Confederate Musicians in Camp

Wandering through the Confederate camp at Narcoossee Mill I was drawn to the impromptu music being performed. I became interested in reenactments from a small newspaper ad that I found in a local paper calling for recruits for the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Company E, The Hammock Guards, 5th Company, Florida Battalion. From that ad I contacted a Captain Clay Kearney and told him of my desire to draw the troops. He enthusiastically informed me where the next engagements were to be found.

Well after finishing this sketch and showing it around, someone said “Hey Clay that looks just like you!” I discovered that I had just drawn the good Captain without having ever seen him, or been introduced to him in person. He is the fellow in the red checkered shirt. It is very strange that among the hundreds of solders milling around camp, that I should sit down and immediately sketch the very man I intended to try and find that day. Artist’s instinct I suppose. After much talk about outfitting myself with period clothing, I am one step closer to becoming a true civil war correspondent.