2 squirrels and a duck – The weather warm.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens] 

                                                                                                Volusia  March 17, 1862

My Darling Wife

                Your short note was received by Lieut Gray - I was glad to hear you were safe & that the Enemy had not reached our home, but I fear we are not to be allowed much longer to call it so - I would give so much could I come to you now, but I cannot come yet, as the Officers all appear to consider my presence of great importance.  I wish I was considered of less importance, then perhaps I could go to you, & not be missed at this point - My Dear, Lt Gray tells me the enemy have been out two miles from the St Johns and that they had killed chickens & stolen some coffee & one negroe man, & they say they intend to take all the property of those that are in arms against them & I feel sure they will keep their promise & I fear they will not respect the wives of soldiers.  Several men joined them in Palatka who know me & know the position I am in & where I live which makes me uneasy on your account - Do my Dear go from home if they stop any where near Welaka.  I think if Davis could take all of you up in Marion at once that you could make a plenty of corn to keep you from want & let old George stay at home and take care of the place & hogs as well as he can & work some of the best land with his hoe - I make this proposition & you can do the best you can or what you all think the best, one thing I do hope & ask of you dont let them get near enough to insult you - for my sake go from home back in the Country when they come.  I had rather lose every thing in this world than to have you in their power - I will not trust them & I dont want you to trust them.  Mr Burrett from Jacksonville is with them & for them.  I had thought if you were surprised that you could tell them some fine story & keep them from finding out that your husband belonged to the army - I have just heard that they were burning the property in Augustine of all those in arms against them. If Davis will save my family I am his slave if he wishes the rest of my life - I think I shall go crazy if I hear of any thing of that kind has happened to my Wife. Dont be unesay about my safety as we will fight them Indian fashion & can have a better chance to save our selves. We are going to move up to Hawkinsville in a few days – One more Steamer at Smyrna but  they have made no demonstration on the land but are laying out side. I send this by Joseph Hopkins, who comes to ride an express if any thing happens. If Mother can sell the cotton she can claim it & dispose of it as they will steal it if they find out I own it & you had better destroy my letters and then they cant learn any thing from that source - I am coming home soon any how -If we never meet on earth I hope we may meet in heaven where there is no wars.

                Give my love to Mother, Davis & boys - & write every chance - Kiss Rosa for me & do try to be cool in any emergency -Your loving husband

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

March 16, 1862. Twenty or more men passed on their way to Volusia for arms. Lieut Gray was returning to Volusia, so I shall expect Winston tomorrow. Heard there had been 7 citizens of Jacksonville killed for refusing to burn the town [Octavia crossed out this last sentence and wrote above it “all false report”] In the afternoon I with Rosa went to see Tina, found her with a little fever, Mother returned with me.

[Rebecca] March 16, 1862. A high wind. Mrs S- not quite well. Tivie comes in a buggy with Rosa and I return with her before sunset. Davis’ cold very troublesome. A report came to-day that 7 men were killed in J-e who refused to sacrifice their property.

March 15, 1862. Mr Mac Davis returned with the mule before dinner & Henry & Tom went in the boat with him five miles below & crossed the river. In the afternoon Davis went to the store for sugar & to Clark’s for Mother but she staid.

[Rebecca] March 15, 1862. Still at Mrs S-‘s. Rain in the morng. – In the afternoon Davis comes over but I cannot return with him – Latest news from P- most of the families had left the town – Fifty Fed. Troopes visited the place and treated the inhabitants with courtesy, giving assurance that they will not molest families. We hear the Jacksonville is burnt.

[Julia Fisher to Rebecca Bryant]   

                                                                                                Thomasville Mar 15, 1862

Dearest Sis,

                If the news is true that reached us yesterday from Madison, I fear this may not easily reach you, as I understand the mail communication is stopped - we understand too that a portion of Jacksonville is burnt, and three men killed - (unionists) and last night we heard the town was in the possession of the Federalists.  We are very anxious of course, about you & Tivy, Lou & Richard, but more particularly about our dear boys Willy & Davis.  I should urge you to come up here at once, but you can judge best - You feel as I should if they came here (which is quite probable, as the cotton stored in our new large warehouse is quite an object) that there is no use running away, and losing all - I see no chance but to stand our ground, and trust to Providence - but though I could not oppose them, and would not unnecessarily exasperate them, my tongue should be palsied before I would ever say one word of concession - God help us to forgive them, but I am sure He will protect our cause, for we only fight in pure self defence - I trust our boys may get out of the reach of danger - I do not think they will trouble women & children, but the negroes may give you trouble - I feel anxious about Emma & her children, all of Mr Reed's family, but have my hands so full here, that I will not worry about what I cannot help – Monroe has not come yet, & Crease has given me some trouble, but I get along with them pretty well – If any choose to run off to the Yankees it is better than for them to make trouble at home, but you are very lonely & defenceless up there – I cannot bear to think of it – I cannot bear to think of it – I hope I shall hear something from you soon. If the boys think it best for you to leave, come here dear Sis, at once - You & Tivy & boys, & any negroes you want to bring -we can all find room here – I wonder Lou & Richard have not come already – I wrote you a long letter lately – I wish I had left some thing unsaid – This war now swallows up all other little matters –family troubles &c – Mother is with Caroline still – Paris has been in a little fight, but no lives lost – we do not fear Savannah being attacked now – we heard last night that Yankees were up the Altamaha – if this proves true, our communication is cut off from Savannahm, & it brings them pretty close upon us, but I trust we shall have no panic almost all our men are gone now, but the women need not be so weak – we must assume courage whether we have it or not. Our train ran off the track this week, & did not come till the following night of course every one was anxious & feared the  enemys had it – when it did come, poor Mary vowed she knew it was full of Yankees, & Dr. could hardly quiet her! Darling we can only commit you and your dear children, dear Winston included, to the God we put all our trust in - may he protect us, and especially our dear boys on the field – when I think of them my courage almost fails for their sakes - Yours dearest ever-

                                                                                                Julia  (do write)

March 14, 1862.  Tina gave birth to a boy weighing 11 lbs a little after 4 o'clock this morn. Mother went over at 3, I went over as soon as our breakfast was over & returned to dinner bringing Minnie with me to stay over night. In the afternoon H & G went to town & carried Mother some things at Tina’s. Lieut. Gray brought me a long letter from Winston. We heard from two or three different ones that the enemy were at Pilatka & while at supper Mr M Davis came direct from P & said they were near there & he came to inform Winston & others. also heard that Jacksonville was burned.

[Rebecca] March 14, 1862. I was called this morng. between 3 & 4 o’lk to go to Mrs C. Stephens – When I arrived found she had given birth to a fine boy – we hear after dinner the gunboats are at Palatka.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]

My darling

                We are well & safe yet, dont fear for us, but do take care of your self. I have no time to say more, Tina has a boy weighing 11 lbs is doing very well. Heaven forbid the enemy going as far as you are. dont believe anything they say if they try to fool you. Good bye my husband my all

                                                                                                yr Wife

March 13, 1862. Davis & the boys went to town & to Clark’s in the morning.

[Rebecca] March 13, 1862. Warm – The boys all go to town in the morng. and hear a report that several gun boats have got over the St Johns bar.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens] 

                                                                                                Volusia Mar 13, 1862

My Dear Wife

                Again I have the opportunity of writing you by Lieut Gray, as he goes to Palatka to make some arrangements for the safety of his family - Oh! what a dark hour in this our Country and I fear we have not seen the worst by a good deale - but I have hope even now when every thing is so unpromising.  I think our cause a just one & I believe that the God of battles will yet crown our arms with more & greater Victories & that the cause will yet prosper.  Nothing of a common nature can be achieved without an effort and some sacrifice - & in this great struggle we must suffer in proportion to the benefit we are to derive from the struggle.  One thing gives me more trouble about this matter than all others, & that is that this State is to be abandoned to the enemy & if true I fear we will have a rebellion in this State, as the people are determined not to go out of State & leave their families to the mercies of the enemy & fight for others and your good for nothing old Man is one of that number.  I will not abandon my family for any cause.  What I most fear is this, that you my beloved wife should fall into the hands of the enemy & that they might treat you as they did a poor girl in Fernandina.  A poor man that was left had a Daughter ten years old & the second day after they got possession three of the men took her in the scrub & ravished her & when it was reported to the Oficer he merely made them mark time one hour - Now if that is to be the rule I want my family out of their way - Keep a close watch and if they come up the river take the mules & waggon & dont trust negroes but ask Davis to secrete you in some place & he can furnish you with provisions as long as the enemy are in the neighborhood & let the negroes make a corn crop & next fall I will take you so far from the water that you will be safe.  I bought old George & want him to hire his time out to some one if he can until I come.  I am coming as soon as Lieut Gray returns & he will give you notice if the enemy comes up while he is below.  Write by every opportunity if only one line to say you are safe & well - Kiss our Dear babe & tell her Pa Pa wants to see her very much & ask her to Kiss Ma Ma for me.  I wish I could see Davis & talk this matter over with him but I want him to stay by you all until I come when I hope he will have some plan matured with Mothers help by which all of you may be placed beyond the reach of the enemy - We feel like we can make quite a stand here & very much depends upon me as Maj Barnwell has been ordered off & the rest have left the arms, but some men came I to day & we expect some others & I will save all I can - Lt Gray can give you all particulars.  Give much love to Mother & boys & accept your husbands whole devotion for you & Rosa.

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

P.S. get several pacages of envelopes from Moses.

March 12, 1862. Wrote to Winston. In the afternoon Davis & the boys went hunting on the river, brought 2 ducks & 3 coots.

[Rebecca] March 12, 1862. A little after midnight we are awakened by a messenger bringing letter from Winston who is at Volusia. He will not be here for some days. Davis and boys go the fish and bring home four ducks – My thoughts are constantly with Willie who I fear will be ordered out of the state.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens] 

                                                                                                March 12, 1862

My own dear husband

                I hardly know what to write & how to write to you my poor heart is so full of anxiety for you, seems as though I can not concentrate my thoughts on paper, do not think though that I have given up to the blues & dumps, but no one knows the anxiety I feel when I think of your situation, but as I can not better it I try to trust in Providence, and if any poor mortals ever prayed earnestly I have for your safety.  I know they are heard, & hope & pray that they may be accepted and granted.  Oh I can not bear to think that it may be otherwise.  Well I ought not to write this way to you, for your burden is hard enough to bear. I received yours & Ma’s letters last night a little after 12 o’clock Josy and someone else brought them, when they first hallowed I thought it must be you as I could not help looking some for you yesterday, but when I saw two men I was afraid something was the matter with you, until Josy said he had “letters from the Capt.” I tell you my dressing gown & shoes were on in short order, he said that someone would go back to you tomorrow, & not knowing what time they start will send this over this afternoon.

                I think you may as well give up & come home as to try & keep the enemy back for they have a very large force, Mr Lewis Roux stayed on in Fernandina a day or two as a sort of spy, & passed himself off as a union man, & the enemy told him they had 25,000 men, and 21 gunboats, that they expected a hard fight & came prepared to conquer all Florida & establish a territorial government. I suppose you heard that the Government has abandoned this State & the Governor has ordered all the regiments that are mustered into the Confederate service away from East Fla.  What is to become of us.  I think we will have to leave or be made Lincolns subjects. I forgot to say that Mr Roux left just as the Yankees began to find him out, but left two or three more spies there.

                I think we are safe enough here if the Gun boats come up for they can not see us from the river, & they probably will not come from Welaka here.  I think there is no fear of my being insulted if any attempt should be made I think whoever did should rue it, if they come we intend to be civil as long as they are so, Mother thinks she will not be insulted, that she is too old & she will be "spokesman."  We have taken care of a small portion of the corn & a barrel of meat, & the bale of cotton.  Burrel thinks that some of the corn we thought killed will yet come out, he is getting along finely.  I would not like to leave the negroes if I should leave, for it would give them more of a chance to be unfaithful, & if faithful I would not like to leave them. The Hopkins negroes got frightened the other day at something they thought to be fife & drum, & came running up from the Bluff. Burrel heard a “lumbering” he says while we were at dinner but waited to hear something more decided before frightening us, he thought it might be up Dunn’s Lake, & I dare say, for the St Mary’s & America are up there, but I did not tell them as it is to be a secret if possible. Mother send love & says “we will try & not be so frightened as to loose our presence of mind, & she has not the slightest fears of their coming here to molest us.” There were several families on the Darlington when she was taken, & they released them, & said they were sorry all the families left Fernandina, as they would have troubled only the soldiers, they have given it out generally that they will only must need it by this time. I did not notice it until a few days ago, Davis brought up a good deal of cannon powder & gave some all around to the neighborhood, thinking they could pound it but tried some to day & thinks it does not do as well as he thought, he brought up lots of lead too, & a small boat, I forgot to tell you about Davis coming. On Sunday little Willie came over with Davis dressing case in his hand, & a letter from Davis saying he had sent all his baggage, on Monday we heard a boat whistle near our wharf, & thinking it unusual I told Hen to go down on Jennie (as she was in the lot) but he saw no one so send him to town, & Davis came back with him.

                Tina is still well, I am astonished at her keeping up so long. Mary Fleming has miscarried at last, poor thing, this is the third or fourth time. there were several births &c during the confusion in Jackson- Mrs Smith (Sams that was) for one I think, as D- said she was sick from a jar rec by the collission of the cars as to have to get out at Baldwin & some thought she would not live. Loulie & the Hopkins are at Lake City. Poor Ma, I wish she was near me.  I dont know how to write to her. Our little darling is well and is now enjoying her “ta ta” she improves fast, I hate to stop writing. God bless my husband.

                                                                                                Your Tivie

[Davis Bryant to Winston Stephens]

Dear Winston,

                I have nothing to day in addition to what I wrote You by Peterman. We have nothing later from below, and my views are unchanged. I am very sorry we cannot hope to see you here in a few days, and am very sorry I did not know the Milton would return as soon as she now intends, as I would have certainly gone up to see you. As it is I shall try to get up by some means this week, unless I have reason to change my mind. I think we are secure here for some time. I don’t think the enemy will move toward Smyrna by the river. If they do they will bring a very large force, as they know better, than to go so far from the coast without a sufficient force to carry them back without risk. It is possible they may send a Gun boat or two after the Steamer they know to be up the river, and on them your battery may have some effect, though not as much as your small arms. Allow me to remind you to see that the gunners keep their thumbs on the touch-holes of the guns while loading. I mention this supposing you have no experienced artillerists with you, and because this neglect has caused a good many serious accidents. Don’t think me an “old Granny” for it.

                I think that in any event the folks had better remain here. I shall try to keep out of the way, but within sight of them. However I have no fear of any trouble before, in all probability, we will see you.

                                                                                                Yrs ever Davis

March 11, 1862. In the morning Davis Henry & George went to town & brought Davis’ boat. 12 o’clock Josey Hopkins & another of Winston’s company brought me a letter from Winston & one from Ma. W. was at Volusia just returned from Ocala.

[Rebecca] March 11, 1862. Warm & cloudy – Davis & H & G go to town to bring over a boat and other things – Davis fatigued and all stay quietly at home after dinner.

March 10, 1862. In the morning the boys went to town & brought the rest of Davis baggage over which he sent up. I returned Tina’s syrup & the rest of the rice. In the afternoon heard a whistle and Henry went to our wharf thinking Davis must have come, but saw no one, so went to town & Davis came back with him.

[Rebecca] March 10, 1862.  Henry & George go over to town in the morng. for Davis' articles - In the afternoon Davis arrives on the Gov. Milton.  Jacksonville surrendered!  The Confederate Gov have decided to abandon the defense of E. Florida.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Volusia Mar 10, 1862

My Dear Wife

                I arrived in camp last night from Ocala & found all well but considerable excitement - The Hattie arrived from below soon after I landed & brought the inteligence that the enemy were expected every hour in Jacksonville & thought it unsafe to go so far down.  Now my Dear I cant come in several days more, but will as soon as I get every thing organized & ready for the reception of the enemy if they come up this far.  If they come up the river & stop any where about you I want you to take the mules & get back from the river.  I dont think they will stop but if they do I dont want you where they can insult you & I will write to Clark to assist you in carrying out any plan to keep out of reach.  I am nearly crazy  to think of what might happen to you - take to the woods, any thing but disgrace by the poluting touch of those scoundrels.  We are going to plant some guns on the river & scatter the Company on the bank and I think if they will give us a few days to mature our plans that we will stop them.  I think if you & your white family could get back out of their way that Burrel can carry on the farm and make his escape when they approach.

                                                                                                March 11^th 1862.

                Mr Greely has just arrived & I rec'd yours & Davis letters by the Milton & now write you a few hurried lines as we are doing every thing we can here & I cant come - tell Davis I leave every thing to him & for your sakes not to leave you to come here - I think you all had better get as far back from the water as you can as I feel sure they will not go out in the Country.  I'll trust Davis & tell him to save you, Rosa, Mother & the boys & if he cant save the rest to let it rip - save all the provisions you can as they will be scarce, plant no cotton but all corn and tell Burrel to keep out of their way.  Oh how much I want to see you - good by & God bless you all - I will be careful & try to live to see you all.  Your affectionate husband

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

I feel better that Davis is with you - If the Enemy lands divide the powder among the neighbors & let them fight - if they wish.

March 9, 1862. In the afternoon Henry & Geo went to town to carry a letter to be sent to Winston & just missed a boat. Willie Stephens came over and brought a letter from Davis & dressing case of his. We heard that Jacksonville was given to the Enemy.

[Rebecca] March 9, 1862. Received a letter from Davis, with his trunk desk &c – Nearly all families leaving Jacksonville. Militia expected immediately – The enemy expected at the bar. Willie in good spirits.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens] 

                                                                                                March 9, 1862

My dear Husband

                I was very glad to receive your letter on Friday by Sergt Shedd.  I did not see him, as the boys & I had gone to Clarke’s to inquire about you, he left the letter with Mother.  I was glad to hear that you had gone to Ocala, & wish you could stay there until the enemy leaves these parts. Although I want very much to see you. My dear do be careful, dont think you must fight them anyhow, for you have so few men, what could you do against four or five thousand. I hear there are five thousand but suppose all those will not come up the river, too many though for you to manage. I think the fight near Baldwin was only a rumor, for I think the boat that carried you that news brought a letter from Davis which said they had possession of Fernandina, but we must not listen to any reports about their being at the mouth of the river &c & there was no chance of their having to leave Jacksonville for some days at least, he had only ten minutes to write but wrote considerable.

                We are prepared for the "Yankees" or rather prepared to see them, which I hope we will not do, I shall try to be brave but guess I'll be tolerably "skeered", for I tremble just talking of their coming, night before last I woke up shaking dreadfully I suppose from dreaming of them.  The negroes seem troubled about their coming, declare they'll take to the hammock. I suppose you received the letter I sent a week ago, if not the trunk for you spoke to Mr Dean about something contained in that letter about the negroes, & I am sorry you did, it would have been better to have keft it at home, for it will be made much more of than it really was, and now all is straight.

                Clarks family are all well, but Clark has the blues dreadfully so that he looks as though he had been sick, and yesterday 100 pannels of his fence was burned, and I suppose everything killed by the frost, for everything of ours was, we had ice yesterday and the day before. I suppose you received the few words sent by Mr Wall. I will not write much, for I doubt very much that you will get this, as some of the boats (the Sumpter for one) are up the Ochlawaha, two passed Friday night carrying cotton.

                Mother sends love & says we will keep a “stiff upper lip” until they come (the enemy) & then do our best. All is going on as fast as possible, but we are now where we were when we first began, as everything is killed, there is one piece of corn not yet up, if that is not killed in the ground, I went yesterday out to the new ground back of us, and you have no idea how thick the trees are on the ground.  The melons were just ready to run when killed. my vegetables at the house though covered were killed.  Perhaps Josy would like to know that Henry (his brother) is still in Welaka, or was on Friday, not knowing where to meet his company or what to do about the negroes. Gardner has made his leave, he & Miss Allen were to leave last Friday but suppose did not as the weather was very unfavorable. I limited myself to half a sheet, so as not to loose much paper if you did not get it. I shall send this to Sergt Shedd to send if her gets a chance. I have not yet received your letter sent by the boat. I shall expect you certainly on Wednesday, if you do not come before, but if you hear the enemy are coming dont come unless obliged to.  I have many more fears for you than myself.  Rosa is well and asleep.  Goodbye, God protect my dear husband is the constant prayer of your

                                                                                                Wife

March 7, 1862.  Ice. everything killed in field, very windy most of the day.  In the afternoon, Henry, George & I went to Clark's to see if I could hear anything of Winston.  When I returned I found that Sergt Shedd had been here with a letter from him, he had gone to Ocala for teams.

[Rebecca] March 7, 1862. The coldest day we have had this season. Ice in the piazza! We hear that Winston has gone to Ocala, will not be here for many days.

March 8, 1862.  In the morning buried some provisions to keep from the enemy if they come.  In the afternoon, Henry & G went to Clark's to see if there was news from Jacksonville as we had heard two boats had passed, they were going to Ocklawaha with cotton.  After supper, buried the silver & powder.

[Rebecca] March 8, 1862. Clear and cold. Busy with preparations to leave in case of a visit from the enemy.