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)