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