Field report from Captain Clay Kearney of the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry.
Your servant is honored to submit this report regarding recent activity in the Crystal River region.
On day one, the Fifth Company was summoned to support Colonel Robert Miepert’s 5th Florida infantry. Our morning orders were to reconnoiter a region 1-mile west of camp suspected of containing enemy patrol and if any of the enemy was found, to engage them and collect prisoners if at all practicable. I am delighted to report this action was completed with total success. Our patrol commenced operations at 10 AM and returned to camp at 11:30AM with an entire Federal company under arms. This was accomplished, by dividing the company into platoons and positioning them in a way as to draw the enemy into a devastating cross fire. Reinforcements under the captain Cody, 1st Florida infantry, arrived at the most opportune time blocking the enemy’s only line of retreat.
The leadership and brilliance of the enemy’s Captain Paul Cyras of the 97th Pennsylvania, can not go without mention. Although his command was outnumbered, his field generalship was superb. The rapid movement of his troops required my command to expend at least 40 rounds per man. Upon relinquishing his sword, he was respectful to his command as were the rest of his unit. On our return march to camp, I am not sure who won the contest between Federals singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and our boys singing “Bonnie Blue Flag” The roar of the voices was deafening but I felt it was favorable for the morale of the men.
