initial commit of ebook 31584HEADmain

1 files changed, 2181 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/31584.txt b/31584.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b64a210
--- /dev/null
+++ b/31584.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2181 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer
+Cavalry, by R. C. Rankin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry
+
+Author: R. C. Rankin
+
+Release Date: March 10, 2010 [EBook #31584]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--7TH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  HISTORY OF THE
+  SEVENTH
+  OHIO
+  VOLUNTEER
+  CAVALRY
+
+  Written by
+  CAPT. R. C. RANKIN.
+
+  RIPLEY, OHIO:
+  J. C. Newcomb, Printer.
+  1881.
+
+
+
+
+History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.
+
+
+
+
+It being suggested that a History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry be
+written, the honor was conferred upon me. Not being a historian or even a
+letter writer, I feel myself entirely incompetent to do justice to the
+Regiment that has done so much good service. In writing a historical
+account of the organization of this Regiment, I shall have to rely almost
+exclusively on memory, owing to the fact that all the Regiment's notes and
+papers have been captured, as will be seen before concluding this
+narrative.
+
+The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was recruited on an order emanating
+from the War Department, that Gov. Todd, of Ohio, would raise one Regiment
+of Cavalry, for "Border Service," the Ohio River then being the boundary.
+
+The organization of this Regiment was commenced and the duty of the
+organization was conferred on Major Malcolm McDowell, Paymaster U. S. A.,
+and I may add here, that there is no visitor more welcome at the camp of
+the Seventh O. V. C., than the gallant old grandfather of the Reg't, as he
+is styled here. The counties ordered to raise Companies were as follows:
+Hamilton, three; Clermont, one; Brown, one; Adams, one; Scioto, one;
+Lawrence, one; Gallia, one; Meigs, one; Washington, one; Monroe, one.
+Lawrence and Monroe failing to raise the companies, their places were
+supplied by raising two in Gallia and one in Athens. As soon as recruiting
+was fairly under way, Major McDowell was retired and resumed his orignal
+duties as Paymaster.
+
+Recruiting was very lively, and the Companies were all filled by the first
+week in September, and the Regiment was then organized as follows:
+
+Colonel, Israel Garrard; Lieut. Colonel, George G. Minor; Majors, Wm. L.
+Raney, ---- Norton, and James McIntire; Adjutant, T. F. Allen; Q. M., W.
+M. R. Jackson; C. S., John McColgin; Surgeon, Isaac Train; Asst. Surgeons,
+---- Tullis and ---- Barrett.
+
+Non-Com., Field and Staff.--S. M., B. P. Stacy; Q. M. S., Geo. M. Ross; C.
+S., B. F. Powers; H. S., James Saffron; Saddler, Serg't Albert G. Sells.
+
+Captains--Wm. A. Simpson, A. S. Brownfield, Warren, Campbell, Solomon L.
+Green, Lindsey, Ashburn, Higley, Wm. Lewis, R. C. Rankin, Eels, and John
+Leaper.
+
+First Lieutenants--A. Hall, Santemire, Sayers, Moore, W. D. Ketterman,
+Copeland, Nichols, Tripp, Long, Shaw, Carr, McNight.
+
+Second Lieutenants--A. N. Rich, Wm. Burton, Martin Shuler, Murphy, John V.
+Srofe, O. H. Eyler, Trago, Smith, Chase, Wambledorf and Johnson.
+
+The Companies rendezvoused in the counties in which they were raised and
+received millitary instruction from their respective Commanders for
+several weeks.
+
+In the meantime, Co. E, Capt. R. C. Rankin's Company, quartered at Ripley,
+Ohio, rendered valuable service to the city of Maysville, Ky., in
+defending her against John Morgan's command, and on the night of September
+20th, 1862, crossed the Ohio River and marched to Brookville, Ky., a
+distance of twenty-five miles, and participated in the attack and the
+driving from the place, the rebels under Basil Duke, who was engaged in
+paroling the citizens carried away by him from Augusta, which place he had
+captured and burned the day previous. Capt. R. C. Rankin, with Co. E and a
+squad of mounted citizens from Ripley, Ohio, made a charge on the place,
+capturing one rebel as they went in, and having one man killed by the
+retreating rebels. The gallant Duke did not stand upon the order of his
+going, but just "went." This may be recorded as the first blood the
+Seventh saw in battle.
+
+Ripley being connected with a large portion of Kentucky by turnpike roads,
+was selected as the place for the Regiment to rendezvous and receive
+instructions, which duty devolved principally on Lt. Col. Minor, who
+proved himself fully competent to the task. Col. Garrard's time being
+occupied in equipping the Regiment.
+
+The first Battallion reached Ripley about the 1st of October, and on the
+19th of October, this Battallion and twenty-five men of Co. E, under
+command of Capt. R. C. Rankin, all being under Lt. Col. Minor, crossed the
+Ohio River and made a scout to Falmouth, Ky., (in obedience to orders from
+Gen. Wright, Commanding Dept. of Ohio,) reaching there on the third day,
+and finding it occupied by Federal troops. Passing through four counties,
+they returned to camp at Ripley, bringing with them three prisoners
+captured by the advance--Capt. R. C. Rankin's twenty-five men of E Co.
+being the advance.
+
+The First Battallion crossed the river about the 1st of November, and took
+up the line of march for Lexington, Ky., Major Rainey commanding, and
+joined Gen. Carter in December, accompanying that officer on his raid into
+East Tennessee, by the way of Pound Gap, and participated in the burning
+of Carter's Station and the bridge across the Watauga River at
+Zollicoffer, Tenn.; returning to Kentucky, with the loss of one man killed
+and a few lost as prisoners, after an absence of three weeks.
+
+Four companies broke camp and crossed the river at Maysville, Ky., on the
+21st of December, and took up their march for Danville, Ky., reaching
+there on the 24th, Lt. Colonel commanding.
+
+In obedience to orders of Gen. Baird, commanding at Danville, Company E,
+Capt. Rankin in command, was ordered to Harrodsburgh for the purpose of
+sending scouting parties on the different roads leading from that place,
+and rendered much valuable service to Gen. Baird, by keeping him posted as
+to the movements of John Morgan, who had invaded the State and was
+approaching that point.
+
+They also captured many prisoners, with their equipments. The number
+captured during their stay, would more than equal the entire command under
+Capt. Rankin.
+
+The duties became so ardorous, that Gen. Baird sent Company L, Capt.
+Leaper, to assist.
+
+The border now being on the Kentucky and Salt River hills, the remainder
+of the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, were brought up to join the others at
+Danville, Ky., reaching there about the 4th of January, 1863. The whole
+Regiment, (Co. E excepted, which was still on duty at Harrodsburg,) after
+a few weeks getting together at Danville, moved to Harrodsburg, where it
+remained until about the latter part of February.
+
+About this time, the rebel Col. Cluke invaded Eastern Kentucky, and the
+Seventh was ordered out to assist in driving him from the State.
+
+On reaching Crab Orchard, the Regiment was divided: part under Lt. Col.
+Minor moved by the way of Richmond and Ervin to Hazel Green, and had a
+skirmish with the enemy at that place, capturing twenty-five prisoners.
+The remainder of the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, went to Mt. Sterling,
+by the way of Richmond and Winchester, charging the town and driving the
+rebels from it, but not in time, however, to save a portion of it from
+flames.
+
+The place had been surrendered a short time previous, by Col. Ratcleffe of
+the 10th Kentucky Cavalry.
+
+The enemy being hotly pursued on the Owensville road, made a stand on
+State Creek, four miles out, but after a sharp engagement were driven from
+their position, with a loss of eight killed.
+
+About three weeks were occupied in traversing this mountainous country.
+The rain and snow falling almost continuously, made the roads in places
+impassable. The Regiment all got together at Lexington, about the first of
+April.
+
+Immediately on the arrival of the regiment at Lexington, an order was
+issued by Gen. Gilmore, for Capt. Rankin to report with Company E to the
+Provost Marshal of the District. Upon doing so, the duty assigned him was
+to make a scout through Jessamine, Mercer, Woodford and Anderson counties,
+and if possible, to arrest and bring to Lexington a rebel, Col. Alexander,
+who had up to this time baffled all efforts made for his capture.
+
+The scouting party returned, being successful in the capture of Col.
+Alexander, together with a rebel recruiting officer, met on the highway,
+who on being searched was found to have on his person a recruiting
+officer's papers authorizing him to proceed from Beech Grove, Tenn., to
+the counties above mentioned, to recruit for John Morgan's command,
+stationed at Beech Grove; also, taking from the cliffs, bordering on the
+Kentucky river, near Shakertown, a member of John Morgan's command
+concealed there.
+
+The day after their return, this Company was sent to Cynthiana and did
+duty for some weeks with the 118th Ohio, in breaking up recruiting
+station, Col. Mott commanding.
+
+After having completed this service, Co. E, Capt. Rankin commanding, was
+ordered first to Paris, thence to Carlisle, which place was reached about
+midnight. Being aided by a small party of citizens, he continued his march
+about six miles to a mill on the north-fork of Licking river where he
+captured a picket-post of sixteen rebel soldiers, and then returned to
+Paris on the following day.
+
+In the meantime, the regiment bore a conspicuous part in the fight with
+Pegram's force at Dutton Hill, and just as our line was beginning to
+waver, a daring charge was made by the Seventh which turned the tide of
+battle in our favor.
+
+In this fight we captured four hundred prisoners and four pieces of
+artillery.
+
+The enemy fell back in great disorder. Among the trophies captured, the
+Seventh claims three battle flags; one being captured by Lieut. Copeland,
+who greatly distinguished himself on that occasion for coolness and
+bravery.
+
+Major Norton also deserves mention for the gallant style in which he led
+his battalion in the charge. Major McIntire deserves especial mention. On
+one occasion he penetrated the confused mass of rebels, and found himself
+fired on from the rear. Turning upon his horse he found he was attacked by
+three. The Major drew his revolver and shot one and the other two
+surrendered.
+
+Col. Garrard could be found at any point along the line where his presence
+was most needed. This was the first fight the regiment was in as a body.
+
+On returning to Lexington, the regiment was paid off and their faces were
+again turned southward. Reaching Stanford, they went into camp for a few
+days and then continued their march to Somerset, near the Cumberland river
+which had now become the border.
+
+On the evening of the 29th of April, three companies, under Captain Green,
+joined two companies of the 2nd Ohio Cav., and one company of the 1st
+Kentucky, all under command of Capt. Carter, of the 1st Ky., crossed the
+Cumberland river at Smith's Ford, and after crossing a mountain, they
+crossed the south fork of the Cumberland, two miles from its junction with
+the main stream, now known as Burnside's Point, coming around in the rear
+of the rebel pickets at Stigall's Ferry, thereby capturing the post, one
+hundred and thirty in number.
+
+After delivering the prisoners to our forces on the opposite bank at
+Stigall's, we took the main road to Monticello, and after marching about
+four miles, were attacked by a portion of the enemy's cavalry whom we soon
+drove back, and then continued the march until we reached the farm known
+as Capt. West's. Beyond this farm is a gap in the mountain, called
+Scott's Gap. Here the enemy made a stand and quite a sharp little fight
+ensued which lasted near one hour.
+
+It now being dusk and the enemy being driven from their position, the
+command went into camp for the night, Company E of the 7th, under Capt.
+Rankin, being left to hold the Gap. The next morning, skirmishing between
+the pickets commenced. The column was soon in motion moving on toward
+Monticello, with occasional skirmishing on the advance, the enemy
+gradually falling back toward the town; but a charge was made upon them
+which quickly hurled them through the town and over the creek to the top
+of a hill beyond, where they again made a stand.
+
+In this charge, the first credit of entering the place, all chances being
+equal, is due the Seventh, Company E, under Capt. Rankin, leaping the
+fences, gaining the streets and crossing the creek, and mingled in a hand
+to hand fight with the flying rebels half way up the hill on the other
+side. The Adjutant of the 1st Kentucky, gained the head of the column and
+ordered them back to the Monticello side, where the command was formed in
+line of battle.
+
+This gave the enemy time to reform, also. In this charge, the Seventh lost
+one man killed and three wounded, besides several horses.
+
+That part of the command which stopped to throw down fences, now coming to
+our assistance, the enemy were soon driven to a point four miles beyond,
+where they got large reinforcements, as well as ourselves and a fight was
+made in which the enemy used considerable artillery.
+
+In an hour our artillery came up and was put in position and a flank
+movement being made on the enemy's right, they were soon to be found on
+the retreat again.
+
+In this engagement the rebels lost nine men killed, several wounded and
+twelve prisoners.
+
+Night coming on, the command retreated to Monticello where it remained for
+two days, and then followed the retreating rebels across the Tennessee
+line.
+
+A part of the regiment under Col. Garrard, went to Frazersville, and a
+detachment under Major McIntyre, went to Albany, capturing some prisoners
+and returned to Somerset where they remained sometime.
+
+Nothing of interest occurred except scouting occasionally to Mett's Spring
+and across the river now and then, taking in the rebel pickets on the
+opposite bank.
+
+On the 7th day of June, the regiment again crossed the Cumberland river
+and marched to Monticello where it had some fighting. On the 9th, when
+returning, the Seventh, O. V. C., being the rear guard, was followed by
+the enemy and attacked at West's farm, at which place a severe fight
+ensued in which the Seventh lost several men in killed and wounded.
+
+On the morning of the 10th, a detachment from the Seventh of 150 picked
+men and officers as follows: Capt. R. C. Rankin, commanding the
+detachment, Capt. Warren, Lts. Carr, Ketterman, Rich, Shuler, and Srofe,
+left Somerset and joined Col. Sanders at Mt. Vernon. A day or two was
+spent in making preparations for a raid. Everything being ready, on the
+morning of the 18th we took up our line of march, crossing the Cumberland
+river at Williamsburg, thence over Jelico mountains to Wartsburg where we
+captured 105 prisoners, they being utterly surprised, having no knowledge
+of our movements until we were upon them.
+
+We also captured a supply train and destroyed a large amount of ordinance,
+Q. M. and C. S. stores.
+
+This being the point from which Gen. Pegram drew his supplies, he being
+stationed at this time on the Cumberland river in front of Gen. Carter's
+forces.
+
+The prisoners being all paroled, their arms destroyed, we moved on toward
+Kingston.
+
+Considerable skirmishing occurred with the advance, when we made a sudden
+move to the left, crossed the Clinch river and moved out toward Lenoir's
+Station.
+
+When within one mile of this place, we suddenly came upon a rebel camp at
+daylight capturing their guns, a battery complete. The number of prisoners
+captured there and at the Station were 132. We burned the depot which was
+well filled with munitions of war of every kind and description.
+
+Here I will relate an incident that took place: As the column moved by the
+Station, owing to the bursting of shells and the explosion of powder in
+the burning building, the command was compelled to take the fields to
+avoid danger. Passing a man plowing corn with a fine mule, he said, "that
+is one of your Yankee tricks, is it?" Yes, said a soldier with a worn out
+horse, "and I will show you another." So dismounting, he put his saddle on
+the mule and left him his jaded horse.
+
+Being now on the Virginia and East Tennessee Railroad, we commenced the
+destruction of it by tearing up the rails, burning all the culverts and
+bridges.
+
+Reaching Knoxville after night, we moved around to the north side of the
+city and attacked the place in the morning.
+
+In this engagement, Capt. Rankin received orders from Col. Sanders to send
+50 of his men out on our right to skirmish, and to support the artillery
+with the remainder of his command, which was one section of Battery D,
+First Ohio.
+
+We fought until 9 o'clock, A. M., capturing 40 prisoners and killed 9
+rebels, among them a Capt. McClung.
+
+Our loss was two killed and a few wounded.
+
+Then falling back, we struck the railroad east of the place where we again
+commenced tearing up the track.
+
+We were saluted with the enemy's artillery until noon, shelling the woods
+we had left.
+
+Moving on to Strawberry Plains, we destroyed everything as we went and
+reaching that place late in the evening, where considerable fighting took
+place, which resulted in our occupying the town, capturing six pieces of
+artillery and over 100 prisoners, with slight loss to us.
+
+Here we burned the bridge that spans the Holston river, 1600 feet in
+length, including trestle work, besides the depot and store houses well
+filled with Q. M. and C. S. stores.
+
+After resting a few hours, we moved out on the road toward New Market and
+on to Mossy Creek, where we destroyed a confederate machine shop and a
+large amount of grain, and burnt the bridge over Mossy Creek; in all, we
+destroyed over 3000 feet of bridges and trestle work.
+
+This being done and having destroyed 60 miles of railroad, the head of our
+column was turned northward, crossing the Clinch river and moving toward
+Cumberland Gap.
+
+Skirmishing now commenced in our rear, the detachments of the Second and
+Seventh being the rear guard.
+
+The column kept pushing on, crossing Chinch mountain into Powill's Valley,
+and on reaching the Knoxville and Cumberland Gap road, learned that the
+enemy were in our front.
+
+Not wishing to travel any further in that direction the column was turned
+toward Knoxville.
+
+After traveling a few miles in that direction, we came upon the enemy's
+wagon train, which fell into our hands, they supposing it perfectly safe
+on this road; no guards had been left with it.
+
+After burning the train and paroling the prisoners, 32 in number, it now
+being 12 o'clock at night, the column headed for Roger's Gap, which was
+made in the afternoon of the next day.
+
+Finding this Gap well guarded with artillery and infantry, the command
+halted for a short time for consultation. The result of this was as
+follows: A strong line of skirmishers were to be shown to the enemy, the
+artillery to be put in position loaded with shell, spiked and wheels cut
+down. The detachment of the Seventh being the rear guard was ordered to
+remain in position one hour after the column moved, which movement was
+made to the left and around a spur of the mountain out of sight, striking
+the valley again, five miles further down at Childer's Gap, finding one
+regiment of the enemy's cavalry, which made a hasty retreat down the
+valley after receiving one volley from the First Tennessee mounted
+Infantry, which accompanied our expedition.
+
+The rear guard closing up and the way in our front being clear the command
+commenced the descent, crossed the valley and ascended the mountain on the
+other side.
+
+When the rear guard had got one-third the way up the mountain, the enemy
+could be seen moving in two columns.
+
+The infantry and artillery finding that they had been foiled in their
+efforts to capture our command, were coming down the valley, while their
+cavalry were feeling their way up the valley.
+
+Our rear guard were placed in a position to receive them in case any
+attempt should be made to attack us in the rear.
+
+As the approaching columns neared each other, it now being dark, and each
+supposing the other to be the raiding "Yanks," at once engage each other.
+
+Capt. Rankin, commanding the rear guard, not being interested in this
+fight, nor caring which gained the day, ordered his command forward and
+followed the main column, it having continued its march and being now out
+of sight.
+
+The night being very dark and no road, not even a path to follow nor any
+mounted guide left to guide them, they worked their way over rocks and
+timber in the direction they supposed the column had moved, and became
+scattered.
+
+And after climbing around over the rocks, amid the darkness of the night,
+I found myself on the highest peak of the mountain, accompanied by one
+man. I wandered about for some time to see if I could find any trace of
+the column, and found no trace and heard no human voice save the tumult at
+the foot of the mountain.
+
+Inasmuch as the author did not join his command until reaching London,
+Ky., and nothing of interest occurring except the leaving of three hundred
+horses in the mountains by the command, he asks the privilege of narrating
+his own adventures after he became separated from the command:
+
+I struck out in what I supposed a northerly direction and after passing
+over several high ridges and coming to a cliff that had to be descended,
+and not thinking it safe to make the trial at night, we spread our blanket
+down, tied our horses and went to sleep, being very much exhausted; and
+upon waking in the morning found the sun high up and no noise to be heard
+save the singing of the birds and the gnawing of my faithful horse on the
+trees. I at once arose and set out to find some place to make my exit, but
+finding no way to get my horse down this cliff other than southward, I was
+compelled to abandon him, a thing that gave me considerable uneasiness of
+mind; I hated to part with so valuable a servant that had carried me
+safely through the campaign of '61, under Gen. Fremont, through Kentucky
+and Tennessee to Corinth, Miss., back to Ohio and through all the
+wanderings of the 7th O. V. C., including this masterly "raid," being yet
+good in flesh and unbroken in spirit; to part with such a friend was no
+light affair. But with all the horrors of Libby Prison on one hand and
+life and liberty on the other, I was not long in making up my mind which
+course to pursue.
+
+I stripped my horse of everything and bid him adieu. Taking a strap from
+the saddle, I buckled my blankets together, ran my saber through, threw it
+over my shoulder and began the descent, and upon reaching the foot found
+myself in a deep dell, surrounded by high peaks of craggy rocks. The
+timber being undergrown with laurel through which ran a brook of clear
+water.
+
+After refreshing myself, I followed the course to the stream for about two
+miles which brought me to a stream known as Clear Fork, which I followed
+for a few miles, coming to a miserable old hut in which lived two old
+people, who had passed their four score years, and in coming up to this
+hovel I heard considerable talking.
+
+I sent my companion close to the hut to eaves drop, and finding who were
+its occupants, when he returned he reported "all right."
+
+On entering the house I found ten or twelve of our own soldiers, among
+them a grand son of the occupants of the house.
+
+The old man was grinding corn on a hand mill, while the old lady was
+baking bread and cakes for the hungry soldiers. I ate a few morsels, and
+during the time I explained to them my situation and where my horse had
+been left.
+
+The old gentleman gave me some encouragement by saying he thought he
+could get the horse. I told him he should have fifty dollars upon
+delivering the horse to me, and he at once started in search of him, while
+I went up on the side of the mountain; spread my blanket and went to
+sleep.
+
+The old man returned in the evening without the horse. I procured a guide
+and set by a foot-path over the mountains, traveling all night, reaching
+London, Ky., twenty-four hours in advance of the command. The column
+coming up, we continued our march until reaching Lancaster, on the 1st day
+of July, being twenty days out.
+
+The men suffered greatly for want of sleep and from the swelling of their
+limbs, caused by constant riding.
+
+In two instances where men fell asleep in the center of the column,
+everything in the rear of them was halted, and they also fell asleep and
+remained so an hour or two.
+
+The regiment during this time was actively engaged in picketing and
+scouting the country along the Cumberland river, and on one or two
+occasions went into Tennessee to divert General Pegram's attention from
+the "raiders."
+
+About this time, John Morgan invaded the State of Kentucky, on his grand
+raid through Indiana and Ohio.
+
+The regiment, under its Colonel, joined in the pursuit, following him to
+the Ohio river at Brandenburg, crossing over into Indiana, and following
+him in his circuitous route through the States of Indiana and Ohio, and
+participating in the fight at Buffington's Island, July 20th, 1863.
+
+In the meantime the detachment of the 7th that was on the Sander's raid,
+were at Camp Nelson refitting.
+
+Information being received that two companies of Morgan's command which
+had been recruited in the vicinity of Harrodsburg, Ky., (numbering one
+hundred and ten men) had been cut off from the main command and were
+scattered about over the country, staying with their friends, and owing to
+Capt. Rankin's knowledge of that part of the State, he was ordered to take
+what men he could arm and equip and proceed there at once.
+
+Taking twenty-six of his own company, they in a period of ten days,
+captured eighty-four of that number, including two officers.
+
+Great credit is due to the colored people for the information they gave.
+
+Another detachment of the 7th joined Col. Sweeny's command of detachments
+and took part in the fight with Scott's Cavalry at Richmond, Ky., July
+28th, 1863, and made a brilliant saber charge against the same command at
+Crab Orchard, (Capt. Leaper commanding detachment,) skirmishing with them
+at Stanford, and following them on their retreat to the Cumberland river,
+compelling them to drop one section of artillery, said to be the same we
+abandoned in the mountains on the Sander's raid.
+
+After the capture of John Morgan, the regiment was disbanded for fifteen
+days and allowed to visit their homes.
+
+At the expiration of that time, the regiment was got together at
+Cincinnati and marched to Stanford, Ky., preparatory to their march to
+Knoxville, Tenn., under Gen. Burnside.
+
+The regiment broke camp about the 20th day of August, moving by the way
+of Crab Orchard and London, crossing the Cumberland river at Williamsburg,
+about the 25th.
+
+Here, one batallion of the 7th, under Major McIntyre, was thrown out in
+front as the advance of Gen. Burnside's command, and held that post of
+honor during the whole march, until they reached the railroad at Lenoir
+Station.
+
+A considerable force of the enemy being at London, and some fighting going
+on, the regiment was ordered to that point, and on reaching there found
+the rebels gone and the bridge that spanned the Tennessee river, in
+flames.
+
+The regiment then counter-marched, reaching Knoxville the next day.
+Resting two days, we took up our line of march for Cumberland Gap,
+skirmishing with the enemy at Taswell and Powell's river, reaching the Gap
+and beseiging that place three days.
+
+At the end of that time, September 9th, that stronghold surrendered its
+garrison, consisting of two thousand, six hundred men, under General
+Frazier.
+
+On the day previous to its surrender, a detail of officers penetrated the
+rebel pickets lines, much to the chagrin of Gen. Frazier, they were taken
+in headquarters, without being hoodwinked; of course they used their eyes
+and saw just what they went to see, the condition of the enemy.
+
+Gen. Frazier immediately ordered them out of his lines which order was
+complied with.
+
+That night they returned, not by the picket post however, and burned the
+mill inside the rebel lines, thus cutting off their rations, which may
+have had something to do with his sudden surrender.
+
+They came back to camp unmolested and without the honor of a rebel escort.
+
+On the next morning after the surrender, the 7th started back to
+Knoxville, and on the third day reached that city and went into camp.
+Remaining there only a few days they started eastward on the railroad, but
+meeting with no resistance until reaching Johnson's Station, a distance of
+one hundred miles.
+
+The command moved on to Zollecoffer, and not being able to capture the
+garrison there guarding the bridge across the Watauga river, they returned
+to Jonesboro, remaining there one week, one batallion under Capt.
+Copeland, doing the provost duty of town scouting and pressing horses.
+
+The enemy attacked the command on the 28th of September and compelled it
+to retreat down the railroad as far as Bull's Gap, where we stayed several
+days.
+
+On the 10th of October, we started eastward again and had a fight at Blue
+Springs, losing several men killed and wounded, among them, Captain Higly,
+a most valuable officer, who was commanding a battallion and was killed in
+the thickest of the fight while encouraging and leading on his men.
+
+The rebels held their ground until a detachment of the 9th army corps came
+up, charging them and driving them from the field at dusk.
+
+They retreated during the night, and our command pursued them in the
+morning, following closely all the next day, and had a spirited skirmish
+at Raytown in which several were lost on both sides. Night coming on, we
+went into camp, continuing our pursuit in the morning as far as Jonesboro,
+and on the following day we moved toward Bluntsville, camping for the
+night, a few miles from town.
+
+One battallion under Capt. Copeland, was ordered to make a scout to this
+place, but meeting the rebel pickets, he returned to camp, losing one man
+killed, James Barnes of Co. E.
+
+The next day, October the 14th, the column moved on toward the town
+driving the rebels from the place.
+
+They continued their retreat through Zollecoffer and Bristol. We followed
+and burnt the bridge at Zollecoffer, on our way and captured at Bristol
+two locomotives and fifty cars, which were all destroyed, besides a
+considerable amount of commissary store.
+
+The men carrying away all the sugar they could manage.
+
+The task being accomplished, the command fell back through Bluntsville and
+Kingsport to Rogersville, pressing all the horses that could be found, and
+remained there sometime, nothing particular occurring save the usual
+scouting in an enemy's country.
+
+About this time the regiment was deprived of its Colonel, he being placed
+in command of a brigade, and Major McIntyre succeeded to the command.
+
+About the 4th of November, Gen. Shackelford, commanding the Cavalry
+Division, received information that a rebel force, 4000 strong, was
+approaching Rogersville by the way of Jonesville, Va.
+
+He therefore ordered Col. Garrard to send a scouting party to that place.
+
+A detail of 50 men from the Seventh being made, Capt. Rankin was ordered
+to take command. Before the scouts returned, the enemy made their
+appearance by the way of Kingsport.
+
+In order that you may fully understand the event which I am about to
+describe, it is necessary that I should describe the country and the
+locality, our camp and its approaches.
+
+The country here is alternately mountain and valley, running nearly
+parallel east and west, with occasional narrow passes through the
+mountains from one valley to another, these valleys losing themselves
+every few miles in the main valley of the Holston river.
+
+The brigade of which the Seventh formed a part was camped in the main
+Holston Valley about three miles above Rogersville.
+
+The hospital, commissary and quartermaster's department, with a provost
+guard, occupied the town.
+
+Great caution was used by Col. Garrard in guarding these approaches, and
+for this purpose one company of the Tennesseeans was kept in Carter
+Valley, five miles from the brigade camp. This Valley being the first one
+north of the Holston, they sent scouting parties daily, over into Stanley
+Valley and Hickory Cave, which are further north.
+
+On the night of the 5th of November, scouts reported the enemy advancing
+in force down the Holston Valley from Kingsport.
+
+Lieut. Murphy was ordered to take two companies of the Seventh, on the
+night of the 6th, which was very dark and the rain pouring down in
+torrents, and make a scout up the Holston Valley.
+
+After marching about six miles he met the enemy's advance and at once
+engaged them, and notified the Colonel of their approach.
+
+The enemy finding their advance resisted, threw a force across the
+mountain into Carter Valley, which was estimated at 2000 strong, and upon
+reaching the valley they dashed upon this Tennessee company capturing and
+scattering them.
+
+This Valley now being cleared, they continued down it about two miles to a
+road crossing into Holston Valley, which road struck the Valley about the
+center of our brigade camp.
+
+Here their force was divided, one half going across the mountain, secreted
+themselves under the cover of the night in a cedar grove, near the road
+leading down the main valley to Rogersville.
+
+The other part of their command continued down the valley to where it
+comes into the Holston, one-half mile above Rogersville, where they again
+divided their force, leaving a part here and sending the remainder around
+a spur of the mountain, striking the valley one-half mile below the town.
+
+They closed in on the place, capturing and scattering everything that was
+there.
+
+This part of their programme being successfully accomplished, they moved
+up the valley on to the camp. In the meanwhile their main force was
+passing slowly down the valley, compelling the small force in their front
+to retire, and giving time for the force below to accomplish the task
+assigned them, and attack the camp from that side.
+
+As they approached the camp, Col. Garrard had the train on the road,
+headed toward Rogersville, and the brigade drawn up in line, artillery
+placed in position on an eminence, commanding the approach from Kingsport.
+
+While in this position we were attacked in the rear by the force coming up
+the valley.
+
+At this instant, the force before mentioned as being secreted in the cedar
+thicket, being in close proximity to our left flank, poured a volley into
+the battallion of the Seventh, being not more than fifty yards distant,
+and made a simultaneous charge upon the wagon train and capturing it.
+
+They were seen in the thicket by our battallion, but were supposed to be
+the Tennessee homeguards.
+
+At the same time a charge was made front and rear.
+
+Finding the command attacked on three sides, each force equaling our own
+in numbers, there was no alternative but to make our way across the
+Holston river at the nearest ford.
+
+This being done, the regiment was formed in line on the opposite bank of
+the river, but the Seventh had already lost over 100 men, and the Second
+Tennessee over 500, and both sections of the artillery being captured, the
+command fell back to Morristown, a distance of 30 miles.
+
+In the meantime, the scouts who were sent out to Jonesville, returned to
+within three miles of camp, and on hearing of the disaster, turned north,
+passing Clinch Mountain, through Little War Gap, coming down Poor Valley
+until they struck the Cumberland Gap and Morristown road, and joined the
+regiment at Morristown the next day.
+
+In this affair, the Seventh lost everything in the shape of books and
+papers, camp and garrison equipage, all the train and everything but what
+was carried away by the men on their horses.
+
+Capt. Rankin having joined his regiment, as before stated, was ordered to
+take two hundred men and reconnoiter as near Rogersville as he deemed
+safe.
+
+Finding nothing in his way, he entered the place, the rebels having
+retreated immediately after paroling the sick and wounded, which the
+Captain found in as good condition as circumstances would admit.
+
+The regiment resting at Morristown two days, then moved eastward through
+Russelsville and camped near that place a few days, and leaving this camp
+they went on up the railroad, through Bull's Gap, and on toward
+Greenville.
+
+About this time, Longstreet beseiged Knoxville, and the rebel forces under
+Jones and Williams moved down from Virginia, compelling us to fall back.
+
+The command fell back by the way of Rogersville to Bean's Station and
+thence over Clinch Mountain to Sycamore creek, where the Seventh camped a
+few days, doing picket duty on the Clinch river and all the roads leading
+eastward.
+
+We lost several men on picket at Clinch river.
+
+While stationed at this place, Serg'ts. Little and Davis carried
+dispatches through the rebel lines to General Burnside, in Knoxville, at
+different times.
+
+From this, the Seventh went to Taswell, remained there a few days and
+moved out on the Knoxville and Cumberland Gap road, crossing Clinch river
+at Walker's Ford.
+
+The siege now being raised at Knoxville, and the rebels moving up the
+railroad eastward, our cavalry was engaged in annoying their flanks, up to
+Beall's Station.
+
+On the morning of the 12th of Dec., 1863, the Seventh O. V. C. and the
+Ninth Michigan Cavalry, with one section of artillery, under command of
+Col. Garrard, moved in the direction of Morristown, and when within one
+and half miles of that town we met the enemy, and after some skirmishing,
+the Seventh was dismounted and thrown forward to engage them, who were
+strongly posted on a wooded hill, with artillery commanding the approach.
+
+After an engagement with them, which lasted nearly an hour, our lines
+moved forward gradually through open fields until within one hundred and
+fifty yards of their lines.
+
+Meanwhile, the Ninth Michigan Cavalry was moved down a ravine and around a
+hill out of sight of the enemy, attacking them on their flank and rear,
+compelling them to scatter in great confusion, leaving their dead and
+wounded in our hands.
+
+Our command passed on, driving the rebels beyond the town.
+
+The enemy lost heavily in killed and wounded, and among them a Lieut.
+Colonel.
+
+Our loss was one man killed; Sergt. Newport, of Co. H, Seventh regiment,
+with several wounded.
+
+It now being quite dark and no support near, the command fell back to
+Beall's Station.
+
+On the morning of the 14th, Col. Garrard's brigade again advanced on
+Morristown, but finding no enemy there, moved on toward Russelsville a few
+miles, drove in the pickets and moved forward, and when near Russelville,
+found a large force of the enemy drawn in line awaiting our approach.
+
+The Second and Seventh O. V. C. were at once ordered forward to attack
+them, the Ninth Michigan being held in reserve.
+
+We fought them till near dark, and failing to accomplish anything and
+losing several killed and wounded fell back to Beall's Station.
+
+On the 16th, we fought Longstreet's force at Bean's Station, also on the
+17th, and at Rutledge on the 18th.
+
+Our troops falling back all the time toward Knoxville, the cavalry doing
+the fighting, losing several men killed, wounded and captured.
+
+We fell back to Stone Mills, camping there a few days.
+
+Here the regiment was paid by Major McDowell.
+
+Leaving this point, the command crossed the Holston river, struck the
+railroad at New Market, and from there went south to Dandridge on the
+French Broad river.
+
+On the 24th, we had a spirited engagement with the enemy and was compelled
+to fall back toward New Market, losing one man killed and several
+captured.
+
+On the 27th, we moved up the railroad to Mossy creek, and from this period
+up to the 24th of January, had continual fighting and skirmishing, driving
+the enemy a few miles toward Morristown and in turn being driven back by
+them.
+
+On the morning of the 14th of January we moved again to Dandridge, and on
+the 16th moved out on the Morristown road, having sharp skirmishing,
+losing near 50 men out of the Brigade. Fell back again to Dandridge.
+
+On the following day a general engagement took place, which lasted from
+nine o'clock a. m. until late in the night.
+
+From causes unknown to the writer, (who had charge of the advance posts),
+at 12 o'clock at night the 7th which was on the front line, received
+orders to commence falling back in small detachments, when a retrograde
+movement commenced, in which retreat our forces lost several hundred,
+principally infantry, of which we had a large force which seemed to have
+been there for some other purpose than fighting, as they were never
+brought into action.
+
+We crossed the Holston river and continued our retreat to Knoxville, the
+enemy following to within a few miles of the city.
+
+From here we crossed the river moving south-west through Seviersville, and
+on up the south side of French Broad river, capturing two pieces of
+artillery at Fair Garden, when we fell back through Mears and Tuchalechy
+cove, to Little river, where we camped near one week, during which time a
+detachment of the brigade were sent into North Carolina to capture
+Thomas' Legion, which was made up mostly of Indians, (Thomas being
+formerly an Indian agent.)
+
+The expedition was successful, they brought back 50 prisoners, but not
+without heavy loss on our own side.
+
+In the meantime one battallion of the 7th was sent back through Mears to
+Tuchlechy to create a diversion and hold the Gap while the expedition was
+being made.
+
+Our camp was then moved to Maryville where we remained a few days scouting
+and skirmishing continually.
+
+From here we moved back to Knoxville, making scouts occasionally on the
+south side of the river toward Maryville and on the north side as far as
+Strawberry Plains.
+
+After remaining here about ten days the regiment moved out to Buffalo
+creek a distance of forty miles.
+
+As we had to subsist exclusively off of the country for forage and
+provisions for men and the horses, and the supply becoming exhausted our
+horses were reduced to skeletons and were no longer able to do duty.
+
+Fifty of the strongest horses were selected from each Regiment accompanied
+by Col. Garrard and moved east as far as Russelville, where they remained
+two weeks scouting and skirmishing continually, having in some instances
+hand to hand engagements.
+
+In the meanwhile the regiment returned to the vicinity of Knoxville and
+from there went out Clinch river to Wallace's road, remaining there a few
+days it returned to Knoxville, being joined by the 50 men above mentioned.
+
+We left on the 24th of March, 1864.
+
+It is conceded by all parties that the campaign in East Tennessee, under
+Gen. Burnside was the hardest campaign that has been experienced since the
+commencement of this great struggle for the perpetuity of our nation.
+
+The regiment reached Paris, Ky., April the 5th, camping in that vicinity a
+few days, and then moving to Nicholasville where the work of refitting was
+commenced.
+
+Major Gen. Stoneman commanding the cavalry in this department.
+
+Nothing of interest occurred here except that of sending companies into
+different counties to protect the Provost Marshals, while they were
+enrolling the negroes.
+
+About the 10th of June it was ascertained that John Morgan was moving
+toward Lexington. Gen. Stoneman having started with two brigades two weeks
+previous to Georgia, Col. Garrard's brigade was all that were left in that
+immediate vicinity.
+
+On the 10th Col. Garrard moved his command to Lexington reaching there a
+few hours after Morgan had left, who had entered the place in the morning,
+robbed the banks and many of the stores of their valuables before he
+departed.
+
+After resting a few hours we continued our march to Paris reaching there
+about daylight the following morning.
+
+Here 200 men were sent out under Capt. Rankin to make a reconoisance
+toward Georgetown, after moving in that direction about 16 miles, he met
+a part of Morgan's command, routed and drove them two miles in the
+direction of Cynthiana, returned and reported the same to Gen. Burbridge.
+
+That night Gen. Burbridge moved for Cynthiana, Col. Garrard's brigade
+being in the rear.
+
+At day-light skirmishing commenced a mile or two from that place.
+
+Gen. Burbridge soon had his whole force engaging the rebels.
+
+Col. Garrard's brigade composed of the 7th O. V. C., 9th Mich. V. C., and
+one battallion of the 15th Kentucky cavalry were formed in columns of
+battallions in the rear of the lines, being held in reserve.
+
+The fighting now became general, and the center of the line began to
+waver, seeing this Col. Garrard ordered the 9th Mich. to move around
+Burbridge's right flank and charge the enemy, mounted. The battallion of
+Kentucky cavalry was dismounted and formed on the extreme left of our
+line. The 7th O. V. C. was ordered to move around our left flank and
+charge the enemy, mounted.
+
+The fences were quickly thrown down and the 7th had moved scarcely 600
+yards, when they were met by Humphrey Marshal's brigade, making a flank
+movement on the left of our line and in the rear, when a gallant charge
+was made by Co. H, commanded by Capt. Hall, resulting in the capture of
+thirty-six rebels.
+
+A second charge was made immediately by the First battallion, under Capt.
+Greene with a similar result, but was exposed to a heavy fire from behind
+a stone fence. Immediately after this a third charge was made under Capt.
+Rankin, which was the final rout of the enemy, driving them over a bluff
+on the Licking river, to where they had left their horses. Mounting their
+horses they moved down the railroad through Cynthiana, hotly pursued by
+our troops, driving them through the streets and into the river, killing,
+wounding and drowning many.
+
+In this affair our loss did not exceed fifty in killed and wounded. Among
+the killed was Lt. McKnight, a brave and gallant officer.
+
+The enemy's loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, was near seven hundred.
+Many of their wounded bore marks of the saber. During the fight there were
+many daring deeds of personal bravery, which deserves personal mention.
+
+Col. Garrard was in the thickest of the fight, often in advance of the
+lines giving personal direction during the fight. Lt. Col. Minor was also
+on hand doing his part nobly.
+
+Capt. Allen, of Col. Garrard's staff, and Adj't Mitchell, both deserve
+mention for coolness and bravery.
+
+Capt. Allen, personally distinguished himself, for which he received the
+rank Brevet Lt. Col. at the close of the war.
+
+Capt. Rankin deserves particular mention for entering the rebel column and
+cutting off forty-seven men in the following manner:
+
+Upon reaching the bluff and seeing the rebels mounting their horses and
+moving down the railroad, wheeled his horse to the right, passed through a
+gate, then to the left down a lane near the railroad ordering his men to
+follow; Finding himself alone he halted for a few moments to wait for his
+men, and on seeing there was some impediment in the way of the rebels
+caused by a cattle dyke, which they were compelled to pass over or swim
+the Licking river, he drew his saber and entered the columns cutting it in
+two, using his saber right and left as he passed up the track to the dyke,
+the enemy passing on either side, and thereby he cut off and held all that
+had yet to cross the dyke, which proved to be forty-seven in number
+together with their horses.
+
+They did not however throw down their arms and surrender until four or
+five men came to the Captain's assistance.
+
+The above facts are verified by the affidavits of three reliable men.
+
+Arrangements being made to take them to the rear, the Captain followed on
+after the flying enemy--and nearing the town, crossed the Licking bridge
+and passing down about six hundred yards on the opposite side of the
+river.
+
+Five rebels ran out of town, and taking refuge behind a shop which stood
+on the bank of the river. On seeing them the Captain drew his revolver and
+ordered them dismount and throw down their arms, which they did.
+
+He then ordered them to the water's edge and to sit down, which they also
+obeyed, where he guarded them until one of our men, who had been taking
+prisoners to the rear came up when the Captain ordered him to take them to
+the rear. (This making fifty-two men.) How are you "southern chivalry,"
+with your "five to one."
+
+This statement is also verified by the affidavit of James Thomas, at
+present of Caldwell, Kansas, a justice of the peace.
+
+There are others who are willing to file their affidavit to the above
+statements but as the mouth of two witnesses establish one point further
+proof is not deemed necessary, nor would I even asked this were it not for
+the fact that there are always a few officers and men just bold enough to
+follow far enough in the rear to be out of harm's way, and to gather up
+trophies on the battle-field; which had been passed over by the actual
+fighting men of the command, who would not stop to gather trophies so long
+as they could deal a blow on the enemy.
+
+They are first to criticize the acts of those who are in the first ranks;
+and raise the question, "where are your trophies?" There is not a true
+soldier in our army but will bear me out in my statement.
+
+The enemy were here scattered; some going out through Owen county, while
+Morgan himself took the pike toward the Ohio river through Claysville,
+crossing the Maysville and Lexington pike at Mayslick, and on through Mt.
+Sterling. Col Garrard's brigade following in his trail picking up
+stragglers until we lost him in the mountains of eastern Kentucky in his
+retreat to Pound Gap.
+
+Thence we returned by way of Lexington to Nicholasville where we camped
+for a short time recuperating our men and horses.
+
+Moving to Camp Nelson, we were paid on the 3rd of July, to June 30th 1864.
+
+On the following morning, July 4th, we set out on our long march to
+Atlanta, Ga., crossing the Tennessee river at Kingston, passing through
+Athens, Cleveland and all the towns between that place and Atlanta,
+reaching the works around that place July 24th, and reporting to Gen.
+Stoneman to whose command we then belonged.
+
+We were ordered to join him on his expedition to Macon, Ga., which
+expedition was to move at 9 o'clock on the following morning.
+
+Lt. Col. Minor, on his return to the regiment after dark, missed his way
+and did not join us until about 12 o'clock, thereby the regiment was saved
+the dishonor of being made prisoner before Macon, on Gen. Stoneman's
+surrender. Company D, however, being his escort, was surrendered with him.
+
+The regiment was immediately put on picket on the left flank of our army.
+
+On the 26th, Col. Garrard's brigade was dismounted and put in the
+trenches, the Seventh occupying the extreme left of our army, which
+position they held while the terrible engagement of that day took place.
+
+This being the same ground that was so desperately fought over during the
+22nd,--the day the gallant McPherson fell.
+
+The next day, we were moved to the right, the Seventh being on the extreme
+right during the fierce fight of the 28th,--the rebels making seven
+different bayonet charges, and were repulsed each time, by Gen. Howard's
+command.
+
+When the grand flank movement commenced on the right, which ultimately
+gave us possession of Atlanta, Col. Garrard's brigade bore a conspicuous
+part, for there was scarcely a position gained that was not first gained
+by Col. Garrard's cavalry, and in many instances we fought the enemy in
+front, until the infantry came up and intrenched themselves in our rear.
+
+This being done, they would send a brigade to relieve us, and we would be
+placed further out on the flank.
+
+On the first of September, near Rough and Ready Station, which is south of
+Atlanta, on the road leading to Macon, Capt. Rankin commanding a battalion
+of the Seventh, was the first to find the works evacuated at this point.
+
+On reporting the same to Gen. Thomas, he was ordered to return and go
+through the works and gain a high ridge road, about a mile and a half
+beyond the intrenchments, and on gaining the road, to take the end leading
+toward Atlanta and go as far as he deemed practicable.
+
+On returning to the works, he found it occupied by Gen. Cooper's division
+of infantry, with a line of skirmishers in front skirmishing with the
+enemy.
+
+Upon reaching this line, the Captain dismounted his battalion, leaving
+number four to hold horses, deployed as skirmishers and moved them
+directly through the infantry lines, through woods to fields and fields to
+woods until they gained the road above mentioned.
+
+This being done, the horses were ordered to be brought forward. The
+infantry also came forward and moved along the road leading to the
+Station, which was less than one mile off.
+
+Upon the arrival of the horses, the battalion mounted and moved toward
+Atlanta.
+
+After proceeding a mile and a half they received a volley from the enemy,
+secreted in the woods, whereupon a fight took place which lasted till
+dark, resulting in our driving the enemy about a mile and a half further,
+after which the Captain returned to his picket post which he had occupied
+the night previous, at the crossings of the Atlanta, Jonesboro, Shoal
+creek and McDonald roads.
+
+Atlanta was evacuated the following day, and a general engagement took
+place at Jonesboro, twenty miles south of Atlanta, resulting in a heavy
+loss to both sides.
+
+In the night, the enemy fell back, the cavalry followed to Lovejoy's
+Station, six miles further south, being on the left of our army, occupying
+the McDonald and Fayetteville road, nine miles south-east of Jonesboro. We
+remained at this point on picket one week, where we saw fighting more or
+less every day.
+
+Leaving this point, we moved back and went into camp near Decatur, which
+is six miles east of Atlanta on the railroad leading to Augusta.
+
+During our campaign in Georgia, we subsisted chiefly upon the country,
+which was gathered in by foraging parties, detached for that purpose, and
+under the command of an officer.
+
+As a general thing, some of the parties would be skirmishing with the
+enemy while the remainder would be gathering forage.
+
+Skirmishing, while in Georgia, was more of an every day business than
+otherwise.
+
+When General Hood set his flank machine in operation and was followed by a
+portion of General Sherman's command, the Seventh remained at Atlanta with
+the 23rd corps, and was engaged in those mammoth foraging expeditions of
+which you have read the newspaper accounts.
+
+We continued in this business until Gen. Sherman returned to Atlanta and
+commenced his "masterly retreat" on Richmond, via Savanna, Ga., Charleston
+and Columbia, S. C., when we turned over our horses and arms to complete
+the mounting and arming of Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry, and returned to
+Nashville, arriving there on the 15th of November, 1864.
+
+On the 25th, Col. Garrard was put in command of two regiments, the Seventh
+O. V. C. and Tenth Tennessee.
+
+The brigade formerly commanded by Col. Garrard, the Seventh excepted, it
+having been assigned to Gen. Kirkpatrick's command prior to our leaving
+Atlanta, and accompanied him on the Sherman expedition.
+
+Lt. Col. Minor was put in command of a dismounted cavalry camp near
+Nashville, and Capt. Rankin in command of the regiment, by order of Gen.
+Wilson, commanding cavalry corps, C. C. M. D. M.
+
+The regiment was mounted, armed and equipped, under the superintendent of
+Captain Rankin, and started for Columbia, Tenn.
+
+On reaching Spring Hill, it was ordered to take the left-hand road to
+Hardison's Ford, on Duck river, to support Col. Capron, and on reaching
+there, found him engaging the enemy at the ford.
+
+The Seventh was formed in columns of squadrons in the rear of two
+brigades.
+
+Company A, Captain Ketterman, was sent to watch a crossing a little down
+ways the river from where we were.
+
+Companies B and C were ordered to make a scout of three miles on the road
+leading to Columbia, under Lieuts. Burton and Shuler.
+
+Company E was ordered to make a scout up the river five miles, under
+Lieut. Srofe.
+
+Soon after this, the brigade train was ordered to move out on the road
+leading to Franklin, with a guard of one company.
+
+The train had not more than straightened on the road, when Companies B and
+C found a strong force of the enemy in their front.
+
+Company E was cut off, the enemy having got between it and the command,
+and about the same time the head of the wagon train was attacked which
+created a stampede in the train.
+
+Capt. Rankin wheeled two companies into position and moved out to meet the
+enemy, ordering Adj't. Mitchell to bring out the remainder as soon as the
+wagon train could be got into our rear.
+
+A volley was poured into the enemy by the two companies already in
+position and a saber charge was immediately made, the remainder of the
+regiment coming into position in time, thereby driving the enemy from the
+road and held them in check until the train and the brigade that was
+fighting at the river could be got out.
+
+This fighting continued until 9 o'clock, P. M., when Col. Garrard, who had
+joined us, ordered the command to fall back.
+
+In this affair the timely action of the Seventh saved the entire brigade
+and train from capture, but with the loss of near one hundred men killed,
+wounded and captured, including Capt. Ketterman, and the whole of Co. A,
+also our regimental colors, for which the enemy had no credit, as it was
+captured in the following manner: It being quite dark and everything
+having passed the road, the Colonel wished to fall back and asked some one
+to go and notify Capt. Rankin, who was a short distance off, of his
+movement.
+
+The Color Serg't tendered his services and immediately started on his
+mission.
+
+The fighting men at this point were not more than thirty yards apart, and
+the Serg't rode directly into the rebel lines and was captured.
+
+The Captain brought off his command and fell back, about six miles across
+Flat creek, leaving our dead and wounded on the field.
+
+In this fight, much honor and credit are due to the officers and men of
+the Seventh for the bold manner in which they struck the enemy. It was
+this that gave us success, for we were far inferior in point of numbers.
+
+Private John Turner of Co. E, deserves especial mention in this, that he
+was bearing the guidon of his company, and while running the gauntlet of
+the enemy was thrown from his horse, but held fast to his colors and
+joined his command, after remaining six days in the enemy's lines,
+bringing his colors with him.
+
+On the following day, the most desperate engagement perhaps of the war,
+all things considering, of Franklin took place.
+
+The Seventh O. V. C. occupied the left flank of the 23rd A. C., as they
+faced the enemy.
+
+We continued our operations on the flank of Gen. Thomas' army until it
+reached the fortifications around Nashville.
+
+About the 1st of December, the regiment crossed the Cumberland river and
+was engaged in guarding ferries below Nashville, patrolling the country
+as far as Harpeth Shoals, and pressing in horses until the 13th, when we
+moved to Edgefield opposite Nashville.
+
+Here the cavalry command was reorganized.
+
+The Seventh was assigned to the First Brigade, Sixth Division, Brig-Gen.
+Johnson, commanding. Col. Garrard having been returned to his command of
+the Seventh, and Col. Harrison, of Indiana, commanding the brigade.
+
+On the 14th, all the cavalry was brought from the north to the south side
+of the Cumberland river, and on the following morning, the 15th, at an
+early hour, everything was in motion.
+
+Our division occupied the extreme right of our army.
+
+As soon as the fog was sufficiently cleared away we marched through our
+breastworks, the Seventh being placed in the reserve.
+
+Soon fighting commenced in the front along the river below the city. (I
+should have mentioned that the Sixth Div. had but one brigade in it
+mounted and that was the First.)
+
+The rebels were soon driven from their first line of works and contested
+every inch of ground with artillery and musketry, but they were steadily
+driven back by the two regiments in front of the Seventh.
+
+Up to this time the Seventh had not been engaged.
+
+At two o'clock, P. M., the Seventh was ordered forward and formed on the
+right of the road in a cornfield, near the river, and moved forward in
+line of battle.
+
+In this field the ground was very wet and soft and there were many ditches
+several feet deep, which made it impossible to preserve a correct line,
+but we did the best we could under the circumstances, and by the time we
+reached the woodland the enemy were in full retreat down the pike.
+
+On seeing this, Col. Garrard ordered a charge by squadrons or companies in
+columns of fours, and ordered Captain Rankin's battalion to charge down
+the pike and out to the enemy's left.
+
+A universal shout went up from the regiment and at them they went, the
+woods being open and favorable for a charge.
+
+This chase was for one and a half miles, and to within one hundred and
+fifty yards of a battery which opened on us and compelled us to fall back
+near one-fourth of a mile.
+
+The regiment was soon formed and commenced skirmishing with the Johnnies.
+
+Col. Garrard not being satisfied with anything short of the battery which
+had caused us such trouble, (it being the battery that had blockaded the
+Cumberland river and captured our transports, among them the Prima Donna,
+commanded by Capt. Joe. Scott, formerly of Ripley, and had withstood the
+combined efforts of our gun-boats and iron-clads to dislodge them,) the
+order to have the regiment formed in readiness to make the charge.
+
+The order was first given to Captain Rankin to form his battalion on the
+slope of a hill in front of the battery, at a distance of about six
+hundred yards.
+
+Co. E, Lt. Srofe, on the right, near the pike; then Co. F, Lt. Boggs, Co.
+B, Lt. Burton, Co. C, Lt. Archer, and Co. A, Lt. Derstine.
+
+These companies were formed in fair musket range, and their battery was
+cutting the timber all around us, yet the men stood firm and unflinching.
+
+The order of charge was by squadrons in columns of fours.
+
+This battallion was to charge the center and to move first, Capt. Eylar
+was to charge down the pike with two companies, I and M, Capt. Hall was to
+cross the creek at its mouth and charge on the right with three companies,
+H, K and L.
+
+Everything being in readiness, the word "forward!" was given.
+
+The center battalion moved first at a walk then at a trot.
+
+By this time the storm of leaden hail from musketry and iron missiles from
+the battery began to come thick and fast about us.
+
+A shout went up and off the boys went at full speed through the fences,
+down steep banks and across the creek, over a narrow ridge and another
+creek and up to within fifty yards of the battery, when suddenly a large
+force of the rebel infantry raised from behind a barricade of rails and
+poured a deadly fire into our columns.
+
+Captain Eylar was repulsed on the bridge, and Capt. Hall failed to cross
+the creek at its mouth, therefore Captain Rankin was compelled to fall
+back to his former position.
+
+We dismounted and went at them again on foot. Their musketry was too high,
+their grape and cannister too low, creating however, considerable
+mortality among the horses.
+
+Capt. Rankin was sent to signal the gunboats to come down, which they did.
+
+Our own battery, the 4th U. S., opened on them with twelve pounders and
+compelled them to leave their position, the gunboats sending a few shots
+up the ravine after them, added speed to their flight.
+
+They left four pieces of artillery in the woods, which we have the credit
+of capturing.
+
+On the morning of the 16th, at 4 o'clock, everything was in readiness for
+a forward move.
+
+We continued our pursuit on the Charlotte pike for a few miles to where
+the enemy had camped. At this point the enemy had left the pike and took a
+dirt road.
+
+We followed this road about seven miles, and found several wagons and one
+piece of artillery stuck in the mud.
+
+Here a halt was made, and Captain Rankin was ordered with his battalion to
+move across the country, through the fields or otherwise and endeavor to
+reach the Harding pike. This being accomplished, the Captain sent the
+following dispatch to Col. Garrard:
+
+"COLONEL--I hold the Harding pike at the brick church and where the
+Franklin road crosses the said pike. Gen. Chalmer's division passed this
+point, taking the Franklin road, this A. M. They left some wagons here. As
+soon as the command could be brought up, our pursuit was continued, the
+Fifth Iowa Cavalry being in the advance. Skirmishing soon commenced but
+nothing of importance occurred on this day's march, except taking a few
+prisoners, twelve being the largest number at any one time."
+
+Night coming on, we went into camp. The next morning, the 17th, our
+regiment took the advance, Capt. Eylar having the right of the regiment.
+
+The pursuit was vigorously prosecuted, so much so that orderlies were sent
+forward several times to request Col. Garrard not to move so fast, but all
+to no purpose, for skirmishing had already commenced, and it is an utter
+impossibility to hold the Colonel back when a fight is in progress.
+
+On we went, crossing the big Harpeth river below Franklin.
+
+Skirmishing became quite lively, as we neared the town, but we steadily
+pressed them back until we arrived in full view of the town.
+
+Capt. Rankin was ordered to take his battalion and move to the right and
+occupy some buildings in the suburbs.
+
+Here the enemy was discovered, drawn up in three lines of battle, but
+manifesting no disposition to fight save by artillery which threw a few
+shells at us.
+
+The enemy seeing our advance taking position in so close proximity to
+them, about faced and commenced moving off.
+
+Col. Garrard on seeing this movement of the enemy ordered a charge.
+
+Capt. Rankin's battalion was on the extreme right and Company E on the
+right of the battalion.
+
+Now for the charge. The order was given to forward, and as soon as we
+crossed a small stream, it was increased to full speed.
+
+Some columns passed through the principal streets, while others passed to
+the right and left of the town, and on reaching the first line of works
+beyond the town we captured a great many of the enemy who had taken
+position there.
+
+At four hundred yards distant from their works, the enemy had planted a
+battery, and as soon as the confused mass we were driving could be got
+away, they opened up on us, but to no purpose, for we were now behind our
+outer line of works.
+
+The works were also thrown up by our men on the retreat from Columbia, but
+were not so formidable as the first near the town.
+
+In this position we fought the enemy more than one hour without receiving
+aid from any quarter whatever.
+
+So rapid were the movements of the 7th and so far were they in advance of
+our own brigade that our battery moved to the point first held by Captain
+Rankin's battalion and mistaking us for the enemy commenced shelling us.
+
+The shells fell in close proximity to the battallion which had been sent
+out to watch and guard against any movements of the enemy to flank our
+position.
+
+The firing was kept up until Captain Rankin's battalion had to be removed,
+and had scarcely been placed in position on the left of the pike, when a
+battery belonging to Gen. Hatch's division opened on us from a fort on the
+opposite side of the river.
+
+At this, Col. Garrard ordered the regiment to form in close column of
+squadrons in a low piece of ground to get out of their range, but the
+first being on very high ground, our position was a very hazardous one.
+
+We were quickly deployed into line, took up our former position behind our
+works and again engaged the enemy.
+
+A fire was kept up by our battery until a courier could be sent to stop
+it.
+
+Thus did the 7th stand for more than an hour, firm and unshaken, with the
+enemy's battery playing on their front at four hundred yards distant, and
+two of our own playing on their rear.
+
+By this time, Gen. Hatch's Division moved up and flanked the Johnnies on
+our left and they lit out again, losing their artillery and many
+prisoners.
+
+Here Col. Harrison commanding our brigade, congratulated Colonel Garrard
+on the success of the 7th, and remarked, "you have done enough for one
+day, I will throw the 5th Iowa in advance and you can fall in the
+reserve."
+
+We moved out two miles and went into camp on a road to the right of the
+Columbia road.
+
+The 5th Iowa was sent on further with orders to go across the country to
+intercept the enemy and if possible to capture their battery, while
+Hatch's Division pressed their rear.
+
+A stand was made by the enemy between 6 and 7 o'clock p. m., in which they
+lost one thousand prisoners besides their killed and wounded and four
+pieces of artillery. Thus ended the third day's operation.
+
+On the 17th of December nothing of interest occurred except the usual
+amount of skirmishing and gathering in of stragglers from a retreating
+army until the 25th of December, (Christmas day), our brigade had the
+advance and the 5th Iowa the advance of the brigade.
+
+Skirmishing commenced but we drove the rebels back, and through Pulaski.
+
+Just beyond the place is a large stream called Richland creek, spanned by
+a large covered bridge.
+
+A charge was made by a portion of the 5th Iowa, but they were repulsed.
+
+The enemy ran six pieces of artillery into the creek without even spiking
+them. They also run three pieces into Duck river. They fired the bridge in
+several places.
+
+Capt. Rankin was ordered to move forward with his battalion and if
+possible put the fire out.
+
+The battallion set out at a brisk trot until near the bridge when they
+dismounted and made a rush for it, gathering from the houses along the
+road tubs, buckets, pans and everything else available, for carrying and
+throwing water on the flames, which had already penetrated to the roof in
+several places.
+
+By the timely arrival of this battalion the bridge was saved with but
+little damage except to the roof.
+
+In passing through the town we found several places where amunition had
+been piled and burnt.
+
+On the railroad near the bridge were several cars laden with amunition,
+and loaded muskets, all surrounded by fire, and the discharge of these
+muskets was a matter of considerable annoyance to our men while working at
+the bridge.
+
+Our advance soon crossed to the opposite side of the stream, even before
+the flames were extinguished.
+
+Captain Rankin was left to complete the work.
+
+The enemy had made a halt a short distance beyond and in plain view of the
+bridge seeing that they had been foiled in their attempt to burn the
+bridge, now commenced firing their amunition in heaps all along their line
+and their main column began to move leaving a few skirmishers in the rear,
+but not however, without receiving a few shots from the 4th regular
+battery which was attached to our brigade.
+
+The fire being put out on the bridge and every thing being in readiness,
+we moved on, the 5th Iowa being deployed as skirmishers.
+
+They soon struck the enemy's rear driving them before them.
+
+A mile further we came to two abandoned wagons loaded with amunition.
+
+We passed to the right of them and when opposite the explosion took place
+and thousands of blue blazes could be seen shooting heavenward. It was a
+magnificent sight. A few hundred yards further on were two wagons of the
+same kind and the same scene occurred.
+
+Now the country became mountainous and the valleys were reduced to narrow
+passes between hills, and the enemy became more stubborn and resentful
+taking possession of every available position to plant their batteries,
+and impede our progress, and in short when they reached the broken country
+they did not drive worth a cent.
+
+But by moving through the woods, thickets and underbrush and over the
+hills and rocks, and tearing our clothes almost at every step we succeeded
+in driving them about six miles beyond Pulaski.
+
+At this point they made a bold stand upon a high hill, and behind
+barricades of logs and rails.
+
+Some time was spent in skirmishing and getting the brigade into position.
+The 7th was on the right and not finding anything formidable in our front
+we mounted and moved by file down a very steep hill. On the opposite side
+of the valley, two-thirds of the way up met a few skirmishers.
+
+The regiment was then thrown into columns of squadrons, preparatory to
+fighting on foot.
+
+Capt. Rankin's battalion being in advance moved out by the right and at
+once engaged the enemy's skirmishers which were not more than thirty yards
+in advance of his line, and finding that the enemy's line extended far
+beyond his right, reported the same to Col. Garrard.
+
+Here the Col. ordered him to take company F in order to extend his line
+further out.
+
+This company had hardly been put in position when our line gave way on the
+left and center and a grand rush was made by the enemy on our right
+causing us to drop back. Now the driving was all on the other side.
+
+We had found out for the first time that our line was not more than thirty
+yards from their main line, and our led horses two hundred and fifty yards
+from their battery which had all been concealed up to this time. This
+battery opened fire cutting the timber over our horses and at the same
+time a charge was made upon us.
+
+The enemy proved to be eight brigades of infantry as we learned from a
+prisoner who was a little more daring than his comrades and followed a
+little too close on our retreating line. Upon noticing him, one of the
+boys 'bout faced and took the chap in.
+
+He also said that Forrest's cavalry had refused to fight any more and
+these brigades of infantry were ordered to hold us until they could get
+their trains out of our reach.
+
+We fell back about four hundred yards and reformed.
+
+In this affair, I am most happy to state we did not lose a single man. Our
+losses in horses was twenty-eight.
+
+The rebels captured the 4th U. S. battery which belonged to our brigade.
+
+This battery was situated on our left about a mile and supported by the
+4th U. S. cavalry.
+
+After the capture of our artillery the enemy at once commenced their
+retreat, as was ascertained by throwing forward Hatch's Division, leaving
+their dead and wounded on the field.
+
+This finished Christmas day's work, a Christmas long to be remembered by
+the 7th O. V. C.
+
+This was the last sight our brigade got of the rebels, except a few
+wounded ones lying along the road, and a few stragglers picked up, but a
+severe fight occurred at Sugar creek on the 26th between our advance and
+their rear.
+
+We followed the enemy to near Florence where they crossed the Tennessee
+river.
+
+After remaining two days in camp we marched to Mooresville with the
+Huntsville and Stevenson railroad sixteen miles distant, where we rested
+from our labors ten days, and then marched to Gravelly Springs, Ala.,
+reaching there January 14th, 1865.
+
+Here the 7th was ordered to build winter quarters and stabling for their
+horses. This was something new for the 7th being the first time in her
+history that she went into winter quarters.
+
+Here we remained for some time. By order of Gen. Wilson we changed our
+drill from the single to the double rank formation, and while this was
+going on a refitting and reorganization was perfected.
+
+In this organization the 7th was placed in the 2nd Brigade 4th Div. C. C.
+M. D. M. Gen. Upton commanding Division; Gen. Alexander the Brigade.
+
+Here we remained until about the 20th of March. Capt. Rankin was placed in
+command of the dismounted men of his regiment, then of his brigade, and
+subsequently of the division, numbering over five hundred men, and led out
+thirty six hours in advance, with the wagon train.
+
+On the morning of March 22nd, the whole column was in motion, crossed the
+Tennessee river and moved southward through the Tuscumbia Valley and then
+into the mountain regions of Alabama. We met with no opposition until
+about the 26th, when we were met by Rhoddy's Cavalry, which did not stay
+long enough to give us a second shot, but lit out at the sound of the
+first gun, leaving one dead.
+
+We met and defeated the enemy at Monticello, capturing one hundred
+prisoners.
+
+The next day, we routed the combined forces of Forest, Buford and Rhoddy,
+in their chosen position at Ebenezer church, capturing two guns, three
+hundred prisoners, and many killed and wounded. Our loss was 44 killed and
+150 wounded.
+
+We followed on, reaching Selma late in the afternoon. Around Selma was an
+intrenchment reaching from the Alabama river above the city, to the river
+below, with palisades of pine timber set in the ground and sharp at the
+upper end. The approach to Selma was through open ground with no
+protection whatever to our men.
+
+The plan of attack was as follows:
+
+The First Brigade, Fourth Division, composed of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Iowa,
+was put in position on the left of the road, and what is known as the
+Wilder Brigade, was placed on the right of the road. The Second Brigade,
+Fourth Division, composed of the 1st and 7th O. V. C. and the 5th Iowa V.
+C. were retained, mounted in columns, on the road, and when the two first
+mentioned brigades got fairly engaged in a hand to hand encounter within
+the enemy's parapets, the Second Brigade charged down the road mounted and
+into their works, killing and wounding over four hundred and capturing
+eleven hundred prisoners, five battle flags and thirteen pieces of
+artillery.
+
+The 7th followed the flying enemy several miles beyond the city and in the
+darkness of the night, captured a battery, complete, including caseons,
+horses and harness.
+
+Selma was taken within one hour from the time our lines were formed. In
+this short space of time, one of the most important places in Confederacy
+fell, it being situated in the midst of their iron regions, was of itself
+a solid machine shop, where a large portion of their ordnance was made,
+together with their niter works. Some of the most formidable iron works on
+the continent were in this region, which also fell into our hands and were
+destroyed.
+
+We remained at Selma eight days, during which time we erected scaffolding
+out into the Alabama river and ran their unfinished ordnance from their
+works and dumped them into the river until they lay in heaps above the
+water.
+
+During our stay here, we sent a flag of truce to Forrest, to know if he
+would honor or parole, and received word that he would if we could hold
+them. Having faith in our ability to do so, and at the expiration of eight
+days, we applied the torch to all Confederate property, and crossed the
+river on pontoons, taking the prisoners with us, we marched on to
+Montgomery, the capital of the State. On reaching there, they surrendered
+without a fight, after they had burnt a large amount of cotton.
+
+Here the stars and bars that waved over the first rebel Congress that ever
+assembled on this Continent, meekly bowed its head at the first sight of a
+Federal soldier with arms in his possession, without even waiting for a
+salute, and up went the "old flag of the Union," which in its stead, waved
+triumphantly over the dome of the house where Jeff. Davis called together
+his first Congress, amid the shouts and songs of the brave men who so
+proudly bore it there.
+
+After remaining here three days, we took up our line of march for
+Columbus, Ga. The 7th going by the way of Andersonville for the purpose of
+releasing our prisoners held there. When within four miles of the place,
+they were met by a flag of truce, evidently to gain time. This was not
+recognized by the 7th, who charged the place, but only in time to see the
+train moving out with the mass of skeletons caused by starvation. Some
+eighty-four of our men which beggered all description, not being able to
+be removed, were left in the prison pen.
+
+The 7th joined the command in time to participate in the fight at
+Columbus, which was reached about the middle of the afternoon, when 1st O.
+V. C. charged a bridge which had previously been strewed with cotton
+saturated with turpentine, and on reaching the bridge the enemy applied
+the torch and the whole thing was in a blaze, which caused their return,
+when skirmishing and an artillery duel continued until after dark.
+
+On the west side of Columbus runs the Chatahucha river, it was spanned by
+the bridges; one was destroyed, as above stated, and the others were
+defended by forts, garrisoned by infantry and artillery.
+
+A portion of the First Brigade, composed of the three Iowa regiments, were
+dismounted for the purpose of storming these forts.
+
+The Second Brigade was retained, mounted. At 9 o'clock, P. M., a move was
+made. The Iowa men cleared the enemy's works on their third assault, when
+the Second Brigade charged, mounted, over the bridge into the city.
+
+In this, the enemy lost over three hundred killed and wounded, one
+thousand and five hundred prisoners, twenty-four guns, eight battle flags
+and a vast amount of munitions of war. We remained here over the next day,
+and the next morning set fire to all the buildings containing army stores,
+and taking up our march for Macon, Ga., amid the bursting of shell and the
+explosion of amunition, causing the roofs and timbers to ascend
+heavenward, and the mass of bricks and mortar to fall inward. Caused by
+the vacuam from the explosion from within. The atmospheric pressure pushed
+them inward.
+
+Columbus, Ga., may be set down as the last battle of the war for the
+preservation of the Union.
+
+We continued our march towards Macon and when within twelve miles of that
+place, we were met by Gen. Howel Cobb, bearing a flag of truce, requesting
+us to go into camp where we were; that Lee had surrendered, Richmond was
+captured, and that Sherman and Johnson had agreed upon an armistice of
+ninety days. But Gen. Wilson refused to recognize it, and told Gen. Cobb
+that he would march on to Macon, and that he, Cobb, could fight or
+surrender.
+
+We reached Macon, April 21st, 1865, when Cobb surrendered the city and his
+forces without a struggle.
+
+Here we received a telegram from Gen. Grant, to cease hostility. That Lee
+had surrendered, Richmond had fallen, Johnson was surrounded, with Sherman
+in his rear and Sheridan in front, and would have to surrender or be
+captured.
+
+We remained at Macon a few days, when we received orders to send out
+scouts in every direction to apprehend Jeff. Davis who was trying to make
+his way into Texas, whereupon our brigade, under Gen. Alexander, moved
+north to Atlanta, Ga. From this point we sent out a scouting party under
+Lt. Yoman, of the 1st O. V. C., and all disguised in the rebel uniform.
+This party got in company with Davis' escort, at Greenville, South
+Carolina, and while riding together on the road, the rebels suspecting all
+was not right, drew their revolvers and opened fire on our scouts. None of
+the 7th were injured except John Gates, of Co. E, he being shot through
+the head, below the eye, from which he recovered.
+
+In the meantime, Jeff. Davis was captured by the detachment of the First
+Wisconsin and the Second Michigan and brought to Atlanta, Ga. The 7th O.
+V. C. took charge of him and guarded him to Augusta, Ga. From here we
+marched to Chattanooga, Tenn., from thence to Nashville, and went into
+camp at Edgefield, where our horses and equipments were duly turned over,
+and the last company of the regiment was mustered out July the 4th, and
+paid to the 7th, 1865, when we returned home by the way of Louisville,
+Ky., to Cincinnati.
+
+In writing this history, I have endeavored to do exact justice to all, so
+far as I knew, and if there is any errors in this narrative, it is that of
+omission, having had to write exclusively from memory, and in all
+probability there are omissions.
+
+While we would not deprive any regiment of her laurals, we believe the 7th
+O. V. C., for the services rendered and the number of times she was under
+fire, stands second to no regiment from Maine to California.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The following misprints have been corrected:
+  "orginization" corrected to "organization" (page 1)
+  "juuction" corrected to "junction" (page 4)
+ "Cumburland" corrected to "Cumberland" (page 7)
+  "carring" corrected to "caring" (page 7)
+  "bregade" corrected to "brigade" (page 12)
+  "Dandredge" corrected to "Dandridge" (page 14)
+  "days days" corrected to "days" (page 20)
+  "flghting" corrected to "fighting" (page 21)
+  "rive" corrected to "river" (page 21)
+  "withstoou" corrected to "withstood" (page 21)
+  "suddently" corrected to "suddenly" (page 22)
+  "the" corrected to "they" (page 25)
+  "skimishers" corrected to "skirmishers" (page 25)
+  "Brgade" corrected to "Brigade" (page 26)
+  "Monticelo" corrected to "Monticello" (page 26)
+  "drys" corrected to "days" (page 27)
+  "Main" corrected to "Maine" (page 31)
+
+Other than the corrections listed above, inconsistencies in spelling and
+hyphenation usage have been retained.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer
+Cavalry, by R. C. Rankin
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--7TH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 31584.txt or 31584.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/5/8/31584/
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.