​The Battle of Gettysburg: Stories of Fatal Encounters ​

1st Lieutenant William H. Pohlman
​(Acting Adjutant)
59th New York Infantry 
​Wounded July 3, 1863
​Died July 21, 1863

Lieutenant William H. Pohlman

  1st Lieutenant and acting Adjutant William Pohlman was serving with the 59th New York Infantry. His regiment was part of Colonel Norman Hall's brigade. Hall's brigade would be positioned south of the "Copse of Trees" on Cemetery Ridge. During the July 3rd Confederate assault on the position held by the 59th New York, Pohlman would be mortally wounded. In December of 1862 Pohlman then serving in the Signal Corps was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the 59th.
  At Gettysburg with the mortally wounding of Lt. Colonel Max Thoman on July 2, command of the 59th fell on the shoulders of Captain William McFadden. Being that Pohlman was the acting Adjutant, he and McFadden would be responsible for the command of the their regiment
During the attack of Pickett's Division on July 3rd, Pohlman was seen "cheering and inciting his men by his own example to deeds of noble example."(1) 
As the battle rage, Pohlman received the first of two wounds. An eyewitness would described "his left arm was shattered by a Minnie ball, and they entreated him to withdraw to the camp, but he answered, 'Not while I have my sword arm left.' (1)
​Now severely wounded he was struck again this time in the right wrist. This wound severed one of his arteries " faint and bleeding he was reluctantly compelled to retire from the field." (1)
Having his wounds attended to he was moved to the George Swope house located on the corner of the York Road and North Stratton street. Due to the wound to his right wrist he was compelled to use a pencil when corresponding. Pohlman would write his sister, "The great battle of the war has been fought. We are successful. The rebels have been repulsed at every point. The list of the killed and wounded give evidence of the severity of the contest. The usual good fortune which has attended me in thirteen battles of the war, has forsaken me in the fourteenth engagement. I bear honorable wounds in my country's cause. The wounds are slight, but still forbid my using a pen at present. I shall soon write again concerning my whereabouts. Until then, farewell!"
On July 21st, one of Pohlman's wounds would hemorrhage. Suffering from pain and fever he uttered his final words "Cease Fire." He was 21 years old.
​Today Pohlman remains rest in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menards New York. During his funeral the the shattered scabbard he had carried on Cemetery Ridge and the flag were placed atop his coffin.

"Speak his name proudly! 'tis a hero's name,
   A patriot here, strong and true and brave-
Who seeking not reward nor warrior's fame,
  Gave heart and hopes and life his land to save." 

(1) Monmouth Democrat, Freehold New Jersey. Thursday August 13, 1863

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The grave of Lt. William Pohlman. Photo credit Robert Gale.

Monument dedicated to the brave members of the 59th New York infantry. in this area during the fighting on July 3rd, Pohlman would receive two wounds. One would prove fatal.

The George Swope house is located one block east of the town square. Lt. William Pohlman woud die in this home on July 21, 1863.

Location of Pohlman's wounding (blue circle) the Swope House (red circle)

59th New York Infantry Monument soon after the dedication on July 3, 1889.

The story of Lt. Pohlman at Gettysburg.

59th New York Infantry Monument October 2022.