what was done

tree-tops. No damage done, save in scaring the men within its range. The ball is now on exhibition at Colonel Babcock's tent as a war trophy.

October 15th.-To-day the line officers are formed into a company and drilled by Colonel Babcock in the company movements. They make a fine company, and the Colonel seems to enjoy the drill.

October 19th.-To-day Colonel Cook arrives on the steamer J. H. Dickey, and assumes command of the post.

October 23d.--To-day the regiment receives orders to clear off a new camping ground and build houses.

October 24th.--A member of company D, private James M. Sparrow, died to-day. Thus, one by one the Union's defenders are passing away. Peace to their ashes.

October 25th.-The axes are now being swung in the Kentucky woods. The work on the houses goes on briskly. We remain at Fort Holt, working at our houses and performing the regular routine of camp duties until the evening of the sixth of -November, when we receive orders to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment's notice, in light marching order. On the morning of the seventh we move from the Fort, marching down the river towards Columbus, Kentucky. While passing down along the shore, we behold transports descending, loaded down with troops, and we come to the conclusion that there is something in the wind. Proceed

ing as far as Elliott's Mills, we receive orders to halt and remain here until further orders. Colonel Babcock having been absent at St. Louis, on business for the regiment, returns this afternoon. About two o'clock we hear something that sounds very much like thunder. It is the cannon's deep, ⚫ harsh tones, telling us that a battle is raging. It is the first time such sounds have ever fallen upon our ears. We are expecting every minute to receive orders to move forward. There is now a death-like silence where the Seventh stands. All are anticipating that ere the sun's rays fade from the Mississippi they will see blood flow. But it seems that our time has not yet come. Remaining here until the day is well nigh gone, a messenger arrives telling us that Grant to-day has fought the great battle of Belmont; that he has been repulsed; that the Seventh is in danger of an attack from an overwhelming force now marching towards us from Columbus. We immediately re-cross Mayfield creek, and take the backward track for Fort Holt, where we arrive at 2 o'clock the next morning.

November 8th.-To-day a flag of truce, accompanied by Colonel Cook, goes down the river to the. battle field of Belmont to look after the fallen dead. Sixty-four were all that were found.

November 13.-This morning the steamer Aleck Scott proceeds down the river loaded with the Belmont prisoners, accompanied by federal officers from Cairo, Fort Holt and Bird's Point, for the purpose of consummating an exchange. They are met by the

rebel steamer Prince, about half way from Cairo to Columbus, with the Union prisoners, accompanied by a party of Confederate officers, regalied in their most dashing colors. Meeting under a flag of truce, the steamers are soon lashed together, and Generals Grant and Polk commence the conference relating to an exchange. The Union officers are in the meantime invited on board the rebel steamer, and are soon mingling promiscuously among the "Southern Empire men." Friendly, social exchanges were made, but in the language of Tom. Carlyle, " they had their share of wind." With their gaudy glitter they paced the Prince's deck and vauntingly declared the old Union should die; that they would never surrender to the United States government. The exchange having been consummated, the Aleck Scott and Prince commenced moving in opposite directions, one northward and the other southward. Cheer after cheer rolled from each steamer as they separated. Ere long these men will engage in the carnival of blood. How sad to know that these fostered men, beneath the shadow of the flag, should thus assail the country that gave them birth. The Seventh's officers, Colonel Cook, Lieutenant Colonel Babcock, Major Rowett, Captains Monroe, Mendell, Holden, Allen and Hunter, Lieutenants Johnson, Church, Ring, Smith, Roberts, and others, are now landed at Fort Holt from the steamer Aleck Scott, much elated with their trip to Dixie. From what we can learn, they have been "funny fellows" to-day, but this is neither here nor there. These officers,

with their glittering gold, their dangling swords, their feathery plumes and manly faces, carryed with them an impression that will forsooth be the cause of forbodings to the traitors. We imagine that they will have unpleasant dreams to-night.

November 16th.-Paymaster Major Sherman arrives to-day, and in the afternoon commences to pay the regiment; pays the field officers and staff, and non-commissioned staff, and companies A, D, F and H, and adjourns for the night.

November 18th.-To-day the Paymaster finishes paying the regiment. The men are now flush with the "collaterals” and in consequence the sutlers and swindlers are trying to play their hands.

November 19th.-This morning at 9 o'clock a heavy thunder storm blows across the breast of the river, during which an alarm of a rebel attack is given, which calls the Seventh forth in line of battle. Also an alarm at Bird's Point, but all prove to be false alarms.

November 20th.-To-day the camp is alarmed by the firing of the picket guards. Nothing hostile, however, is discovered. All is quiet this evening.

November 25th.-Colonel Cook left Fort Holt today for Springfield, and in his absence Lieutenant Colonel Babcock commands the post, and Major Rowett the regiment.

November 29th.-Colonel Cook returned and resumed command of the post. The work on the houses still progressing finely. The sound of the

axe and the rattle of the saw are heard in every direction.

December 1st.-To-day a rebel gunboat steamed up from Columbus and fired a few shots into Fort Holt. Our big gun below the camp of the Twentyeighth Illinois returned the fire with a vim, after which the rebel machine drifts back to its own congenial clime, having accomplished nothing save a little fright.

December 11th.-To-day the companies move into their new houses. Evening.-We are now nicely quartered in good substantial houses, strong enongh to turn shot and shell. We remain quietly housed at Fort Holt until the thirteenth of January, 1862, when we receive marching orders. All is confusion now, preparing for a forward movement.

January 14th.-Early this morning the Seventh takes up the line of march for Blandville, Kentucky, to join McClernand's Division, already marched on before us. Upon our arrival there, we find that he has left with his command, moving in the direction of Columbus. We hasten on, and join him in the evening after he has gone into camp. Everything seems to indicate that Grant means action. The camp fires are now seen burning away on the fields. as far as the eye can reach.

The men have all sunk to rest upon the earth, save the weary sentinel who is pacing quietly over his lonely path.

Though the heroes seem to sleep soundly, they may be dreaming of the clash of men, and the clang