SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, U. S. COLORED TROOPS.

MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS.

THE Seventh Regiment Infantry, United States Colored Troops, Maryland
Volunteers, composed of colored men from Maryland, was recruited
under orders of the -war department, and the history of the regiment
dates from September 26, 1863, on which date companies A. B. and C.,
were mustered into the service of the United States at Birney Barracks,
Baltimore, Maryland.

Col. William Birney of the 2nd U. S. C. troops was the superinten-
dent of recruiting colored troops in the State of Maryland, and had general charge of the
enlistments and organization of the 7th regiment.

By October 8, 1863, the first six companies, viz: A. B. C. D. E. andF., were uniformed
but arms were not issued to any of them until October 18th; drilling in the meantime went on
daily.

Details of detachments for recruiting service, were sent to Millstone Landing and Bene-
dict on the western shore and Shelltown, Rehoboth, Newtown, Shad Landing and Snow Hill on
the eastern shore of Maryland, whilst a large camp of instruction and rendezvous was estab-
lished at Benedict, Maryland.

October 29th, no less than 130 recruits were obtained from the oyster fleet lying at the
mouth of the Patuxent river, and comprised the very best material for either the army or
navy; some of these recruits afterwards found their way into the U. S. navy and gave a good
account of themselves. Benedict now became the regimental camp and by November 12,
1863, the remaining four companies viz: G. H. I. and K., had been fully organized, and the
7th regiment U. B. C. troops mustered into the service of the United States, Col. James Shaw,
Jr., joined the regiment November 15. 1863.

The winter of 1863 was spent at camp Stanton, Benedict, Md., in drilling and preparing
the regiment for active field duty. The location of the camp was an unhealthy one, and many
of the 7th regiment perished from sickness during the winter season.

March 4, 1864, the regiment was transported by steamer to Portsmouth, Va., disem-
barked and proceeded thence to Gettys station on the U. S. military railroad. The experience .
of the men the first night of their bivouac in the cold, bleak and inclement season was long
remembered; after moving from point to point to protect Suffolk and Portsmouth from an
attack by the enemy, the regiment embarked March 7th on the steam transport "Daniel
Webster" for the department of the south and after a rough voyage reached Hilton Head.