Railroad, arriving at Bell air in the afternoon of the succeeding day. It was immediately ordered across the river to Benwood, a small station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a few miles below Wheeling. Here the regiment was, for the first time, supplied with ammunition. It encamped on the common, after the pieces were loaded. Much fatigued by their long ride, the men threw themselves upon the hard ground, and were soon enjoying a sound sleep.

In the mean time Major Casement was superintending the transportation of the baggage and supplies across the river to a train of cars in waiting.

Here and there the dusky forms of men were seen grouped over the fires, which were dimly burning, discussing the stories which were floating about camp, with no apparent starting place, of ambuscades, masked batteries, and other concealed horrors.

Early on the morning of the 28th of June, three trains of cars were slowly conveying the regiment into the wilds of Western Virginia, where war, in its madness, was to confront it.

It arrived at Grafton early in the afternoon, and taking the Parkersburg branch of the railroad, it arrived at Clarksburg before the close of the day, and encamped in the outskirts of the village. The entire regiment occupied tents, which were looked upon with much more favor than densely crowded barracks.

While encamped at this place, a stand of colors was presented to the regiment, the gift of the Turners, a society of Germans in Cleveland.

Near thirty miles from the village of Clarksburg is the small hamlet of Weston, then a notorious haunt for rebels. In the place was a bank, in which the deposits, to the amount of about thirty thousand dollars, still remained. The authorities were desirous of procuring this treasure. The undertaking was intrusted to the Seventh. It was proposed to surprise the town early in the morning, before any one was astir to give the alarm.

In the afternoon of the last day of June, the regiment wound its way through the village, across the river, on to what is called the Clarksburg pike, leading to Weston. The clay was intensely hot, and the men entirely unused to marching. At sunset but little distance had been made, and all were much fatigued, but still the gallant band pressed onward. Weary and footsore, it moved on till daylight, when some considerable distance intervened between it and the village. Men were beginning to fall out by the wayside, unable to proceed further. At this unfortunate moment the river appeared in view, which makes a bend to the road, about a mile from Weston. On the opposite side of the road was a gradual slope of cultivated land, with here and there a clump of trees. From behind one of these a man was seen to emerge, and being taken for one of the enemy's scouts, the command was given to "fire," when several pieces were discharged, without injury, however, to the object of their aim. A double-quick was now ordered, when the men, unable to proceed with their knapsacks, scattered them along the road.

Arriving at the town the right wing made a detour to the left, while the left wing made a similar one to right, deploying as they went. In this manner the village was entirely surrounded. The first intimation the citizens had of the presence of the military was the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the band stationed in the park. A guard was placed over the bank, and a member of the regiment detailed to look to the business.

The Union citizens were overjoyed at the presence of the Federal forces. They prepared a breakfast for the entire regiment, and other charitable acts, which attested their devotion to the Union cause. The regiment encamped on the bank of the river, near the cemetery.

During the first days of our stay at Weston many arrests were made of disloyal citizens, a few of whom were sent to Columbus, Ohio, to await the action of the Federal Government.

At this time a small force, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Pond, of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteers, was besieged at Glenville, a small village on the banks of the Little Kanawha, by a superior force of rebels, under command of Major Patton, assisted by Captain O. Jennings Wise. Companies H and B were sent to his relief. After a fatiguing march of two days and one night they opened communication with Colonel Pond, the rebels withdrawing at their approach.

Six more companies of the regiment arrived at Glenville on the following day, Colonel Tyler being fearful that the first detachment might meet with a reverse. Several other regiments arrived about the same time, but left soon after.

During the stay of the regiment at this place, many scouting expeditions were sent out; on which occasions many dangers and hardships were encountered.

Just before our arrival at Glenville, a Union lady rode in the saddle through the rebel camp, with the stars and stripes in one hand and a pistol in the other, while she defied the rebel host. Being pursued, she sought refuge in our camp, and finally accompanied the advance of our forces to her home, with the proud satisfaction of seeing the old banner once more planted on her native soil. During the progress of the war she had suffered many perils. At one time she went to visit her brother, who was concealed in the woods, for the purpose of giving him food, when she was challenged by a rebel picket. She wheeled her horse, and, by hard riding, escaped, the rebel bullets passing harmlessly over her head.

Private Adams, of Company C, was wounded while on picket, being the first casualty in the regiment produced by the enemy. About the same time Captain Shurtliff had a horse shot from under him, while riding in the vicinity of the camp, and within the Federal lines.

Some difficulty was experienced at this place in procuring supplies. The regiment was fed for some time on corn meal and fresh beef. A mill, however, was soon set in operation, and supplies of flour and meal were furnished in abundance.

CHAPTER III.

The pursuit of General Wise. — Tyler ordered to menace Gauley Bridge and threaten Wise's communications.

On the 11th day of July General Rosecrans, by order of General McClellan, marched his brigade eight miles through a mountain-path to the rear of the rebel force, occupying the crest of Rich Mountain, commanded by Colonel Pegram. This movement resulted in the fighting of the battle of that name. The rebels were completely defeated, and made a precipitate retreat towards Carrick's Ford, where, on the 13th, they were again routed, with the loss of their general.

In the mean time the rebel General Wise had occupied the Kanawha Valley, with a few regular troops and a considerable force of militia.

The advance of this force extended as far down the river as Buffalo, while numerous incursions were made by the rebel cavalry in the vicinity of Point Pleasant, a village situated at the junction of the Kanawha with the Ohio River.

To oppose this force General Cox was sent with a brigade of Ohio troops. His main force passed up the river in boats, while a sufficient force was kept on each flank to prevent surprise.

General Wise gradually retired at the advance of this force until, arriving on the banks of Scarey Creek, he threw up some breastworks, and awaited the approach of the Union troops.

While these movements were being executed in the valley, Colonel Tyler was ordered to advance with a brigade by the way of Sutton, to menace Gauley Bridge, and threaten Wise's communications.

On the 22d of July the Seventh Regiment moved out of Glenville, on what is called the Braxton road, towards Bulltown, where it was to be joined by Colonel Tyler with the Seventeenth Ohio, two companies of the First Virginia, with Captain Mack's battery, United States Artillery, and Captain Snyder's section of twelve-pounders, making a force of fifteen hundred.

We arrived at Bulltown in the evening of the next day, meeting with no resistance from