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!