The main issue in the Fifth was the rampant alcoholism within the command structure, especially Lt. Col. Abel Seley and his gang. Col. John McConnell was not a drinker, but he allowed Seley, and many of the majors and captains, to drink their way through the service. Alcoholism was very bad within this regiment, as all the first-person accounts I have read attest. I should finish the book before the end of summer and send it off to the publishers; hopefully, they will deem it has quality and publish the book. I will let you know if and when that happens. I would be very interested to read McBride's pension application and his service record. Would you be willing to send copies or scan them into the computer sending it as an electronic file? You may also be interested in Jonas H. Roe's letters, which have been posted online. He also served in Company M. The link is attached.

Rhonda