To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know he, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of John H. Sponcler, I do hereby appoint him to Hospital Steward in Company (Blank) of the First Regiment of Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry, Maryland Volunteers in service of the United State, to rank as such from the Ninth of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Five. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Hospital Steward by doing and performing all manner of things belonging. And I do strictly charge and require all Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Hospital Steward. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from me or the future Commanding Officer of the Regiment or other Superior Officers and Non Commissioned Officers set over him according to the rules and discipline of War. This Warrant to continue in force during the pleasure of the Commanding Officer of the Regiment for the time being.

Given under my hand at the Headquarters of the Regiment at Hedgesville, W. Va. This Ninth day of May, in the year of our lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Five.

By the Commanding Officer Townsen J. Daniel, Major Commanding the Regiment