In October 1862, more than 400 Buffalo men, most of them Irish, heeded President Abraham Lincoln's call for additional volunteers during the Civil War and crowded into Fort Porter near the present day Peace Bridge to become the basis of the 155th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment part of Corcoran's Irish Legion 2nd Division 2nd Corps. The 155th - marching under a green banner emblazoned with the Harp of Erin - journeyed to Staten Island where it was consolidated with other units so that ultimately the regiment contained only two companies from Buffalo; another two companies became part of the 164th New York. The 155th moved south into Virginia where, on Jan. 30, 1863, it saw its first action in what was to become known as the Battle of Deserted House near Suffolk, VA. Months of mind-numbing monotony mixed with hardships caused by weather and disease were to follow.

In the spring of 1864, it became part of the Army of the Potomac and at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse suffered about 60 casualties. More engagements resulted in further losses and the assault on Cold Harbor, VA, cost the 155th more than 160 men. Tipping was to refer to the frontal assault as "murder, not war." During the attack on Petersburg in June 1864, the 155th was riddled with casualties at the rate of 50 percent, or about 80 men, and was soon down to a mere 75 men. By July 1864, only 41 remained of the 820 who had arrived at Suffolk in December of 1862, according to the history. The 155th participated in 16 battles or campaigns and was present on April 9, 1865, for the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. On July 15, 1865, the 155th New York Volunteers were officially mustered out of service. The US flag remnants were part of the effects of Captain Joseph F. Eustice of the 155th NY who distinguished himself at the Battle of Hatcher's Run and was carried by that unit.

The copy photo included shows Union troops during the assault on Petersburg. 11" X 14" double matted, unframed, letter of authenticity included.

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