es were distributed,
and the first loading was practiced. These items are unimportant in
themselves, but to the soldier there is meaning in them, for they are
crises in his life, distinctly marking his progress in the great
transition from the pursuits of peace to those of war.

[Sidenote: Entry into Virginia.]

The regiment reached Clarksburg, by rail, at 2 P. M. of the following
day, and there learned to pitch the bell tent. At 4 P. M. of the 29th,
the first forced march was begun. The point in view was Weston, 23 miles
to the south-west. Thirty thousand dollars of the State funds were
deposited at that place, and were to be removed to Richmond the next
day. By great exertion under loaded knapsacks, the Seventh Ohio reached
the town at 5 o'clock of the following morning and secured the doomed
treasure. That march, under the circumstances, was one of the severest
of the war. Very few of the men who had no horses to ride, will ever
forget the almost unendurable fatigue, the unsightly blisters, and the
terrible sensation of thirst, which were experienced during that
night--which, to many, was a night of horrors. There was scarcely a
thought but of rest and water.

The people of Weston were generally loyal and well disposed to the
Federal soldiers, showing their good will and patriotism in a Fourth of
July dinner, the regiment, in turn, giving them a military parade
through all the principal streets in the town.

This practice which soldiers fall into, of displaying their officers on
every fine occasion, has proved one of the intolerable bores of military
service; and it is to be hoped that in the next war, privates will be
more economical in the expenditure of their strength.

[Sidenote: Cross Lanes.]

On the 8th of July the regiment set out for Glenville, a little town 28
miles distant, to relieve 300 of the 17th Ohio, said to be surrounded by
1,500 rebels under O. Jennings Wise. The march to that place was a
severe one, and was completed that day only by Co. C, which was detailed
to push through and furnish the necessary relief. No enemy appeared, and
the service at that town was characterized only by severe guard duty and
the wounding of Corporal Adams while on picket. Chipman carried the news
to camp and the whole regiment was aroused; but diligent search failed
to secure the rebel, who seemed to be swallowed up by mother earth.
Leaving Glenville July 24, the Seventh reached Cross Lanes on the 15th
of Augu