April 1, 1863

2nd Florida Camp

Company E, Hammock Guards

Anderson's Division

Longstreet's Corp

Colonel Bowman,

   It gives your servant much pleasure to submit this report, sir, 

regarding recent activities in the Narcoossee Mill region.

   The Fifth Company was present with 13 actives both days. It was 

good to see Captain Dennis Short in camp with his Third 

Company. Within his ranks yours servant could have sworn he 

saw a soldier who looked very much like your adjutant, Lt. Pat 

Adkins. But this could not have been so as he was toting a musket. 

I am not aware of any other Florida Battalion contingent 

present. As in recent engagements, the Confederate Command 

welcomed us with open arms and treated us with utmost respect.

   On Day One, we served as the Fourth Company in General 

Hardy's 2nd Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Keith Kohl. 

After a short battalion drill in the morning, we were thrown into 

battle as the Federals attacked the earthworks in force. Colonel 

Kohl's orders to my command were short and direct: Take the 

Fourth Company around the lake and engage the enemy. Needless 

to say, I accepted this directive with much enthusiasm and was 

most appreciative. After 50 minutes of rapid movement, going in 

and out of skirmish formation, refusing both flanks as needed to 

protect against Federal cavalry attacks, we were forced to give back 

all the ground we had gained. It pains this command to inform 

you that there were only three in my command standing at the 

conclusion of the battle. As no wounds were mortal, all were able to 

return to camp to fight another day.

   On Day Two, in spite of the weather conditions being most 

unfavorable, the Fifth Company left camp around noon and went on patrol in search of Federal activity in the region. 

Approximately 1/2-mile to the east, we engaged the 75th Ohio, 

commanded by Captain Barry King. As their numbers were 

superior, we were forced to fight as skirmishers with extreme 

intervals, using the cover of the woods as protection. After 45 

minutes of intense activity, we returned three captured Yankees 

to Colonel Kohl who advised your servant to take matters into 

his own hands. As there was no time for a trial, the majority 

voted to execute the prisoners. Cpl. Justin Kessler, Cpl. Musket 

Ward and Pvt. Nate Greene have been sent to the devil, sir. 

Only Pvt. Greene whimpered. A few hours later, the weather 

cleared and we engaged the enemy again. This day proved to be 

more favorable, as we cleared the ground of the enemy and won 

the day.

   This concludes my report, sir, and as I await your orders, I 

respectfully remain

Your obedient servant,

Capt. Clay Kearney

2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry

Company E, The Hammock Guards

Fifth Company

Florida Battalion, CSA