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.