obeyed, and
pushed down directly towards the middle of the field in two lines of
battle. Twice it halted behind eminences to avoid the raking artillery
fire. Creighton recklessly sat upon his nag, as though inviting the aim
of the multitudes of concealed marksmen on every hand.

The bullets of the rebel sharp-shooters were annoying, but produced no
disorder in the ranks, save a man now and then fell to rise no more.

What solemnity was on every countenance! What resolution in every heart!
What stillness reigned in the ranks as the men heard the spitting of the
bullets over their heads, between them, at their feet, and saw fifty
rods in front of them, a long column of rebels, coolly standing at
parade rest, waiting to receive them!

A few rods farther, and the order to fire was given on both sides, to be
followed by a roar of musketry and a scene of carnage that beggars all
description.

At this point, the writer of this sketch had the honor to establish his
claim for a discharge. He bade adieu to the company, wishing them a
happy time, and was escorted to the rear by the faithful Trembley. This
little band of Ohio soldiers soon found themselves hemmed in by hosts of
rebels, who rose up on every side.

To stand, was impossible. To run, was not thought of. Therefore they
were obliged to take the only alternative, to fall.

The darkness of the night closed the musketry engagement; and when that
glad time came, only seventy of the Seventh Ohio could be found to go on
picket duty. As this small remnant passed the ambulance which had the
honor to bear the wounded, bleeding body of that brave man, Col.
Creighton, his soul was stirred within him, but he could only say, "Go
on, boys. You have got to be killed, and it may as well be now as any
other time." In the thick darkness, they were soon challenged, and a
volley of musketry again tithed the ranks. Lieut. Ross, commanding
Company C, fell, mortally wounded, and with him five or six of the rank
and file of the regiment. The Union troops were obliged to fall back a
mile, and the enemy occupied the field until the close of the next day.
The dead and wounded were in the hands of the enemy, and could be found
only by flag of truce.

It proved that only four of Company C had passed through unhurt.
Sergeant Bowler, Corporal Evers, privates Shepard, Rappleye, and W. F.
Richmond, were killed. The most seriously wounded were Cooper, Dickson,
Andrews, Badger, Carrothers, Buxton