Dec. 31st Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle "188th helped usher in the end of the Civil War."
The 188th hailed largely from Rochester and surrounding area.
They participated in the Petersburg campaign and were in the thick of the fight at the First Battle of Hatcher's Run Oct. 27-28th where 3,400 Union soldiers were killed. The 188th lost 54 and there was little to show for it as the Confederate4s continued to hold their line.
Then, it was in the Hicksford Raid in Dec. 1864 where the unit tore up railroad tracks all the way to NC.
SECOND BATTLE OF HATCHER"S RUN
In February 1865, another attempt was made at Hatcher's Run, this time resulting in 1,500 Union casualties., 34 from the 188th. This time, Lee's army was forced to extend their trenches, something they could ill-afford to do with its dwindling manpower.
On March 29th, the 188th was among two army corps supporting Sheridan's cavalry in actions at White Oak Road, Gravelly Run, and Five Forks. Here, the 188th had another five casualties, the last the regiment would lose in the war.
Lee surrendered April 9th.
AFTER THE WAR
The 188th returnedto Rochester by special train and arrived July 4, 1865. They marched to the courthouse and had speeches and a wonderful dinner.
They had been on the frontlines for less than six months and during that time, had lost 90 killed or died of disease and another 99 wounded.
Guess We Could Call Them the Fightin' 188th. --Old B-R'er
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
