The scouting party returned, being successful in the capture of Col. Alexander, together with a rebel recruiting officer, met on the highway, who on being searched was found to have on his person a recruiting officer’s papers authorizing him to proceed from Beech Grove, Tenn., to the counties above mentioned, to recruit for John Morgan’s command, stationed at Beech Grove; also, taking from the cliffs, bordering on the Kentucky river, near Shakertown, a member of John Morgan’s command concealed there.
The day after their return, this Company was sent to Cynthiana and did duty for some weeks with the 118th Ohio, in breaking up recruiting station, Col. Mott commanding.
After having completed this service, Co. E, Capt. Rankin commanding, was ordered first to Paris, thence to Carlisle, which place was reached about midnight. Being aided by a small party of citizens, he continued his march about six miles to a mill on the north-fork of Licking river where he captured a picket-post of sixteen rebel soldiers, and then returned to Paris on the following day.
In the meantime, the regiment bore a conspicuous part in the fight with Pegram’s force at Dutton Hill, and just as our line was beginning to waver, a daring charge was made by the Seventh which turned the tide of battle in our favor.
In this fight we captured four hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery.
The enemy fell back in great disorder. Among the trophies captured, the Seventh claims three battle flags; one being captured by Lieut. Copeland, who greatly distinguished himself on that occasion for coolness and bravery.
Major Norton also deserves mention for the gallant style in which he led his battalion in the charge. Major McIntire deserves especial mention. On one occasion he penetrated the confused mass of rebels, and found himself fired on from the rear. Turning upon his horse he found he was attacked by three. The Major drew his revolver and shot one and the other two surrendered.
Col. Garrard could be found at any point along the line where his presence was most needed. This was the first fight the regiment was in as a body.
On returning to Lexington, the regiment was paid off and their faces were again turned southward. Reaching Stanford, they went into camp for a few days and then continued their march to Somerset, near the Cumberland river which had now become the border.
On the evening of the 29th of April, three companies, under Captain Green, joined two companies of the 2nd Ohio Cav., and one company of the 1st Kentucky, all under command of Capt. Carter, of the 1st Ky., crossed the Cumberland river at Smith’s Ford, and after crossing a mountain, they crossed the south fork of the Cumberland, two miles from its junction with the main stream, now known as Burnside’s Point, coming around in the rear of the rebel pickets at Stigall’s Ferry, thereby capturing the post, one hundred and thirty in number.