The Seventh Regiment: A Record

by George L. Wood

During the terrible campaign among the mountains of Western Virginia, his health became very much impaired; till just previous to the affair at Cross Lanes, he was compelled to leave his command and seek to restore it in his home. Therefore he was not in that skirmish. He soon after returned, but after reaching the Shenandoah Valley his health again failed him, and he once more sought to restore it by returning to his home. While he was absent the battle of Winchester was fought, and he therefore did not take part in the engagement.

He now accompanied the regiment in its march up the Shenandoah River, across the Blue Ridge, and back again to Front Royal; and from thence to Port Republic. In the battle fought at the latter place he was conspicuous for bravery. During that well-contested action be contributed all that lay in his power towards winning a victory. But valor alone cannot win a battle; numbers combined with it can only accomplish that. This was his first experience under fire; but he stood up to the work like a veteran; being second to none in deeds of daring.

Soon after this action he was engaged in the battle of Cedar Mountain, where he more than sustained the reputation acquired at Port Republic. This was a terrible battle, and every officer and private who fought there became a hero.

From this time forward the writer has no knowledge of his services, beyond the fact that he was promoted to major; which position he filled till some time in the fall of 1863, when he resigned, and returned to his home. It can be truly said that, wherever Major Seymour was placed, he endeavored to do his duty. Among his fellow-soldiers he had many friends, and he will always be remembered as a kind-hearted gentleman.

SURGEON FRANCIS SALTER.

Francis Salter entered the service as assistant surgeon of the Seventh Regiment; and on the resignation of Surgeon Cushing, was appointed surgeon. He held this position until the latter part of 1862, when he was made a medical director, and assigned to the staff of General Crooks. As a surgeon, he hardly had a superior in the service. His services were of great value in the hospitals, as he had had a long experience in those of England, his native country. He has remained in the service from the beginning of the war; and during that long period has alleviated the suffering of many a soldier.

C. J. BELLOWS.

The subject of this sketch was appointed surgeon of the regiment, from the position of assistant in the Fifth Ohio. Before entering the service he was enjoying a good practice in Northern Ohio, in which he had acquired a good reputation. While with the regiment he was much esteemed, by reason of his ability as a surgeon, as well as for his kind and courteous behavior.

G. E. DENIG.

On the appointment of Francis Salter to the post of surgeon, the subject of this sketch was made assistant. While with the regiment he was attentive to his duties, and always kind and obliging to those seeking medical aid. He many times acted as surgeon of the regiment; and on such occasions was always prompt in the discharge of his duty.