During the winter the Union lines tightened around Richmond, but apart from preparations for the spring campaign not much was done on either side. In February however, De Trobriand's brigade was in a short fight at Hatcher's Run, across which the Union line was permanently extended. Confederate leaders did not allow Grant to open the spring campaign, and on March 26th attacked his lines, east of Petersburg, but were repulsed. The previous day the 124th was in an engagement with 500 Confederates, and in a gallant charge captured six officers and 164 men. Private George W. Tompkins shot the Confederate Commander, Colonel Troy, and carried off the battle flag of his regiment which he bore. Not a man of the 124th was injured. Private Tompkins was given a medal of honor from the Secretary of War, the thanks of Congress and a brevet commission. The storming of Petersburg began April 2nd with all the artillery. That night the 124th and two other regiments were ordered to advance, and got into a fight in which several men were seriously wounded. The object of this move was to delay the return of some of Lee's troops, and was successful. The grand assault on the Confederate lines was made at the appointed time, and a part of De Trobriand's brigade led by the 124th moved at double-quick over one of the main roads leading into Petersburg, the Confederates fleeing before them, but wheeling and firing as they ran. Lee was quick to see the inevitable result of the assault, and ordered the evacuation of Richmond. During April 3d the 124th, which had the advance of the Second Corps, marched twenty miles, and gathered in 200 dismounted Confederate cavalrymen. On the 6th it came up with Lee's rear guard, and in the fighting of the march along Sailor's Creek up to this date the regiment lost four killed, seventeen wounded and one missing. The pursuit was resumed on the 7th, and on the 9th came the great surrender of Lee to Grant, when our "men shouted until they could shout no longer." After the momentous event at Appomattox the 124th encamped at Burkesville Junction. In the night the men were awakened and horrified by the news that President Lincoln and Secretary Seward had been assassinated. On May 1st Meade's army took up its line of march for Washington, and came in sight of it about the middle of May. On June 5th, after participating in the grand review of the whole Union army, the 124th received its last marching orders. It reached home June 13th, and received a wonderful welcome from assembled thousands at Newburgh.