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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 353
that place, Avhich Avas designed to be used for the erection of an insane
asylum. The boys got it Avithout meeting any armed opposition.
The regiment then proceeded to Glenville to relieve the force at that
point. The first serious engagement in which the Seventh participated
Avas the battle at Cross Lanes, West Virginia, on the 26th of August,
1861. Here the regiment fought independently, each company taking
a position where the most effective service could be rendered; but they
were outnumbered by the enemy and slowly driven back, leaving many
killed and wounded upon the battlefield. The loss of the Seventh in this
engagement Avas 120 killed, Avounded and missing. The command
became divided and scattered, one portion retiring to Gauley, while the
others found the Union lines at Charleston several miles down the Gauley
River. By. reference to the roster of Company E it will be seen that
more men were lost by death, wounds or capture than in any other
single engagement in which that company participated.
The regiment was soon gathered again and went into camp at Gauley.
The effects of the recent engagement told severely on the men and many
were discharged during the early days of October, One pleasing event,
hoAvever, occurred Avhile encamped at this place, and "that was the pre-