There is little I can offer on the time the 5th Alabama Infantry Regiment was in Pensacola, but perhaps these two snippets can provide some further insight.

"On the morning of May the 14th, the men had a hearty breakfast and were then ordered to clean up the camp and parade ground. They worked until lunchtime. Their lunch consisted of fish, cabbage, potatoes and beans in addition to the pork and beans. The men were buying almost everything they ate at the local market. They were to get plenty of fish because it was cheapest, even though the citizens of Pensacola were charging the soldiers double price for everything they got!"

"The regiment remained in camp within a mile of Pensacola, Florida, south-west of the town. The city itself was described by a member of the Pickensville Blues as “one of the oldest and dirtiest cities I have ever seen in my life and some of the meanest people in the world.” It soon became apparent to Colonel Rodes that the troops were simply manning a line opposite Fort Pickens with no intent of attacking. This was distasteful duty to Rodes since it was difficult to maintain good order in an atmosphere of idleness and abundant alcohol, so he requested a transfer for his regiment to Virginia. Richmond, Virginia, had just been made the new Capitol of the Confederacy and everyone wanted to be where the anticipated battles would take place. In the meantime, supplies ordered by J. D. Webb, Quartermaster of the 5th Alabama, were delivered to Wilmington, Florida, on May 29, 1861."