publicity, and to let the sound of it return
to them for their humiliation. This was always regarded by Co. C as a
compliment, proving that such acts were uncommon, and that others
thought them to be so. The common sentiment was such that a profane word
was seldom heard, and the use of the pipe was generally disapproved. The
disposition of the few who wished to smoke, was modified and regulated
by the inflexible orders of the Captain. The use of stimulating drinks
was rarely indulged in. Men of other companies did not fail to assert
frequently that such soldiers could neither be valiant in battle, nor
endure the severities of military service, in the camp and on the forced
march. These assertions were seldom or never made after the first battle
and a few of the earliest marches. It became a common remark that Co. C
always suffered severely in battle in proportion to its numbers, and its
power of endurance became equally well known. Speculators have thought
the fact due to their healthful habits and superior knowledge of proper
personal care. It was true that, while other companies lost eight or ten
by sickness, Co. C lost but three, and two of these took the infection
of disease in the filthy dungeons of New Orleans.

[Sidenote: Invitation to Re-enlist.]

In the latter part of May, the Governor invited the Seventh Regiment to
re-enlist for the three-years service, promising to date their muster
roll back to their enlistment for three months. How faithful the
government was to this agreement, is proved by the fact that the
regiment was not allowed to be mustered out until July 6, 1864.

The members of Co. C will long remember the night of the 23d of May,
when at 9 P. M. they were marched out of the lines, up the little grassy
hill at the east of the camp, to be addressed by Gen. Cox and Prof.
Monroe, with regard to entering the service for three years. Prominent
among the arguments presented was the great moral influence upon the
army, which such a company must exert. Ministers of the Gospel, college
alumni, and seniors, serving their country as privates, must speak
eloquently for the righteous cause they had espoused. It was not there
considered, whether a common ploughman could carry a musket as far and
as well as one of them, or whether a man of culture might not serve his
country quite as profitably in a higher position. These were problems
which would easily be solved by experiment. But whatever solution they
ad