On D. McC. Pry's transfer, Feb. 6, '65, Marshall Wright was promoted to corporal.
On the advance of the 2nd Corps, on March 25, '65, the final campaign opened. That day brought sadness to Co. K. Great activity was manifest in both contending armies. The Federal army was moving in arranging its forces for a forward movement to more closely invest the Confederates. They were desperate in defence and were trying sorties to break away. The rifle shooting from the trenches was close. Serg't Smith Graham was instantly killed, his forehead pierced with the ball of some sharp shooter. He was carried back into camp and laid in his bunk. It was a sad blow to the Company for "Smith" was held in very high esteem. As the army was all astir, he was buried near Fort Welch, and so far as known his body found there its permanent resting place.
John A. McCalmont was made sergeant in Graham's stead, and Abram Andrews was promoted to be corporal, taking the place of McCalmont.
Then followed the stern activities which soon brought the fall of Richmond, Co. K participating in the five days' constant struggle, crowned with the brilliant dash of Gen. Miles' Division (our Division) at Sunderland Station, April 2nd. And, Richmond having fallen, Co. K had its liberal share in the experiences in the rapid and close pursuit of Gen. Lee's army, in the battles of Tailor's Creek and Farmville—in the foraging in line of battle as in hot pursuit they passed through a well stocked plantation at Tailor's Creek, and in the distribution of Confederate money and other spoils of war in the trains captured in the Farmville battle. In this latter conflict Sergeants Ralston and McCalmont and Corporal Abe Andrews were taken prisoners and held till Lee's surrender. They were asked or rather ordered to give up their shoes and other effects. This they did in part, when talking and parleying would not avail. Ralston, through an officer, secured a pledge for the return of his watch at the close of the war, and when released he hunted up the party and secured the return of his effects.
When the surrender of Lee's army took place Co. K was on the advanced line, on the road leading into Appomattox C.H. from the east, and when Gen. Lee rode back through the lines toward Richmond they stood in silence, with heads uncovered, as he passed.
The war practically over, K marched leisurely back with the Regiment to Washington, D.C., and took part in the grand review, being formally mustered out near Alexandria, Va., May 31, 1865.
The following, according to official records, is the final disintegration of the Company:
Lieut. William B. Cook, discharged May 17, 1865, by order of the Secretary of War.
William M. Rea, discharged May 19, 1865, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.
Corporal William Hanlin, discharged May 20, 1865, G.O. 77 of office of Adjutant General.