Just went back an read all of the posts from May concerning the 1st Florida Cavalry. Particularly enjoyed those by Sharon Marsh. Sharon, I grew up in Gonzalez (family owned the site of Ft. Hodgson) graduated from UWF and was among the first NPS historians at Ft. Pickens and Ft.Barrancas. I am currently the Chief Curator at the Alabama Dept. of Archives and History. If I can be of assistance with your research on the 1st Florida, please feel free to call on me. Your comments on why they joined and their various sentiments are dead on. While some my have had lofty ideals, most were just individuals with personal reasons for doing what they did. I think you have definately hit the nail on the head and I look forward to the publishing of your book.