In obedience to orders of Gen. Baird, commanding at Danville, Company E, Capt. Rankin in command, was ordered to Harrodsburgh for the purpose of sending scouting parties on the different roads leading from that place, and rendered much valuable service to Gen. Baird, by keeping him posted as to the movements of John Morgan, who had invaded the State and was approaching that point.
They also captured many prisoners, with their equipments. The number captured during their stay, would more than equal the entire command under Capt. Rankin.
The duties became so ardorous, that Gen. Baird sent Company L, Capt. Leaper, to assist.
The border now being on the Kentucky and Salt River hills, the remainder of the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, were brought up to join the others at Danville, Ky., reaching there about the 4th of January, 1863. The whole Regiment, (Co. E excepted, which was still on duty at Harrodsburg,) after a few weeks getting together at Danville, moved to Harrodsburg, where it remained until about the latter part of February.
About this time, the rebel Col. Cluke invaded Eastern Kentucky, and the Seventh was ordered out to assist in driving him from the State.
On reaching Crab Orchard, the Regiment was divided: part under Lt. Col. Minor moved by the way of Richmond and Ervin to Hazel Green, and had a skirmish with the enemy at that place, capturing twenty-five prisoners. The remainder of the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, went to Mt. Sterling, by the way of Richmond and Winchester, charging the town and driving the rebels from it, but not in time, however, to save a portion of it from flames.
The place had been surrendered a short time previous, by Col. Ratcleffe of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry.
The enemy being hotly pursued on the Owensville road, made a stand on State Creek, four miles out, but after a sharp engagement were driven from their position, with a loss of eight killed.
About three weeks were occupied in traversing this mountainous country. The rain and snow falling almost continuously, made the roads in places impassable. The Regiment all got together at Lexington, about the first of April.
Immediately on the arrival of the regiment at Lexington, an order was issued by Gen. Gilmore, for Capt. Rankin to report with Company E to the Provost Marshal of the District. Upon doing so, the duty assigned him was to make a scout through Jessamine, Mercer, Woodford and Anderson counties, and if possible, to arrest and bring to Lexington a rebel, Col. Alexander, who had up to this time baffled all efforts made for his capture.