Thus Co. C became a rather peculiar people in a camp of thousands, the majority of whom could not be said to have deserved the reputation of being devoted followers of the Lord. It was not very uncommon to hear the sneer, "There goes an Oberlinite," or, "There is one of that praying company." And a superficial observer might have supposed they were generally despised by men of other companies; but a more thorough investigation in a private conference would generally betray a feeling very much like the opposite.
In spite of these sneers the men of Co. C did not think it best to give up their Christian profession, and those virtuous principles which were dearer to them than life, that they might thus be more completely in uniform with those who surrounded them. If there was a trick, or act of thievery, committed by any man of the company, great pains was taken by others to give it complete publicity, and to let the sound of it return to them for their humiliation. This was always regarded by Co. C as a compliment, proving that such acts were uncommon, and that others thought them to be so. The common sentiment was such that a profane word was seldom heard, and the use of the pipe was generally disapproved. The disposition of the few who wished to smoke, was modified and regulated by the inflexible orders of the Captain. The use of stimulating drinks was rarely indulged in. Men of other companies did not fail to assert frequently that such soldiers could neither be valiant in battle, nor endure the severities of military service, in the camp and on the forced march. These assertions were seldom or never made after the first battle and a few of the earliest marches. It became a common remark that Co. C always suffered severely in battle in proportion to its numbers, and its power of endurance became equally well known. Speculators have thought the fact due to their healthful habits and superior knowledge of proper personal care. It was true that, while other companies lost eight or ten by sickness, Co. C lost but three, and two of these took the infection of disease in the filthy dungeons of New Orleans.
Invitation to Re-enlist.
In the latter part of May, the Governor invited the Seventh Regiment to re-enlist for the three-years service, promising to date their muster roll back to their enlistment for three months. How faithful the government was to this agreement, is proved by the fact that the regiment was not allowed to be mustered out until July 6, 1864.
The members of Co. C will long remember the night of the 23d of May, when at 9 P. M. they were marched out of the lines, up the little grassy hill at the east of the camp, to be addressed by Gen. Cox and Prof. Monroe, with regard to entering the service for three years. Prominent among the arguments presented was the great moral influence upon the army, which such a company must exert. Ministers of the Gospel, college alumni, and seniors, serving their country as privates, must speak eloquently for the righteous cause they had espoused. It was not there considered, whether a common ploughman could carry a musket as far and as well as one of them, or whether a man of culture might not serve his country quite as profitably in a higher position. These were problems which would easily be solved by experiment. But whatever solution they admitted, or answer was obtained, it was proved that the collar once fitted to the neck, was not easily removed; and with what rank one entered the service, with the same he was likely to emerge.
There were those who believed that, had they disbanded and gone to their homes, the prospect of a majority would have been good for commissions. However, many of them, and perhaps the greater part, were proud to belong to such an organization, and few seemed willing to yield the honor of being a member of Company C.
Re-enlistment.
The question of a three-years enlistment was a very serious one. A college course begun or nearly completed, good prospects of life beginning to open—these must be given up. Many doubted the wisdom of such a course of action, and returned to their homes or to the college, to do good or to complete their outfit for usefulness in a less belligerent occupation. One of the members said he hesitated not to give three years of his time, or his life, if it were necessary; but the thought of losing a limb, or being permanently disabled, could not be entertained. This objection was finally laid aside at the call of duty. The company was made proud by his heroism in the engagement at Cross Lanes, where he was made a cripple for life. Another had aged, infirm parents who needed his support, but they finally recovered and he added his name to the roll. A third had just married a wife and, therefore, had a double reason for going.
The Three-Years Roll.
It was a solemn hour in the morning of one of the latter days of May, when, on the side of the grassy hill before mentioned, the Captain gave orders for all who would re-enlist to step forward eight paces. The ranks were broken. The number remaining about equaled the others. After a few moments, one stepped forward, then another, and another, until the full complement for a company organization was obtained. These were furloughed for ten days, when they returned to camp, bringing with them enough recruits to swell the number to a maximum.