May 15, 1862 (2012)

Captain Kearney,

I am looking forward to documenting the glorious 2nd Florida in their pursuit of freedom, and states rights. I will make sure to honor the men by documenting their honor and bravery in battle, so generations after will never forget the men of the 2nd Florida. I will be taking images of the battles, and the death and carnage that comes with this conflict. Photography is a new art, but the people will remember these men through my images. I believe Louis Daguerre has given me the perfect tool to record history, and this is history in the making.

I look forward to joining the 2nd Florida soon. I hope the men are not rattled by the large wood box that I will be carrying around on my shoulder. I know some of these men are going to react in different ways to the box. I can see the confusion in their faces now. 

I remain your servant,

Mathew Brady-Photographer 

a.k.a. Pvt. Scott Rodenbeck