The Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1861-1862, 1861-12-07
,dFrenl the seventh Regiment.
, iCHAnLEsToN, VA.s !,
November oath, 1861,

4
EDIPoR SESTISEL
Perhaps We are little behind, time with
cur winter but Charleston and vicinity is
this morning for the first time this season,
covered, to the depth Of three inches, with
the beautiful white mantle of Winter. The
"boys" of the Seventh Ohio, in their several
messes," are clustered around a "seyen-by-
nine" sheet-iron stove discussing the merits Of
cracker and cup of coffee. talking Of their
probable field of labor the coming cold sea-
son and occasionally uttering a. sort of u,i;aej
language concerning the dilatory measures oi
our P, NJ, ~. f.., - g.,
Those Of our regiment who were engages
in the chase after Floyd, returned to camp
last Sunday morning, after an absence Of near
ly two weeks They were with Gen Benham,
who was greatly pleased with their prompt
ness in coming up to time" excellent disci-
pline and quick movements. In the march
they wero kept in the rear as a reserve, but
when they ccmc in sight of the enemy's real
guard, (Croghan's Cavalry our men were
sent forward to do the skirmishng. In thi;
! skirmish Col. Croghan was, mortally wound.
ed, and died, penitcnt, four hours afterward
He was class-mate, at West Point, of Gen
Benham. 1t was squadron of his men who
took prisoner Capt. Sprague of our regiment
at Birch Mountain, and who have so much
annoyed US during our sojoun in this vast
wilderness. Seven of the rebels "bit the
dust' in this encounter, while but one of oul
men was inquired. The delay caused by the
skirmish gave Floyd, with his main force
time to get cut Of our mems way, which was
improved to the best of his ability. Tents
camp kettles, knapsacks, clothing, hayersacks
canteens, etc, were thrown away by the enc.
my, evidently to tighten their load and f.
ciltate their retreat. Gen. Benham gave VI
the chase when within three miles of Raleigh
c. H., having heard that Floyd had retrcated
beyond there.
Our camp is situated in large meadow
two miles up the river from Cllarleston, and
is called Camp Warren" The drill ground is
large and presents a busy scene each day.
Our battery, under command of Capt. King, is
fast perfecting itself in drill, and will soon be
adopts in the art of throwing shot and shell,
land -thcy viii no doubt, soon astonish the
+. F. VS. with their cast-iron compliments
| We shall not, probably stay here great while
| longer, as forward movement is talked of by
Gen. Rosecrans, and it is thought by some
tha5.wc will 60 with him towards Lcw;sburg.
Others say we are going to Kentucky, but the
fact is, none Of us know where we are going
u9ta .0e get Me,e'
The hospital, am glad to say, is fast los
irg its inmates, as the boys are almost daily
coming back to their respective companies and
reporting themselves "agan fit for duty" A
large bakery has just been completed in town,
and We will soon be relieved of the very un-
pleasant task of eating Mthory chips! The
members of the Seventh Regiment Battery
are uniformed in grey suit, and present a
most respectable appearance when drawn up
in line by their Orderly Sergeant, Clark T.
Scripture, for "roll call" They have large,
new, circular tents, and seem to enjoy them
selves hugely in their new capacity of the
"bould sojcr boy!' Prof. Eilliman, our band
leader, is again we'll and at his post with bu-
gle in hand. The Seventh Regiment Band
by the way, is one of the institutions" Of
our country and cart be beat!
Yours, respectfully,
r... D. II. w.