March 6, 1862. Mother rec another letter from Davis saying the enemy had possession of Fernandina. Burrel brought a bale of cotton from Mr Priest’s. Heard the Mr Dean had returned from seeing Winston but suppose he did not bring a letter for me or I would have heard. I will go tomorrow & inquire. Rain again & great deal of wind.

[Rebecca] Mar 6, 1862.  Cool and windy in the morng. – Rain in the eveg. - Receive a letter from Davis saying that the Federals have possession of Fernandina - and that they are preparing for an attack in Jacksonville - Many families leaving the place.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Volusia  Mar 6, 1862

My Dear Wife

                I start this morning for Ocala for the purpose of procuring teams to transport the contraband property at Smyrna to some point of more security.  I will try to return here by Monday night or Tuesday & then I will come down to Welaka unless something transpires while I am absent to prevent.  You have no doubt heard the news - Fernandina has been taken, the Darlington taken, St Maryes taken, and the enemy landing on the RR and making for Baldwin, but our troops had met them & the fight was raging when the Courier left - I know their object is to cut off the transportation of this property & now if we cannot get off we are going to run it up the interior if we can & if not destroy it if we cannot keep them back.  I want you to be governed by your Mother - dont despair but bare up like a good Wife & I shall be true to you so long as life lasts - If the enemy comes when I am absent, do the best you can to save yourself, Mother, & our families, then all the provisions you can & negroes - you had better I think tell Burrel what is going on & tell him if they come for them to take to the woods & not come in until they go & tell him if they get him they will treat him worse than he was ever treated & I think you may trust him - tell him I want him to keep the others out of the way - let the work proceed until you hear of their approach & manage the best you can - Sergt Shed will bring you this & other particulars - I would like to come to you but duty takes me off -but knowing you as I do I go with a light heart so I know you will do the best you can and be content that I am doing all I can, love to Mother & boys & many kisses to my Dear Rosa & my own dear Wife, secure the powder if they come by burying or some way- good bye & God bless & protect you all.  your aff husband

                                                                                                Winston Stephens