The Second Seminole War is actively taking place along the Hillsborough River outside Tampa City. The savages have surrounded Ft. Foster and take potshots at soldiers and civilians who would dare leave the confines of the fort.

Actually, we have been blessed with fine weather for this week. The mosquitoes have not yet come out to do their mischief. It was a beautiful site to spend a few hours with those who would portray early Florida pioneer days within the woods beside the protection of one of the few log palisade forts in existence today.

I relied heavily on vintage lenses using Waterhouse stops and the lens cap for my shutter. The plates are already processed with good success. I learned that it is important to have the focusing cloth over the top edge of the plate as well as over the Waterhouse stops that act like today's modern "f" stops. There was no fogging of the images as I had experienced previously.

Thursday morning early I will head the time machine what's it wagon into the future some twenty four years to the Confederacies glory days when the Rebs sent the Yankees packing back to Jacksonville with their tail between their legs.

North Florida at this time of year can be a place of great weather changes within a 24 hour time period. The temperature can drop a dramatic 50 or 60 degrees. I dread the harsh conditions and look forward to a gentle spring.

The time in the dark room has been so extensive that I am so tired that even my hair is sleepy.
Your servant, sir, Fritz Kirsch