This morning the soldiers stand in groups, shivering around
the camp fires. A chilling north wind whistles fiercely through these forests
of pine. Last night an accident happened Company I, by the falling of part of a
tree, wounding Captain Mendell, First Sergeant John E. Sullivan, and Sergeant
Luke Norton. The latter's arm was broken; the Captain is hurt very badly, but
we hope not seriously, for we will need the Captain in the coming battles. We
move camp to-day inside the fortifications. Loud huzzas rend the air as the
soldiers behold the old flag waving over the Fort. Our quarters to-night are
close by the Fort in rebel barracks. We now have our blankets and overcoats.
The cold winds do not reach us; we are comfortable and happy.
SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 28
