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

March 16, 1862. Twenty or more men passed on their way to Volusia for arms. Lieut Gray was returning to Volusia, so I shall expect Winston tomorrow. Heard there had been 7 citizens of Jacksonville killed for refusing to burn the town [Octavia crossed out this last sentence and wrote above it “all false report”] In the afternoon I with Rosa went to see Tina, found her with a little fever, Mother returned with me.

[Rebecca] March 16, 1862. A high wind. Mrs S- not quite well. Tivie comes in a buggy with Rosa and I return with her before sunset. Davis’ cold very troublesome. A report came to-day that 7 men were killed in J-e who refused to sacrifice their property.

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)

March 14, 1862.  Tina gave birth to a boy weighing 11 lbs a little after 4 o'clock this morn. Mother went over at 3, I went over as soon as our breakfast was over & returned to dinner bringing Minnie with me to stay over night. In the afternoon H & G went to town & carried Mother some things at Tina’s. Lieut. Gray brought me a long letter from Winston. We heard from two or three different ones that the enemy were at Pilatka & while at supper Mr M Davis came direct from P & said they were near there & he came to inform Winston & others. also heard that Jacksonville was burned.

[Rebecca] March 14, 1862. I was called this morng. between 3 & 4 o’lk to go to Mrs C. Stephens – When I arrived found she had given birth to a fine boy – we hear after dinner the gunboats are at Palatka.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens]

My darling

                We are well & safe yet, dont fear for us, but do take care of your self. I have no time to say more, Tina has a boy weighing 11 lbs is doing very well. Heaven forbid the enemy going as far as you are. dont believe anything they say if they try to fool you. Good bye my husband my all

                                                                                                yr Wife

March 13, 1862. Davis & the boys went to town & to Clark’s in the morning.

[Rebecca] March 13, 1862. Warm – The boys all go to town in the morng. and hear a report that several gun boats have got over the St Johns bar.

[Winston Stephens to Octavia Stephens] 

                                                                                                Volusia Mar 13, 1862

My Dear Wife

                Again I have the opportunity of writing you by Lieut Gray, as he goes to Palatka to make some arrangements for the safety of his family - Oh! what a dark hour in this our Country and I fear we have not seen the worst by a good deale - but I have hope even now when every thing is so unpromising.  I think our cause a just one & I believe that the God of battles will yet crown our arms with more & greater Victories & that the cause will yet prosper.  Nothing of a common nature can be achieved without an effort and some sacrifice - & in this great struggle we must suffer in proportion to the benefit we are to derive from the struggle.  One thing gives me more trouble about this matter than all others, & that is that this State is to be abandoned to the enemy & if true I fear we will have a rebellion in this State, as the people are determined not to go out of State & leave their families to the mercies of the enemy & fight for others and your good for nothing old Man is one of that number.  I will not abandon my family for any cause.  What I most fear is this, that you my beloved wife should fall into the hands of the enemy & that they might treat you as they did a poor girl in Fernandina.  A poor man that was left had a Daughter ten years old & the second day after they got possession three of the men took her in the scrub & ravished her & when it was reported to the Oficer he merely made them mark time one hour - Now if that is to be the rule I want my family out of their way - Keep a close watch and if they come up the river take the mules & waggon & dont trust negroes but ask Davis to secrete you in some place & he can furnish you with provisions as long as the enemy are in the neighborhood & let the negroes make a corn crop & next fall I will take you so far from the water that you will be safe.  I bought old George & want him to hire his time out to some one if he can until I come.  I am coming as soon as Lieut Gray returns & he will give you notice if the enemy comes up while he is below.  Write by every opportunity if only one line to say you are safe & well - Kiss our Dear babe & tell her Pa Pa wants to see her very much & ask her to Kiss Ma Ma for me.  I wish I could see Davis & talk this matter over with him but I want him to stay by you all until I come when I hope he will have some plan matured with Mothers help by which all of you may be placed beyond the reach of the enemy - We feel like we can make quite a stand here & very much depends upon me as Maj Barnwell has been ordered off & the rest have left the arms, but some men came I to day & we expect some others & I will save all I can - Lt Gray can give you all particulars.  Give much love to Mother & boys & accept your husbands whole devotion for you & Rosa.

                                                                                                Winston Stephens

P.S. get several pacages of envelopes from Moses.

March 12, 1862. Wrote to Winston. In the afternoon Davis & the boys went hunting on the river, brought 2 ducks & 3 coots.

[Rebecca] March 12, 1862. A little after midnight we are awakened by a messenger bringing letter from Winston who is at Volusia. He will not be here for some days. Davis and boys go the fish and bring home four ducks – My thoughts are constantly with Willie who I fear will be ordered out of the state.

[Octavia Stephens to Winston Stephens] 

                                                                                                March 12, 1862

My own dear husband

                I hardly know what to write & how to write to you my poor heart is so full of anxiety for you, seems as though I can not concentrate my thoughts on paper, do not think though that I have given up to the blues & dumps, but no one knows the anxiety I feel when I think of your situation, but as I can not better it I try to trust in Providence, and if any poor mortals ever prayed earnestly I have for your safety.  I know they are heard, & hope & pray that they may be accepted and granted.  Oh I can not bear to think that it may be otherwise.  Well I ought not to write this way to you, for your burden is hard enough to bear. I received yours & Ma’s letters last night a little after 12 o’clock Josy and someone else brought them, when they first hallowed I thought it must be you as I could not help looking some for you yesterday, but when I saw two men I was afraid something was the matter with you, until Josy said he had “letters from the Capt.” I tell you my dressing gown & shoes were on in short order, he said that someone would go back to you tomorrow, & not knowing what time they start will send this over this afternoon.

                I think you may as well give up & come home as to try & keep the enemy back for they have a very large force, Mr Lewis Roux stayed on in Fernandina a day or two as a sort of spy, & passed himself off as a union man, & the enemy told him they had 25,000 men, and 21 gunboats, that they expected a hard fight & came prepared to conquer all Florida & establish a territorial government. I suppose you heard that the Government has abandoned this State & the Governor has ordered all the regiments that are mustered into the Confederate service away from East Fla.  What is to become of us.  I think we will have to leave or be made Lincolns subjects. I forgot to say that Mr Roux left just as the Yankees began to find him out, but left two or three more spies there.

                I think we are safe enough here if the Gun boats come up for they can not see us from the river, & they probably will not come from Welaka here.  I think there is no fear of my being insulted if any attempt should be made I think whoever did should rue it, if they come we intend to be civil as long as they are so, Mother thinks she will not be insulted, that she is too old & she will be "spokesman."  We have taken care of a small portion of the corn & a barrel of meat, & the bale of cotton.  Burrel thinks that some of the corn we thought killed will yet come out, he is getting along finely.  I would not like to leave the negroes if I should leave, for it would give them more of a chance to be unfaithful, & if faithful I would not like to leave them. The Hopkins negroes got frightened the other day at something they thought to be fife & drum, & came running up from the Bluff. Burrel heard a “lumbering” he says while we were at dinner but waited to hear something more decided before frightening us, he thought it might be up Dunn’s Lake, & I dare say, for the St Mary’s & America are up there, but I did not tell them as it is to be a secret if possible. Mother send love & says “we will try & not be so frightened as to loose our presence of mind, & she has not the slightest fears of their coming here to molest us.” There were several families on the Darlington when she was taken, & they released them, & said they were sorry all the families left Fernandina, as they would have troubled only the soldiers, they have given it out generally that they will only must need it by this time. I did not notice it until a few days ago, Davis brought up a good deal of cannon powder & gave some all around to the neighborhood, thinking they could pound it but tried some to day & thinks it does not do as well as he thought, he brought up lots of lead too, & a small boat, I forgot to tell you about Davis coming. On Sunday little Willie came over with Davis dressing case in his hand, & a letter from Davis saying he had sent all his baggage, on Monday we heard a boat whistle near our wharf, & thinking it unusual I told Hen to go down on Jennie (as she was in the lot) but he saw no one so send him to town, & Davis came back with him.

                Tina is still well, I am astonished at her keeping up so long. Mary Fleming has miscarried at last, poor thing, this is the third or fourth time. there were several births &c during the confusion in Jackson- Mrs Smith (Sams that was) for one I think, as D- said she was sick from a jar rec by the collission of the cars as to have to get out at Baldwin & some thought she would not live. Loulie & the Hopkins are at Lake City. Poor Ma, I wish she was near me.  I dont know how to write to her. Our little darling is well and is now enjoying her “ta ta” she improves fast, I hate to stop writing. God bless my husband.

                                                                                                Your Tivie

[Davis Bryant to Winston Stephens]

Dear Winston,

                I have nothing to day in addition to what I wrote You by Peterman. We have nothing later from below, and my views are unchanged. I am very sorry we cannot hope to see you here in a few days, and am very sorry I did not know the Milton would return as soon as she now intends, as I would have certainly gone up to see you. As it is I shall try to get up by some means this week, unless I have reason to change my mind. I think we are secure here for some time. I don’t think the enemy will move toward Smyrna by the river. If they do they will bring a very large force, as they know better, than to go so far from the coast without a sufficient force to carry them back without risk. It is possible they may send a Gun boat or two after the Steamer they know to be up the river, and on them your battery may have some effect, though not as much as your small arms. Allow me to remind you to see that the gunners keep their thumbs on the touch-holes of the guns while loading. I mention this supposing you have no experienced artillerists with you, and because this neglect has caused a good many serious accidents. Don’t think me an “old Granny” for it.

                I think that in any event the folks had better remain here. I shall try to keep out of the way, but within sight of them. However I have no fear of any trouble before, in all probability, we will see you.

                                                                                                Yrs ever Davis

March 11, 1862. In the morning Davis Henry & George went to town & brought Davis’ boat. 12 o’clock Josey Hopkins & another of Winston’s company brought me a letter from Winston & one from Ma. W. was at Volusia just returned from Ocala.

[Rebecca] March 11, 1862. Warm & cloudy – Davis & H & G go to town to bring over a boat and other things – Davis fatigued and all stay quietly at home after dinner.