The Seventh Regiment: A Record

by George L. Wood

At the beginning of the rebellion, Giles W. Shurtliff was one of the teachers in the college at Oberlin. Immediately after the bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter, he organized a company, principally from among his pupils, and reported at Camp Taylor. He was with the regiment in its toilsome marches in Western Virginia, during which he was always at his post. During the affair at Cross Lanes he was taken prisoner, and now began those terrible hardships which no pen can describe, nor imagination picture. Prison life is a sort of living death,—a state of abeyance, where the mind is thrown back upon itself; where time, although passing, seems to stop, and the great world outside, to stand still. Through all this trial, and hardship, and misery, Colonel Shurtliff passed, without weakening his faith or his patriotism. He returned to his home, after more than a year's imprisonment, as firm in the support of the Government as ever. After allowing himself a short rest, he served in the Army of the Potomac on staff-duty; but was soon after made lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth United States Colored Infantry. He has since greatly distinguished himself in the numerous battles in the vicinity of Richmond. He is at the present time at his post, where he will probably remain until the rebellion is crushed, and the Government vindicated.

COLONEL ARTHUR T. WILCOX.

Arthur T. Wilcox is a native of Ohio, and entered the service as second-lieutenant of Company E. On the organization of the regiment for the three years' service, he was made a first-lieutenant, and assigned to the same company. He served with much credit in Western Virginia, until the Cross Lanes affair, when he was taken prisoner. He remained within the prison-walls of the enemy for more than a year, most of the time in Charleston, South Carolina, suffering every hardship; but coming out as true and pure a patriot as when he went in, he again joined his regiment, and was soon after made a captain. He now took part in all the battles of the West, in which the regiment was engaged,—Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, and Sherman's battles in the march on Atlanta. He came home with the regiment, and was in due time mustered out. He was not, however, permitted to remain long at home, for, when new regiments were forming, he was made a colonel, and assigned to the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment. He soon after joined his command, and was almost immediately ordered to the front. He joined General Thomas' forces, then falling back before the forces of General Hood. Arriving at Franklin, he was engaged in the bloody battle fought there, and greatly distinguished himself. He soon after arrived at Nashville with the army. The rebel army immediately advanced; and the two armies stood face to face, at the same time gathering strength for a desperate conflict. The Union army was triumphant, and the rebel hosts were beaten and demoralized. In this battle, Colonel Wilcox gained new laurels. He now took part in the pursuit of the scattered forces of Hood.

Every one who has fallen in company with Colonel Wilcox, will remember him as a genial friend and true gentleman. He has made many friends in the army as well as at home. He has chosen the law as a profession, and when "this cruel war is over" the writer wishes him the success his many virtues and talents merit.

LIEUT.-COL. JAMES T. STERLING.

James T. Sterling entered the service as first-lieutenant of Captain De Villiers' company. On the organization of the regiment for the three years' service, he was made captain. While at Camp Dennison he labored diligently to perfect his command in both drill and discipline; and when it entered the field it was second to none, so far as these essentials were concerned.

While in Western Virginia, Captain Sterling was on many scouts, in which service he showed great skill and bravery. Such adventures were very much to his liking.

In the affair at Cross Lanes he won the respect of all those who were witness to his coolness and daring. During the march to Charleston he made a good account of himself, being one of the most active in his labors, and among the wisest in his opinions.

He now followed the regiment to the East, where he engaged in all the marches and skirmishes which took place. At the battle of Winchester he commanded two companies; leading them into the hottest fire like a veteran. During the entire action he stood on the hill urging the men forward, regardless of the great danger to which he himself was exposed. He came through the battle, however, without a scratch, but with some holes in his clothing.

He now took part in the long chase of Jackson up the Valley, and from thence to Fredericksburg and back again; but was not in the battle of Port Republic, his company having been detailed for headquarters guard.