The men of the 3d brigade supposed the government had decided to let the remnant of them live to enjoy the blessings of the coming peace, which so many of their comrades had sacrificed their lives to secure. But the sad sequel proved the fact to be decidedly otherwise. The advance of Lee northward, made it necessary to mass all the troops that were in the vicinity Washington, to meet him.
Warrenton.
On the morning of the 26th of July, the Seventh with other Ohio regiments, reached Warrenton. The next day was the Sabbath. A squad of Company C attended the Episcopal service. Women and children in mourning apparel constituted nearly the entire congregation. At this aristocratic town the celebrated Black Horse Cavalry were raised, and nearly all of them had sacrificed their lives in the Confederate service.
The brigade was here supplied with mules that had never worn a harness. Wallace and Woodmansee were detailed to drive each a team of four of these obstinate, unbroken beasts, and no little credit do they deserve for bringing their loads of camp baggage safely through to Little Washington. Truly surprising was the skill with which these animals would rear, plunge, perform evolutions not distinctly traceable, and finally light with their heads where their heels ought to be.
At Little Washington a grand review was made by Gen. Pope of all the troops in Gen. Banks command. In the midst of this parade militaire, the troops were massed to attend divine service, which was very impressive after so fine a preparation of the mind for devotional exercises. This review proved the last to many a soldier present, and it was hoped that it might be so to all.
By an order from the War Department, Gen. Tyler was relieved of the command of the brigade, and was succeeded by Gen. Geary, who held the position during the remainder of the service. It was with many tears of his own and of the men of the Seventh, that he bade adieu to that band of heroes who had been the secret of his success.
Battle of Cedar Mountain.
There was no time for delay. Gen. Jackson was already on the banks of the Rapidan. The corps of Gen. Banks was urged forward to meet him. It reached Culpepper on the morning of the 8th of August. The artillery firing in the direction of Cedar Mountain, indicated that work was near at hand. After an hour's rest the men were sent down to the scene of action in light marching order. Cedar Mountain is a conical peak, situated eight miles south-east from the village of Culpepper, upon the sides and at the base of which the rebel army was arranged in line of battle. The whole corps arrived at 1 P. M. Small skirmishing parties were sent out in various directions, and very frequently would the sound of their rifles return to the main body, to signify that there was a large force in the woods, very near at hand.
During the preparations for a battle, very little is usually seen, but much is generally heard. Men on each side are concealed in every ravine and thicket of bushes. General Geary's brigade was brought out into the west end of a large cultivated farm, one mile long, three fourths of a mile wide, and hemmed in by woods on every side.
At 4 P. M. this brigade was ordered forward. Promptly it 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.