Confederate Musicians in Camp

Posted on by Thor

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.

Confederate Camp Crystal River

Posted on by Thor


I traveled to Crystal River to witness the Civil War re enactment held there. My first order of business was to wander into the confederate camp to execute my first field sketch documenting the days events. Walking through the lines of canvas tents I immediately felt out of place with my 21st century jeans and shirt. I found a large shady tree in the center of camp and set up my chair at a polite southern distance. Men were discussing orders being waged for the upcoming battle and the difficulties of the constant drilling being done. I was almost finished with the sketch before anyone walked up to me and asked me if I was a northern spy. I if course denied the charge stating that I was working for Harper’s Weekly, the Journal of Civilization. I was asked about the brush I was using they had never seen the brightly colored material that it was made of. That material of course was plastic.
Life slows down the second you walk into camp. Camp fires were still burning and the simple choirs of cleaning dishes were still an ongoing task. I can feel myself being pulled back in time.