Cassville V, a
Headquarters 84^th Ind De^c 20^th (62)
Govenor
Dear sir

from my personal Knowlege of the Western part of Virginia (Haveing Been raised amongst the mountains) and the Habits and Characteristics of its people as well as my more recent observations I am well convinced that Mounted troops are much more Efficient and servicable then Infantry, that one Batallion of the Natives of those NativesHills and Vallys well mounted and Armed under a Good Leader Would do more to Chase out those rebble thiefs and Murderers than five Batallions of Infantry the Bearer of this Lieut James, D, M^cBride of the fifth Virginia is at this time Endeavouring to organize such a force those who know Him well say that He is well qualifyed for the Very Laudable undertakeing and He is very popular With all those persons Encourageing the Noble Work I think that you could do no Better than Extend to him your patronage and Influence yours truely

samuel Orr Lieut Co^l 84^th In^d

Head Qrs 84' Ind vol Infty —
Decr 20" 1862

The within Statement has my full endorsement.
N. Trusler Col
Comdg 84" Reg^t Ind vol
Infty

I have been personally acquainted with Lieut Ja^s. D. McBride 5^th Va Vol Infy. for a number of years, and can cheerfully recommend him as one truly worthy the position asked for, and will if placed in command of a Battalion of cavalry do good service in the Valley of Big Sandy and Western Virginia, my personal knowledge of his abilities as a military man and a thorough energetic business man in every particular, gives me the assurance in recommending him highly—

Very Respectfully
G. McFall
Major Comdg 1^st Squadron
O. V. Cavalry

Louisa. Ky
Dec^r 21^s 1862

Recommending James D M^cBride as commander of a Battalion of Cavalry for home guard purposes in the Sandy Valley.

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