August 30, 1862. Nothing much. No rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 30, 1862. A warm day. In the morng do a little ironing, read papers & sew in afternoon. No rain for two days.

 

August 31, 1862. Willies 25^th birthday. I wrote to Winston Ma & Loulie.

 

[Rebecca] Aug 31, 1862.  My dear Willie's birthday - God bless him! O! that I could know where and how he is to-day!  Read some of Mr Greenwood's sermons through the day – Very warm.

 

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]

                                                                                                Rose Cottage Aug 31, 1862

My dear husband

                I hope you arrived at camp safely at the time you expected, without taking any cold, for we had very disagreeable weather for two days, but hoped you were faring better, do be careful of your cough if you have taken more cold, we are all as well as when you left, Henry has a fat cheek from toothache & Burrell has suffered & is still suffering from his tooth and shoulder he went down to the Bluff notwithstanding on Thursday & returned yesterday morning, he started from here late Thursday as he had to go to Clark’s for beef & catch the hog that has plagued them as much it was the blaze face, we think, as she was wet that morning & the blk one dry, she has five pigs, while coming home one got away & we had it brought here but it got away again. I think the black one has six pigs.

                I suppose you are very anxious to hear of Simmons. I received a note from Tina after Clark’s return in which she said that she would write you about it by Mr Smith who was to leave on Friday, but he did not go & she did not write so for fear she will not write at last I will tell you what she wrote me. They did not make the trade as since Clark was there he had sold one horse & his black smith tools, but he offers four guns & his house & kitchen furniture & lots of other things that Clark would enumerate in his letter to you, & you could say if you still wished to purchase, I suppose of course you will say yes. I should like the kitchen things anyhow, & hope you will take all you can get of every sort. Tina did not say anything about his coming to fit the mill, & I have not seen her or Clark since you left.  their boys are to begin their studies tomorrow, & are to come Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays.  Mother spoke of it to me the other day, and said she had no idea they could make a whole day of it.  that she did not wish to impose upon you, I think it will not last long any how longer than the time for gathering peas.  Tina got six yards of the osnaburgs & paid the money for it.  I have nearly a bunch or bundle whichever you call it of factory thread and if you do not get the wheel soon had I not better have that woven? Seems to me I heard that one bundle made 30 yds, (or 30 pr socks) I don’t know which & I have over half a bundle.

                I received a letter from Cousin Lou last Friday, Mother received one from Willie & one from Aunt Julia. Willie was still at Chattanooga, he said the Regiment was assigned to the divisions under Brigadier General Saml Jones and was held in readiness to march at a moments notice and he supposes from all he had heard that they were to march on to Nashville taking Buel in their way. Our last paper says that Buel has gone to Washington & says he will not fight with negroes or for their emancipation. Willie did not know when or where they would meet Gen Jones. Aunt Julia had been to Savannah & visited all the hospitals (another lady with her) and succeeded in getting some of the companies moved to a more healthy place, & wrote a piece about the hospitals, & I don’t know what all, on her way she saw Mrs. Foster & Rebecca, but did not say where they were going, but we suppose you did not see them. Aunt Julia also met Mrs Latham & Carrie, & saw Uncle Lewis, Paris went home with her on a furlough, she was taken free at the hotel cars & everywhere, and received great attention, for which she does not seem to care one cent, her heart and soul are in her work. She sent her love to you as usual, & says I must be a brave girl.

                Lewis was here yesterday and said that Clark thought of going to Jacksonville with Mr Smith, how it is I don’t know, I am going to send this by Mr Smith, he said if the wind & weather were fair he should leave tomorrow, & I thought even if he was slow you would get this as soon as by the mail and save ten cents as I wanted to write to Ma & Loulie this week & 30 cents as one jump seemed a big one, though I write but seldom to anyone but you.

                You did not tell me anything about the Davenport house & Burrel does not seem to know exactly what is to be done. I believe he understands about the peahouse, but it is different from what you told me sometime ago, and Henry said something about a shed being put on Sarah’s house. Please write & explain all to me. Mother says please get her a skein of black or dark brown flax thread, and send work the price of that and the cloth. Willie is twenty five years old to day. I would like to know where he is, they were waiting for the wagon trains to come from Tupelo to move on.

                The way we happened to get the mail was that Mr Dean went down with the Gardner negroes, & the company would not let them pass, & Capt Canova took the darkies to bring the Milton down (so I heard through Willie) to take Capt Chambers company up Dunns Creek to go towards Augustine. I see by the papers that times are pretty hard in Augustine as regards living some have to do on one meal a day. I would think that mighty hard, for I sometime get hungry between the three meals & I guess their one meal is scanty. You left  your eye water, and I first thought of sending it by Mr Smith but thinking it troublesome to carry & easily broken concluded not to as I suppose you would get more from the Dr if you needed it.

                I guess I must close now as I want to write to Ma & Lou but fear I will not have time, if I find any thing more to say I’ll add a postscript. Rosa missed you very much for two or three days.  the morning after you left while I was dressing I heard her singing something & come to find out it was "papa's don dack if" & she sang it for sometime, & when she would hear the big gate open she'd say "dere tum papa" and I get your good night kiss from her every night.  she is now taking her nap.  Mother sends love.  I shall expect a letter from you by Mr Smith.

                                                                                                Very affectionately

                                                                                                Tivie

 

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Camp Stephens Aug 31, 1862.

My Dear Wife

                I have but a minute to write & must necessarily make this short.  A Dispatch has to be carried to Palatka & Mr Hires gets the chance to come home for a few days. I arrived in Camps all O.K. & found all in Moderate health.  But I have to write you bad news when I got to Jessups I heard of the death of Louis.  he started down to take Sweps place & got to Jessups & stoped for a few days & went out hunting & the horse frighted, the gun started to fall & struck a tree & went off & killed him dead, he only spoke once saying Oh Lord.  poor Boy how sudden & unexpected & what a blow to poor Ma.  Sister & Jessup was going up in a few days from the time I passed. My Cough is in a manner well. No news here. Mr Smith has not arrived. Tell Mother Mrs Foster has gone to Aiken on account of Miss Foster health. As hse had several Hemorrages. I forwarded her letter, also the boys. I saw a letter from Willie of the 19th stating they were to start the next morning on a march across the river, I suppose to join the Command under Genl Anderson. Much love to all Hires returns in one week from the time he passes your place.                                                                                          Your aff husband

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

August 28, 1862. Got beef from Clark & Burrel went to the bluff, little rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 28, 1862. Cloudy, but little rain through the day. Henry went to town early with Burrel to catch hogs – returned about 9 o’clk – His tooth easier – George still complains of his throat – Sew all day on an old muslin dress.

 

August 29, 1862. Received a letter from Lou. Mother rec from Willie – Aunt Julia. No rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 29, 1862. A fine clear morng. Busy myself in various ways through the morng – Henry’s face much swollen – In the afternoon very unexpectedly receive letters from Willie expects to be ordered on a long march soon his Regt. assigned to the division of Brig. Gen. Saml. Jones. Julia still laboring hard for the sick soldiers – had been to Sav.

August 27, 1862. Nothing but rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 27, 1862. Showery – Henry still unwell – Geo complaining of sorethroat. Afternoon and eveg rainy. Retire early.

August 25, 1862. Winston Rosa & I went home with Clark &c spent the day with them. Some rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 25, 1862. Fine morng – Winston Tivie & Rosa go home with Mrs S- I remain at home with George to write to Willie & Davis – Also Beckie Foster to send by Winston. Henry & George wait in town for mail until dark and then go to get supper at Mr Stephens’ reaching home about 10 o’clk – Bring no letters!

 

August 26, 1862.  Winston left us soon after breakfast to return to his camp at Jacksonville.  Rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 26, 1862. A rainy morng. Winston leaves at 8 o’clk for his camp. Read newspapers all the morng – Henry has toothache and earache.

August 24, 1862. Tina & her children spent the day here, in the afternoon it rained & Henry went home with W- & Lewis to stay all night as Tina was to stay here. After supper who should come but Clark from his trip to Smyrna after salt.

 

[Rebecca] August 24, 1862. Mrs Stephens & family here to pass the day. Rain all the afternoon Henry goes home with her boys to stay over night while she remains here – Mr S- arrives about 8 o’clk with salt brought from Smyrna.

 

[Willie Bryant to Rebecca Bryant]  

                                                                                                In Camp Aug 24, 1862

My dear Mother,

                I wrote you not long since that we wd. soon cross the Tennessee river & join the army to advance toward Nashville so you will not be surprised to learn that we are now encamped 4 miles beyond Chattanooga; we crossed on Wednesday p.m. & after marching a distance of about 8 miles that afternoon (from our old camp) over this hilly country & dusty roads, we were pretty well tired out when we camped that night; the first days journey was of course hard on us, unused to a hilly country too, & then we were all overloaded in our anxiety to carry luxuries; the first night we camped on the side of a hill so steep that we lay with our feet down against trees or large stones to keep from sliding; the next morn'g we went about 1 1/2 miles & soon after were obliged to change camp & retrace our steps some distance to get into our right position, & have now been stationary two days, which has made us fresh & better than new & ready for another move; we are all over now but must wait several days longer for all the waggon trains to cross, & a road to be cleared out, before we can take up our line of march; our first start is to climb up a very steep mountain, & then for a number of miles the road is comparatively level & good, I am told; we are camped at the foot of what is termed "Walden's Ridge," under a perpendicular cliff of more than 200 ft in height, & in a thick hammock where if it were not for the countless stones we might possibly imagine ourselves in Fla, the growth being principally pine, oak, & hickory; we are now without tents & with scarcely any cooking utencils for such a number of men, carrying only what the demands of nature actually require; when we move each man carried his bread & meat for 2 days (or longer) already cooked in his haversack, his canteen of water by his side, & his bed & wardrobe on his back; I have reduced my wardrobe to 2 flannel shirts, 2 prs wool socks, 1 pr drawers, 2 prs pants, 1 thick Jacket, 2 silk hadkfs, & have an oil cloth besides; With other little things, I carry in my knapsack a box pills, a small quantity of E. Salts, some cayenne pepper, a btl linement & plenty of soap; when we wish tents, two make a tent of one blanket & a bed of the others & sleep together, & I am now writing under such a tent ‑ hurrah! letters have arrived & I hear my name called out; sure enough I have one, & from you dearest Mother, it bears dates of Aug 8th. 9th. & 10th. but was not mailed by the p.m. at Welaka till the 17th. & consequently was only 6 days or less in reaching Chattanooga.

                Your letter as you say is written in a sad & desponding state, but it gives me joy to hear from you & I am glad that you write me as you feel, & should complain if you did not, for I know your situation & feelings & almost yr thoughts, & did you try to make me think differently about them you could not; I expect you to write just as everything is with you; I only wish you had a more hopeful disposition, & some of the "trust‑to‑luck" & a little of the "don't‑care" which I possess, & O! if you only felt the enthusiasm in this cause which I do, & could feel as willing to give me up as a sacrifice for it as I am to suffer it, I wd. feel so differently, & it seems to me wd. be perfectly happy; & I do often & earnestly pray that as your lot is so hard that you may have some change of feeling, & the comfort, & support of the Holy Spirit.  I have been better satisfied ever since leaving Mobile than I have ever been before in the service; I am fond of excitement & change, & to see all that I can & to realise varied sensations, am willing to endure trials & hardships; I glory in experience, & with my determination am unsatisfied until my wishes are gratified; I know now that I can endure as much as most men, & with more fortitude & cheerfulness, & take a pride in it; I still retain my good health & my strength increases & feel no fear to take my position among men under any circumstances; I am not yet satisfied & willing to stop.  The service has been of incalculable benefit to me in health & experience; I have seen & learned much that I would never have done in a quiet & easy life which will be of benefit to me in after life, if I am spared, & am willing to take the chances & have the conviction that all will be well; it is only the thoughts for those I love that gives me any uneasiness or trouble; try to feel satisfied that my wishes are only being fulfilled that I know the worst & am willing to endure it to have them gratified, & resign me to it as cheerfully as possible; for your sake I shall be prudent & careful under all circumstances.  Without me you still have much to comfort you, & hope for in yr other children, & may God help you to feel so, & soothe your thoughts & troubled spirit.

                You speak of the sorrow you will feel in leaving yr children as if something that will occur, & it pains me to know that such a thought has entered your mind; none of them would be willing to live away from you, & their happiness, if nothing else, will demand that they be with you always; if I am spared my life shall be devoted to you, & tho' I do not now feel toward my father as you wish, I do not entertain such an extent of feeling as I infer you suppose, I cannot but respect his memory & retain affection for him & still expect to share many joys with him, tho' my love & feelings of pride & honor have recd. a severe blow from his course.

                I have written you lately since recv’g the one you mention sending to Mobile, & before this you probably know of all my doings at Chattanooga. In one of my letters I told you to direct to me at Knoxville, & I think Aunt J- has written me at that place, so I wrote the P.M. there to forward any letters for me to Chattanooga. Write me occasionally, directing to Chattanooga, as the mail will follow us – You shall hear from me as frequently as possible. Davis’ letter, or letters, have not yet reached me, & one from Miss Hattie mailed at Lake City took as long as yrs to reach me.

                Hattie wrote me a long & very friendly letter many expressions being elicited by some [misanthropical?] expressions in mine to her; she mentions that Peyre passed a night in Welaka in passing thro’ & learned that you were all well, & says they wd. have written by him had they known he was going to Welaka; Lou had just rtd. from a visit to Jv’lle & she had just gone down to be with her grandmother awhile.

                I was much surprised the other evening to receive a note from Beckie Foster written from Savannah on their way to Aiken to spend a short time for a change, & also to learn that they had chanced to meet Aunt Julia on some train; Miss Rebecca gave her my direction at Knoxville, not then knowing I was at Chatanooga, which I suppose is the reason I have not heard from her. I think I will write Lizzie before we start from here – I shall write Davis immediately – As I think of nothing more to add I think I will write Henry a few lines on the other ½ sheet.

                Middle Tennessee will probably soon be the principal point of interest & I suppose the papers will contain accounts of some of our doings before long, & I trust they will be glowing ones ‑ Again let me impress upon you to believe all is well with me until you are assured to the contrary. There are Bryans & Bryants even – without number, in this army & regmt - & a Bryan in this co. (H) & I shall write, or get some on to write you immediately after any occurance of interest.

                With much love & many kisses to you all I am

                                                                                                Yours always in love

                                                                                                Willie

August 22, 1862. Lewis brought letters from Willie & Davis to Mother. The boys went fishing caught nine. Winston not well. A Mr Minshen came & staid overnight. No rain.

 

[Rebecca] August 22, 1862. While at breakfast Lewis Stephens brings our mail – A letter from Willie of Aug 2d at Chattanooga, written in good spirits one from Davis closed Aug 13^th reports him well. Eveg. quite sultry. Winston feeling very unwell – Mr Mincy arrives about sunset stays over night – Night warm.

 

August 23, 1862. Winston went hunting in the morning, killed one squirrel. In the afternoon killed a turkey. The boys went fishing had good luck.

 

[Rebecca]August 23, 1862. Morng warm but clear. Winston better goes hunting morng and afternoon & towards eveg brings home a fine turkey. Boys fish after dinner get 2 doz.

August 21, 1862. Nothing much. Rain.

[Rebecca] August 21, 1862. Morng warm and rainy – Eveg. cool and damp. Rain prevents our getting the mail and I retire bitterly disappointed.

August 18, 1862. Henry went in the country to get butter, but did not succeed. Mr Long came in the afternoon. No rain.

[Rebecca] Aug 18, 1862.  Quite cool - This the 26th anniversary of my marriage!  As I reflect on the changes that I have passed through, I recall much to be grateful for, many short comings of my own to regret, and many dear, departed & absent friends to lament.  No mail today! Mr Smith gone up the river.

August 19, 1862. In the afternoon Winston & I rode to town & all around.

[Rebecca] August 19, 1862. Still cool & windy. Mr Smith not returned! Winston & Tivie ride to town in the afternoon.

August 20, 1862. In the afternoon Winston went to get some oranges. Rain.

[Rebecca] August 20, 1862. Much warmer – Boys go fishing in the morng and bring home a fine mess – Winston goes to town after dinner gets caught in a heavy thunder shower – He finds Mr Smith had returned, having had a very perilous trip. Will send for the mail tomorrow.

[Augustina Stephens to Winston Stephens]

Dear Winston,

                Clarke has been very anxious to hear from you as when Mr Shook & Mizzell came up they told it in town (to Mrs. Howard) that he has to return as his discharge was no accepted, I have never put any confidence in it for I think, had it been so you would either have written to him, or mentioned something in Tivie’s letters about him, let him know something definite about it as soon as you can. Clarke says Mr Bright has raised the price of Beef to Eighteen dollars a piece, & wants to know if you are willing to give that. All of us are well, Charlie is as fat as a little pig & as good as ever & I am spending the day with Tivie to day. I hope you will soon be able to come home. Clarke writes with me in love to yourself & Swep, tell the latter to write to us sometimes.

                                                                                                Aff Yours

                                                                                                                Tina

August 9, 1862. In the afternoon Henry & Willie fished at the 2 mile pond brought 52 fish & a squirrel.

[Rebecca] Aug 9, 1862.  A warm morng - I am depressed with the constant fears for Willie which crowd upon me in spite of all my efforts – Wright a long letter to him and begin one to Davis – Geo also writes to him.

[Winston Stephens to Davis Bryant]

                                                                                                Camp Stephens August 9^th  1862

Dear Davis

                Yours was received in due time and contents noticed & in reply will say as to taxes nothing has been done in our County & you may rest easy on that score.  I was glad to hear from you & wish we had you with us.  I want you to talk to, but cant write as often as I have so much Company writing it has given me more distaste for the pen.  I am going home in a short time & wish so much I could have you go with me.  I had a letter a few days ago & all were well.  I am looking for a letter to night & if I get it will keep this & send you the news.  We are soon to be thrown into a regiment and I am going to oppose the appointing of Officers & hope your Capt will claim the privilidges of a Volunteer.  I rec'd a letter yesterday from Capt Row asking the signature of me & my officers to a recommendation to Genl Finegan for him as Lt Col., but I think that will kill his chance.  We propose to run Chambers for Col.  My Company want to run me for Lt Col. but I positively had rather not as I feel incompetent to do justice to the office.  I hope the Companies will unite on some men & against the appointing plan.  Genl Finegan told me he would reccommend & the Sec of War would appoint, If so I will not serve or obey a single order issued as I know we have the right to elect.  I have become acquainted with many Gentlemen in this place & like some very much, but I have not had time to visit even my friend Mrs Maxey ‑ Capt Dunham assumes the command of the Post in my place & I feel relieved of a responsability that I am glad to be rid of.

P.S. Aug 10

                Dear Davis, Mizell & Shook have just returned & with them a long letter from Tivie.  Henry was not well but the rest of the family were well.  They complain of not hearing from you often but say they get letters from Willie occasionally.  I sent one of yours by Mr Smith which they had just received.  I start home on Wednesday & have 15 days which will give me 11 days at home.  A plenty of every thing is made on our side but meat & now the people have increased the price of Beef I fear some folks will have to do without.  I left three Brls of syrup for my folks & they have had two beevs & suppose they are not starving.  I must tell you of the increase in my family.  Sarah has a fine Girl.  Pet, my Mare has a very fine colt & Clara has nine pups.  dont you pitie me to have them to feed these hard times or do you think they will pay?  I am satisfied.  with my best wishes I remain yours

                                                                                                as ever Winston Stephens

[Rebecca Bryant to Davis Bryant] 

                                                                                                Rose Cottage Aug 9, 1862

My dear Davis,

                I was made happy indeed by the reciept of a letter from you last Thursday night after I had retired. Mr Smith who accompanied Mrs L- & Carrie to Jacksonville, arrived that eveg. and it happened fortunately that some of the negroes went over to town and brought the mail to us, several days in advance. Yrs came through Winston however. Mr S- staid at his camp some days. I recd. by this oppy. the Ambrotype of Willie, which we all think excellent, it will be a great treasure  in his absence – A letter from him also, closed on the 25^th July at Montogomery gave me the painful information of his being ordered to Chattanooga – or rather that he was on his way there, but whether the Regt, was to be stationed there he could not inform me. He wrote you at the same time and I suppose gave you an account of his most intolerably tedious and uncomfortable trip from Mobile to Montgomery – on board a stmr. With over 900 men, in dreadfully hot weather, with nothing to drink but the warm river water, and no place to sleep for 4 nights! They must have suffered intensely – and yet he tries to make the best of it – says he always manages to take care of himself &c – and relates every thing worthy of notice during the trip – I hope that good lady that gave them a glass of cool cider and allowed them to gather apples from her orchard will never want for a friend in the hour of need. I am as you may suppose full of conjecture and anxiety as the end to be achieved by this movement - I know from what I see in the papers that it is expected there will be hard fighting in Tennessee and Kentucky and I know too that troops wd. not be transported to such a distance without an important object in view. Willie says he is elated by the change ‑ he had resolved to go to head‑quarters to sue for one that morng.  I had been hoping he might get his 60 days furlough and come home before his birthday to pass a few weeks ‑ though he has never mentioned a furlough ‑  My hopes of foreign intervention, recognition and peace are all indefinitely postponed ‑ and I am sad indeed at the prospect.  At times it appears to me impossible that I can endure such suspense and anxiety many more months.

                Sunday morng. I have just closed a long letter to Willie commenced two days ago – I shall address it to Chattanooga care of Col Dilworth, hoping that if the Regt goes elsewhere the letter will be forwarded. I wrote you a fortnight since and wrote to Willie on the same day – Since then I have recd. 90 cts worth post stamps from Mr Gilchrist, by your request – Also a letter from “Cousin Julia” – She writes that Wm. Sharpe, Franky’s husband, had been ordered to Virginia and she had accompanied him – She has been very useful in nursing the sick and several of the soldiers thought she was the means of saving their lives. The Regt. that Paris is in is also ordered to Virginia. Ed. Everitt is a home very sick or rather was at Thomasville when J- wrote he was much better and went there for a visit and was then suffering from a relapse – Aunt Caroline had gone there. – I hear that Henry Hickman is reported to have been killed in one of the battles near Richmond – I feel very sorry for his friends, he was a promising young man – May God give us all strength to bear what is in store for us and help us to profit by his chastisements. Col. Fleming died suddenly at Hibernia last Sunday morng. – by some it is tho’t that he died by congestive chill, others say heart-disease. Tivie has had two letters from Winston this week. He expected Gen Finnegan to be in Jacklle. Last week and hoped to be able to come home in the course of this week – we look for him about Wednesday. I hope he was able to answer your enquires about taxes satisfactorily. Do not send me any money at present – I have more than enough to buy a pair of shoes for Henry, which I shall get made soon by a man in the country – and there is no other want that money can supply here now. I intend to write to Miss Beckie soon, now that I know they are still there – how very lonely and sad they must be! Willie says he has written her every week and his letters have usually gone thro’ straight. Winston writes as if he thought it was intended to prevent the gun-boats coming to J-e – I fear if it is attempted the property of those living there will suffer by it. I think when Winston returns to J-e after his visit, I shall write to Mrs Burritt requesting her to ask her husband if he knows anything of your father’s movements – he may allow her to write me what he wd. not speak of publicly. Winston writes that Capt Harrison’s Co. has captured “three live Yankees”! Frank Sams came up with Mr Smith and brought an order from Mr Halleyman for the “Elmira” – with the mast, sail and oars. I wrote a note in reply saying that the mast, sail, center-board & rudder were never bro’t here, that they were not with the boat when you took her from the wharf in J-e – F. Sams says he has bought her I understand.

                As regards our health, I think you need not fear ‑ I was a little unwell two days about a fortnight since, but was surprised to find how quickly I recuperated.  The cows we had were taken from us about five weeks since, and we missed the milk at first very much, but do't think of it now ‑ I miss the melons very much, they have always had them here thro' August, but this has been an unfavorable season for fruit ‑ not a peach came to maturity.  I am glad you sometimes get vegetables ‑ we have none, do very well without.

                Burrel thinks that the corn crop is turning out much better than Winston anticipated and I hope it may.

                Henry is growing tall and his voice is changing ‑ He looks thin in the face, but is quite active generally ‑ He killed a squirrel by moonlight last eveg. could'nt see it distinctly, had to guess at his aim and I thought it a pretty smart thing for him.  George is stronger than when you were here – He has just finished a letter which I am to enclose - If I get a letter from you tomorrow will write next Sunday, so that I shall not always feel obliged to write you & Willie on the same day – I scarcely look for one however – I am glad you correspond with Chauncey as he is in the way of knowing all that goes on – I hope he writes to Willie -

                I wish you might be able to see Winston before he comes up ‑ it wd. be next to seeing you myself.  When I lie awake in the night, I often imagine you walking the rounds as sentinel, alone with your thoughts, and wish I could share them ‑ Are you becoming more accustomed to the hardships of a soldier's life?  It makes my heart ache to think of what Willie has had and may have to endure ‑ my only trust is in an Almighty Protector. We read and hear so much of sickness in camp, I am induced to send a recipe I cut out of a paper two years ago – it is worth trying – and if you think best send it to Willie – If you can get [Benne?] leaves, put them in cold water and drink the water after standing an hour or two, it is good in all similar cases. Are you weary of my long scrawl?

                                                                                                Goodbye, With an ocean of love ‑

                                                                                                Mother

Tivie sends much love and hopes we shall have another visit from you soon.

August 10, 1862. Wrote to Julia. No rain.

[Rebecca] August 10, 1862. A warm day – I sent off letters to Willie and Davis soon after dinner and read Reg. Magazine until sunset.

August 7, 1862.  Tina spent the day with us & Henry & George with her boys.  I wrote to Winston.  After I had gone down to tea rec a letter from Winston from Mr Smith.  Mother rec one from Willie & Davis.  W. was on his way to Chattanooga.  Tina heard of the death of her Father.

[Rebecca] August 7, 1862. A very warm morng. Mrs S- and Minnie come to pass the day – H & G go over to visit her boys – Fine shower in the afternoon.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]

                                                                                                Rose Cottage Aug 7, 1862

"My own love"

                I have just finished my breakfast and sit down to begin my letter as I expect Tina over this morning and I want to write as much as possible this morning so that nothing may prevent my having as long a letter as possible ready for Mr Shook tomorrow, I am afraid I can not make up a long one this time as I have written two such long ones lately & there is so little going on that there is too much sameness to make a long letter every time and this paper is so large that it makes a tolerable letter look short.  We are all about the same as usual.  Henry complains a good deal, Mother thinks it on account, or connected with his voice changing as that has been the case for some little time, he has taken medicine two or three times, but seems that same, complains of his head.  I have felt better the past two days than I have for sometime.

                Rosa is sitting by me rocking and making believe that a piece of paper she has is a letter from you, & keeps saying, "ead pa pa" for read pa pa, she is very cunning sometimes, but oh she is so mischievous gives me more trouble than a little.  I dont know what I shall do with her, she is so hardheaded, I fear she will give us a good deal of trouble.  I must say I can not look forward to the addition of another one with much pleasure, for what shall I do with two,  when one seems to keep me in a perfect boil most of the time, and seems to me I loose instead of gaining patience.  Day before yesterday Rosa fell out of the dining room door just missing the platform and yesterday fell off the steps just missing if she did not strike the duck trough.  she seemed to feel badly yesterday and Henry who picked her up thought she struck, but her head did not look at all red, I would not let her go to sleep until her usual bedtime, but she cried out a good many times last night, and took up most of our bed, as she came in there quite early.  Mother & I do not sleep together now, when she was sick she slept in her room & we have only slept together one night since, as it was warm we gave it up until cooler weather.  I like being alone as I cant have you.  In speaking of Rosa I forgot to tell you some of her sayings the other day I was spreading the corn out to dry, & she was sitting in your chair rocking in the house when she said very soberly, Ma Ma "payin torn" thinking I suppose that I ought not to put my hands in it as I would not allow her to play in it.  I was in the Kitchen the other evening when the first thing I heard her calling Tivie, Tivie, & she says it so cunningly.  Yesterday she had the cat rather tight around the neck so that her teeth showed & she said cat "laugh" and in the morning she walked up to me & said Ma Ma "pitty morning," the morning before Mother & I were saying what pretty mornings we had now, she has now got down & is hunting for some mischief.

                Well I do think I have written all this without saying one word about your letter received yesterday by Felix.  you may be assured I was delighted to get it.  I dont know why but all day yesterday I could not help hoping that you would surprise us, & every time I would hear the gate I would look up hoping, but not really expecting.  Tina is coming, she is in the gate. I intended not writing after Tina came but she tells me that Mizzelle is to pass to day so I suppose Shook will come too, although he said the 8^th which is tomorrow. Mizzelle told Clark he had come to the conclusion that he had not allowed himself time enough so I will have to hurry on for fear they may come before I finish, as you said you were a “little jealous” I can say I was as glad to see Felix coming yesterday as though it had been Mr Smith or most white men for I felt sure he had a letter for me from you, & sure enough & a paper too for which we thank you.  I did not ask Felix many questions as he left while I was reading my letter & I supposed he was in a hurry to get home.  Sophie is much improved, she can walk about now.  after I wrote how sick she was the trouble left her head and went into her body & since then she has been better.  I am so glad that there is no small pox in your company and hope there will not be, & if there is any hope you may escape.  I have not much faith in vaccination, as I know one whose arm took finely not long before he had it, and I was pronounced proof against it, as mine did not take and we both had it.  I hope that Providence will prevent your having it.

                I hope that General Finegan will make some pleasant improvements down there and not go to forming into regiments and sending off as I fear he will.  I hope he will arrange it so that you can pay us a visit for oh you do not know how much I want to see you, it would be so good to have you at home once more.  Why dont France & England hurry up & help us.  I am out of all kind of patience with them, it has been talked of so long.  I fear the war is not to end so soon, as I see the Yankees are getting more fierce. Why did you not tell me how that paper had complimented your company? You never mentioned anything of your piece being in the paper, was it ever put in?

                Mr. Smith has not arrived yet is expected today. He is in Pilika & would have been up yesterday but Frank Sams was sick. Mother is now anxious for Mr. Smith to come as he was to go to Mrs. Maxey’s and get a daguerreotype of Willie which he had sent from Mobile & Davis left with Mrs. Maxey. I hope you will go to see the old Lady not the young before you come I guess she thinks a little strangely of you now, as you have been there so long and so near. You must be greatly taken at the Crespo House as you ask me again about them.  I dont know about girls, but I know the family are low Minorcans, I used to know some girls of the family years ago, they are all married, were long before I was.  I hope there is no particular attraction there. Mrs. Wallace has been married four times and I think all her husbands but one are alive, they were a few years ago, they always lived near us in Jacksonville. If you know Mrs. Foster’s house (at the side of Mrs. Reed’s if you know that) you will see one of the houses in which I passed a great deal of my little girlhood, the house opposite to Mrs. Reeds where we lived was burned down several years ago, I passed my happiest days in Jacksonville in those two houses. Do you know whether Mrs. Foster has gone North or not?

                Do you get any melons or any kind of fruit?  we have not had a melon for a week or more, we are not going to make any pumpkins or Kushaws this year.  Burrel and Tom are now working on the dam, the others in the New ground.  I guess things are going on as well as could be expected.  Sarah's baby seems to be quite a smart little thing and very good so far.  the other young stock are doing well.

                Do you hear from Davis? Mother has not heard from him in two weeks, she hears from Willie sometimes, we received a paper from him this week. She received a letter from Cousin Julia this week, she said the 5^th regiment was to pass through Grooversville in a few days, hoped you & Davis were not in that one as she did not want you to go off so far, but if you had to go wanted you to pass there. She says Uncle Lewis is in the candle business with Mr. Osgood in Savannah. Clark is alligatoring a great deal now, he intends going to Dunlawton in two weeks for salt and to look at the lands. I believe Capt. Canova has just returned from there, he has gone if not returned. Tina & Mrs. Dean paid Mrs. Canova a visit last week, & liked them (Mrs. C- & her sister) very much. Mr. Soule is working out at the Priest’s, I think Clark has not seen him unless he saw him this week. Mr. Abrams now lives at Ft Brook, Clark thinks him the best man to build the mill. If there is a Post Office in Jacksonville you will find two letters there from me as Clark sent them there not knowing where else. Mr. Shook has not come yet but I think I will close now anyhow as I think you have enough of me by this time. Mother sends love & says we were glad to hear from you yesterday & she hopes to see you in a week or ten days. I shall look for you next week, have been looking forward to next week anyhow & Felix thinks you may come next week.  Well good bye Rosa is asleep but I send a kiss for her, and you may be assured you have the best affection of

                                                                                                Your own

                                                                                                Tivie

August 8, 1862. Mr. Shook took my letter to Winston. Georgie went to town to get a daguerreotype of brother Willie which Mr. Smith had brought. In the afternoon little Willie came.

[Rebecca] August 8, 1862. A pleasant morng. After we had retired last night letters were sent to us by Mr Smith. One from Willie, 1 from Davis & Tivie has one from Winston – Willie’s is written on his way to Chattanooga! Davis is well.

August 4, 1862. No news by the mail. Rain.

[Rebecca] August 4, 1862. Pleasant – Henry hunts squirrels – After dinner the boys go with Burrel to town to catch hogs to put in field. A shower comes up about 4 o’clk – Get our mail a little before 9 o’clk P.M. No letters from W- or D- much to my disappointment. I recd. one from Julia A. She wrote that Franky had gone with her husband to Virginia and Paris was also ordered there.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens]

                                                                                                Camp Stephens Aug 4, 1862

My Darling Wife

                As Felix starts up to Welaka in the morning I will write you by him instead of the mail.  Felix comes up to see his wife.  I did not tell him how bad she was but have assisted him in getting off as he could be mail carrier as well as visit his family.  I am well & the health of the company as good as usual.  I have first ben vaccinated & hope to avoid the disease in that way ‑ some of the boys have taken sick & I got it fresh from Wm Braddock who is healthy.  Genl Finegan is to pay us a visit this week and arrange things generally, the Artilery Company (Capt Dunham) arrived a few days ago & stoped out 7 miles from Town.  Captain Richard arrived today & camped in half mile of me.  I hope the intention is to block the game on the Gun boats & not allow them to come up this high.  Lt Gray starts after supper on a secret scout down the river & I hope to hear something good when he comes back, he is to be gone some five or six days.  I am going to try to get off as soon as I can but look for me when you see me as I cant tell when I will get off.  I can allow others to go but cant allow myself to go, as the regulations specify that the Commander of a Post must not be absent but 7 days at a time & I could not come home in that time, but I expect to be relieved of the Command in a short time & I will be glad to get rid of the responsability. A paper is published in Jacksonville called “Southern Rights.” Arnow is Proprietor & publisher – but I think Burrett writes for it. They speak very complimentary of my Co. Mr Foy arrived to day & will take his negroe & Mr Clarks up home tomorrow. He reports Ma & all the family in moderately good health. Swep has not returned but is sick at home.  I have no War news since my last only Capt Harrisons Company captured three lone Yankees a few days ago.  Felix can give you the little details of camp if you will ask him & I cant make it interesting by writing.  I dont go to see the girls at all & dont intend to.  What do you think of the girls of the Crespo House?  I must close now as it is late & Felix starts at day light.  Love to Mother boys & Clark & family.  Howdy to negroes.  Kiss Rosa & accept much love from your old Man.

                                                                                                Winston

August 5, 1862. Nothing particular. A little rain.

[Rebecca] August 5, 1862. A lovely morng – Read newspapers until dinner – Shower in the afternoon – Sew until sunset.

August 6, 1862. In the afternoon received a letter from Winston by Felix. No rain.

[Rebecca] August 6, 1862. A very warm day without a shower. In the afternoon Felix comes from camp bringing letter from Winston & newspaper. No prospect of peace yet – George’s birthday!