While the regiment was lying at Pleasant Valley, Gen. Sheridan assumed command of the entire department of West Virginia, which was hereafter to be called the Department of the Shenandoah. A new state of warfare was now inaugurated. The Rebels of the beautiful valley were to be taught a lesson which they would never forget, and victory was hereafter to perch upon our banners. Everything now assumed an air of business and preparation; clothing and shoes, which were much needed by the men, were issued in abundance, and our boys again felt that spirit of confidence which is a sure prelude to success. On Monday, August 8th, we crossed the river at Harper’s Ferry, and encamped on the banks of the Shenandoah, near Hall-Town; remaining there until the 10th, when we again started up the valley; encamping at night near Berryville. The next day we marched up the river through a wild, picturesque region of country; it was a very warm day, and the men suffered greatly for the want of water. We encamped about eighteen miles from our start of the morning. The next day we changed our direction to the right until we struck the valley pike at Middletown, where we found that our cavalry had been pushing the Rebels down the road from Martinsburg. We went into camp about three miles from Cedar Creek, and during the four days we remained here, our boys subsisted mainly upon “roasting ears,” we having arrived just in time to help the good people of that section enjoy this luxury. On the evening of the 26th we received orders to move, and just before starting, Col. Wilson was taken very ill—the result of an overdose of morphine, administered by Surgeon Hyatt, and the command of the regiment devolved upon Capt. Chamberlin. We moved back to Winchester that night, and the next day we marched to Berryville. All this time Col. Wilson was very sick, and of course could receive but little care; but he was now taken to a farm-house near by, and every attention paid him possible. The Colonel finally recovered, though it was a long time before he was himself again. On the 18th we moved back to a small place called Clifton, remaining there until the 20th; on this day our regiment reported three hundred and sixty men and six officers for duty; Capt. Kellogg, of Company E, and Lieut. Leonard, of Company D, joining us that evening.