The Daily Dispatch: July 28, 1863., [Electronic resource]

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Local defence.

--If the battalion of mounted men, under Lieut. Col. Robbins, were increased to a regiment, properly equipped and drilled and used exclusively for picket duty, within ten miles of Richmond, it would effect more real service for the Southern cause than double the number of men in the field. With efficient, active officers, it could break up blockaders entirely, capture deserters, guard neighboring farms by night and day, and prevent the strangling through the country of soldiers, who destroy thousands of dollars worth of grain, vegetables, and fruits, every week, that would otherwise go to feed the army and the people. Col. Robbins is said to be a strict disciplinarian and first-rate soldier, and if so, is the right sort of man to command a local force and to do good service. Without drill, discipline, and strict attention to camp duties, a local force would be worse than useless.