156 SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, U. S. C. T., MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS.

South Carolina, March l0th, where the regiment disembarked and marched out beyond the
town and went into camp near old "Fort Beauregard."

The regiment again re-embarked on the S. S, "Delaware," March 14, 1864, and pro-
ceeded to Jacksonville, Florida, which latter point was reached on the afternoon of the 15th,
where the regiment again disembarked, marched beyond the fortifications and went into camp;
here the regiment in addition to its usual company, regimental and brigade drills was utilized
in building additional fortifications, and in the performance of picket and scout duty.

On the evening of the 6th of May 1864, the enemy's cavalry attacked the outposts of
the 7th regiment but were speedily repulsed. On the 25th day of May, the regiment with a
detachment of mounted infantry and a battery of Artillery whilst out on a reconnoissance had
quite a skirmish with the enemy at Cedar Creek, Florida. Another skirmish in which the
regiment took a conspicuous part was at Cedar Creek several days later.

In the early part of June 1864, after an inspection of the 7th regiment by the inspector-
general of the department of the south, Gen. Gordon stated, "that the 7th regiment was the
best colored regiment in the service of the United States."

The month of June 1864, proved to be exceedingly hot in the camps at Jacksonville and
considerable sickness prevailed in the regiment, more especially amongst the officers.

On the 27th day of June 1864, the regiment proceeded by steamship to Hilton Head,
South Carolina, where they formed a part of an expedition under Gen. Foster to the North
Edisto river, for the ensuing seventeen days the regiment was constantly engaged with a
large column of troops marching and fighting, during which the casualties in the regiment
were severe.

The regiment returned to Jacksonville on the 15th day of July 1864. On the 22d day
of July 1864, the regiment was ordered out for another raid; embarking on the steamer "Mary
Benton," the regiment proceeded up the St. John's river to Black Creek, where it disembarked,
and was joined by other troops and pushing forward, cut the Florida and Gulf railroad at Trail
Ridge.

The regiment returned to Jacksonville August 5th, and embarked the next day for
Hilton Head, South Carolina, en-route for Fortress Monroe and the army of the Potomac. The
regiment reached Fortress Monroe August llth. and received orders to preceed immediately to
Bermuda Hundred on the James river; here it disembarked and became a part of the colored
brigade of the 3rd division, 10th army corps. The brigade consisted of the 7th and 9th U. S.
colored troops, both Maryland regiments, the 8th regiment U. S. colored troops and 29th
regiment infantry Connecticut colored troops.

The regiment immediately took an active part in all of the serious fighting in which
the army of the Potomac was then engaged, and casualties were of almost daily occurrence.

The regiment felt very much encouraged upon the publication of the following congrat-
ulatory order, viz:

HEADQUARTERS IOTH ARMY CORPS, FUSSELS MILLS, VA., AUG. 19, 1864.
General Orders:—The major-general commanding congratulates the 10th army corps
upon its success. It has on each occasion, when ordered, broken the enemy's strong lines. It
has captured during the short campaign four siege guns, protected by formidable works, six
colors and many prisoners. It has proved itself worthy of its old Wagner and Fort Sumter
renown. Much fatigue, patience and heroism, may still be demanded of it, but the major-