USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The heroes of Albany. A memorial of the patriot-martyrs of the city and county of Albany, who sacrificed their lives during the late war in defense of our nation 1861-1865 > Part 38
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The children arrived safely, and were tenderly cared for by their father's favorite sister. Under the religious influences of Mrs. MCCLURE, WILLIAM was hopefully converted to Christ, and devoted himself to the foreign missionary work. He united with the North Dutch Church of Albany, at present under my pas-
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toral care, and he continued his membership with this church up to the time of his death.
Having completed his preparatory studies, he entered Rutger's College, New Brunswick, N. J., in the fall of 1859. He very soon became a great favorite with the students, and was beloved and esteemed by all who knew him.
WHAM was quietly and successfully pursuing his studies, preparatory to the ministry, when the first gun from Sumter aroused the people to arms. He felt that his country needed him, and for a time there was a struggle as to whether he had best go on in his course of preparation, or enlist in defence of his country. He presented his case in fervent prayer to Almighty God, and after a certain period thus spent, he saw clearly that his duty was to fight for his adopted country. Had anything been want- ing at that time to fan into a flame the fires of patriotism in the breasts of any of the sons of Rutger's, it was when the venerable and noble President FRELINGHUYSEN, with his own right hand, which has since forgot its cunning in the grave, raised the banner of freedom on the college green, and under its waving folds, his voice rang out in clarion tones for freedom, and law and right. Said he, " we must fight ; there is no alternative. The rebellion must be crushed; and then we shall once more become a happy and united people."
Among the first to respond to the call of his country, was the much loved WILLIAM POHLMAN. He enlisted as a private in the First New Jersey Regiment, Co. G, May 28th, 1861, to serve three years. He served with his regiment until January 1st, 1862, when his peculiar qualifications pointed him out as fitted for something better, than the mere ordinary duties of the camp. Upon the formation of the Signal Corps, he was therefore trans- ferred to that efficient arm of the service.
He performed with great ability the duties incumbent upon him, in all the campaigns that followed until January 17th, 1863, when he was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the Fifty-ninth Regi- ment New York State Volunteers, and shortly after was appointed Acting Adjutant. Though a stranger to the regiment, his good- ness of heart and firmness of spirit soon made him friends and
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admirers, and it was not long before they learned to love him, and to anticipate great things from the brave and noble boy. Not one of the thousands who have laid their lives upon the altar of their country-now alas drenched with so much precious blood-was ever actuated by purer motives or more lofty patriotism.
Having joined the Army of the Potomac, Mr. POHLMAN parti- cipated in its campaigns and battles, from the time of the disas- trous battle of Bull Run to the fearful engagement at Gettys- burg. Just after the battle of Bull Run, he wrote to a favorite cousin the following letter :
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, July 29th, 1861.
Dearest Cousin-You need not have made so many excuses for not answering my letter before, for I always know that there must be some good reason when my friends do not immediately reply to my missives.
I meant to have written to you when I last wrote to THEODORE, but we received such sudden orders to march, that it was impos- sible.
May be that I shall yet be spared to see you, but the chances are rather the other way. There is going to be a terrible war, ROSEY, dear, and thousands of souls will be sent to their last account before its close. If you could hear the women of the South talk; if you knew that kind and affectionate wives sent their sick and feeble husbands to the war; if you knew that sisters put the musket into their brothers' hands, and bid them God speed; if you could see the dark eyes of striplings gleam at you; you would wonder where and when would be the end. God alone can foresee the sequel. We have already had a sam- ple of what kind of fighting will be required in this conflict, and although our men fought like brave and noble men, they had to give up. Every inch of ground from here to Florida will have to be overcome with force of arms. Our First Regiment was the reserve heretofore, and consequently it is not improbable to suppose that we will be the advance now; if this should be the case, it will be a miracle of grace if many of us return to our
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friends. I am not now writing, cousin dear, either to frighten you or to make you feel bad, but simply to show you how the case stands, so that you may be prepared for the request I am going to make. I doubt not that you, as well as many others of my friends have been surprised at the step I have taken in com- ing to this war; that I should have left such a good, dear sister as Mary, to take up arms in defence of my country. Although many of my friends blame me for doing it, I can truly say that I did it from a sense of duty, and was perfectly conscientious in all I did. God knows that I love Mary, although it may seem otherwise, and I would give all I am worth for her good. I know that her whole life is wrapped up in me, and if I should fall it might be the means of killing her. May God forgive me if I should be the means of breaking not only her heart, but also the heart of mother. Now, ROSEY, dear, I have always felt as if you were my sister and it seemed so natural to think and speak of you as one of our family. Shall I ask too much of you, when I ask you to be a sister to Mary; to comfort and cheer her if I should fall, and if it should break her heart, will you, if possible, be with her at the last ? You may think it very strange that I should write you such a letter and make such a request; but I can't help it. I have been thinking of this matter a great deal lately, and I wanted to share my burden with some dear one whom I could trust. You have been the first one and only one to whom I have imparted my feelings, but who could so sympa- thize with a sister placed in such circumstances, as one who also has a brother in the army. I have been trying to find the Twenty-seventh New York, but as yet have not succeeded. When I do find it, I shall make the acquaintance of your brother and give him your message.
Now I must stop, so give a kiss to the baby and ever remem- ber me as one who loves you.
WILL H. P.
July 30th .- Please give lots of love to ED. Thank him for his kind letter to me. I meant to write him a good long letter to-day; but I feel very unwell, and I can hardly keep in any position.
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LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN.
Lieut. POIILMAN wrote frequently to his beloved sister, and his letters are so graphic and full that they furnish the best account that we can give of his military life. The following are extracts from them:
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, July 31, 1861.
Our regiment was too late for the Bull Run fight; but we had plenty to do in guarding the retreat of our flying army. If we had been two hours earlier, we might have turned the tide of battle; for it was only the reinforcements of the enemy which gained them the victory. It was such a defeat as I hope will never again happen to our army.
We have on these heights a most splendid view of the city and river, with the surrounding country, and it looks so peaceful and quiet that one would hardly imagine it was the seat of war, if it were not for seeing so many uniforms. This war is a dread- ful thing, sister, dear! So many orphans left; so many turned out of peaceful and happy homes, to seek shelter wherever they can find it. Then, of all wars, civil and intestine war is the most to be dreaded; where those who were once brothers arc now arrayed against each other, seeking to take lives which they were bound to protect and cherish. But then our country and her laws must be sustained at any and every cost, and it will be, as long as there are two millions of men to suffer and die for her. God has never yet let the unjust cause triumph for a long time, and we will eventually come out conquerors.
FAIRFAX SEMINARY, August 22, 1861.
Three hundred of our regiment are here sick in the hospital, none of them dangerously ill, however, the prevailing complaint being chills and fever. I have not been affected in the least, and have been perfectly well ever since I enlisted. We have some splendid rooms for a hospital, being those which were used for the purposes of the students. This cluster of buildings, con- sisting of about twelve separate houses, was called the Fairfax County Episcopal Theological Seminary. Not only did south- erners patronize it, but also northerners, for many of the stu-
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dents were from the north. At the approach of the troops, the buildings were deserted; most of the students, I suppose, taking up arms in defence of secession. The buildings are well fur- nished and well adapted for the purposes of a seminary. There is a nice little chapel, containing a fine organ. We used the place and instrument last Sunday, and I tell you it seemed so natural to hear the strains of an organ again. There is a large library of religious books in one room. In the same room there is a clothes press full of women's clothing, and on a bed, neatly made up, there lies a black cloak, with a white collar pinned fast, and a breast pin to hold it together whilst the owner was wear- ing it. It looks just as if the lady had come in, in great haste, and having thrown it off, had fled. This is the way with almost all the deserted houses we find. The occupants seem to have left in great haste and terror. We are about two and a half miles from the enemy's pickets. Every once in a while our piekets meet the rebel pickets, and they exchange the courtesies of peace times, that is, they smoke and talk together just as if they were friends.
FAIRFAX SEMINARY, September 5, 1861.
At present we are kept very busy in building forts and breast- works. About three and a half o'clock every morning we have to get up and get our breakfast; then off we march to the trenches and dig from six till nine A. M. At twelve we go in again and work till three. By that time we are pretty well tired out. Our forts begin to present a very formidable appearance, as you may imagine, when I tell you that twelve hundred men work (per day) on Fort Taylor, which is being built by our New Jersey Brigade. The other fort, which the New York, Michi- gan and Maine boys are building, has three thousand two hun- dred men working a day on it. We are going to mount some very heavy guns on these forts, when they are finished, with which we expect to give the secessionists a good dose, for they are only two or three miles away from us. They are building a fort just opposite to ours, and with a glass we can see distinctly what the rebels are doing. We scare them often, by making
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them believe we are going to fire on them. The other day some of our boys got four wheels, and mounting a stove pipe on it, placed it in the middle of the road, about half a mile from the nearest enemy's battery, and then they went through the motions of loading and firing. The rebels were watching us, and it would have made you laugh to see the renowned " Southern Chivalry " take to their heels and run. Very soon they blazed away at us with seven rifled cannons. Then you would have laughed harder than ever to see our boys scatter. But we found out all we wanted to, viz: if they had cannon there or not. Why, for a week we expected an attack at any moment, and our company were kept under arms for seventy-two hours, twenty- four of which were very rainy; but they never came very near us. But the Third Regiment had a skirmish with them, in which they lost three men killed and nine wounded.
FAIRFAX SEMINARY, October 8, 1861.
You ask if I am not tired of a soldier's life, and if I am not anxious to return home again. I would like very much to be able to see you all whenever I wanted to, but would never con- sent to giving up now. I am not sick and tired of a soldier's life, and the charm has not worn off. There are hardships and toils without number; there are weary marches and sleepless nights; there are dangerous watches and midnight alarms; there are times when both food and water are scarce; there are want- ing all the refinements of home life; death itself must be looked for at any moment; but, in spite of all these disadvantages, my courage has not failed me, and I am this minute as confident that our cause will eventually succeed, as I was when I first started. Very many rushed into the army without considering what they would have to endure, and, consequently, would give all they possess if they could get free. Thus far I have found nothing different from what I expected.
The work of missions to which WM .. POHLMAN had hoped to devote his life was dear to him even while in the army, as the following extract will show:
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FAIRFAX SEMINARY, November 1, 1861.
This morning I was detached for extra duty, which consisted in packing up the library and curiosities belonging to the Semi- nary. There are about ten thousand volumes, some of them very old. One book was almost seven hundred years old, having been printed in the year 1200. I worked all the morning, and got the missionary relies and pictures all ready to send off. There were curiosities from China, Africa, Asia, and every other portion of the globe where the missionaries of the Episcopal Church have established stations. Then there were the pictures of all the missionaries who had gone forth from the Seminary. No work which I have had to do has so suited me as that in which I was engaged to-day. Many an old memory came up to my mind, as I looked upon the faces of those who had taken up their cross and labored and died, in their Master's cause, on heathen ground, and I could not but exclaim: "O, what a glorious cause to engage in! "
FAIRFAX SEMINARY, November 29, 1861.
Thanksgiving day passed in quietness, and, by some wonderful chance, I did not happen to be on guard duty, so I had the day to myself. Our bill of fare was not so very extensive, but then we imagined that we were in some vast eating saloon, and so we kept calling for " bean soup, bread and strong butter," and that best of brewed liquors " water." Then, as no darkies came forth at our summons, we would, forsooth, be our own waiters and help ourselves to the above mentioned dainties. Well, it is a good thing to have a fertile imagination and a good appetite, but every once in a while I got thinking of my last Thanksgiving dinner, and then I had to gulp the food down the best I could. That Thanksgiving day, you remember, I spent so pleasantly at Aunt H.'s house. What changes have transpired since then! Then we were in the midst of peace, and our flag was honored throughout the whole world. Now there are wars and rumors of war. Our national emblem has been disgraced, not by a foreign foe, but by those who ought to cherish and defend it. Many a life and many a river of blood will be required before
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that stain shall be washed out; and there are many thousand brave hearts willing to cease to beat, if, by this means, our original honor and glory shall be restored. Many may talk about this war soon ending, but, in my opinion, there will have to be more than one hard fought battle before the end comes. Thank God, we are now gaining many victories and are striking the secessionists some pretty hard knocks.
You have, doubtless, heard of our last grand review at Mun- son's Hill. It was a splendid affair. The President and General ยท MCCLELLAN were present and reviewed us. There were between seventy-five and eighty thousand troops. Our, First New Jersey, regiment has received the name of doing the best marching and presenting the finest appearance of any regiment in both reviews. While we were passing the point where General MCCLELLAN, the President and staff were standing, our line was perfect. General MCCLELLAN turned to the President and made the remark, "That is it, that is first rate." I tell you we do look finely when we get all our accoutrements on.
FAIRFAX SEMINARY, December 11, 1861.
Yesterday the Inspector General gave us a visit. Everything we possessed underwent a strict examination, but no fault could be found with us. I only wish that you could see our regiment and camp grounds. Strangers who have visited almost all the camps around, say that ours is the cleanest they have seen, and that our men look the neatest. The Inspector and Colonel were so pleased with us that they gave us to-day as a holiday.
Things in this neighborhood remain quiet. There is not much excitement, except when we go out on picket duty. Our com- pany just came in on Saturday. We were outside, and only about one mile from the rebels, who have lately made some daring and successful attacks on our pickets. Our piekets were doubled, and the utmost watchfulness and caution enjoined. We wanted to have a little brush with them, but were disappointed. When we returned, it was only to prepare for a review by Gov. MORGAN. He looked natural, and as noble as ever. What a good thing that New York has such a man at the head of affairs
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during this time of discord and rebellion. The old Empire State has done nobly in the cause of freedom and constitutional rights; and if there should be need of more aid, I am sure New York would be equal for the emergency.
Last Friday afternoon our whole division was drawn up to witness a military execution. This is the first time I ever saw anything of the kind, and it was a very impressive scene. The prisoner was a cavalryman, who had attempted to desert to the rebels with very correct and valuable information concerning our piekets. He fortunately did not succeed in his designs, but was arrested by our troops. After a fair trial, he was condemned to a speedy and terrible death, at the hands of his own comrades. The procession passed along the lines in the following order: 1st, Provost Marshal; 2d, music of the cavalry; 3d, the firing party (consisting of twelve men and a Sergeant); 4th, coffin in a wagon; 5th, prisoner and Chaplain; 6th, escort of cavalry. As the solemn train moved slowly, each regimental band played, in succession, the dead march. The prisoner was deathly pale, and I think he fully felt his situation. At last, the spot was reached, the coffin was placed upon the ground, the prisoner, blindfolded, sat upon his own coffin. The executioners stood twelve paces from him. The silence of death reigned amongst the thousands drawn up to see the scene. A volley of carbines broke the still- ness, and all was over. Thus die all traitors.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, ~ January 1, 1862. S
You have, very likely, heard before this, that I have been detached from my regiment and company and am now a member of the United States Signal Corps. We came into camp on Monday afternoon, and have been very busy ever since getting our camp fixed up in style. Soon everything will be settled, and I think I shall like my new business very much indeed. We have a beautiful situation for a camp on the summit of George- town Heights. A splendid view is stretched out on every hand.
Our duty consists in warning friends of the approach of friends in the time of an advance movement or in time of battle. Then
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we hold conversations with each other, at the distance of miles, by means of flags during the day, and torches at night. On every expedition, both by land and sea, a number of our signal boys go.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, ? January 21, 1862. The winter campaign has commenced-"merrily goes the ball." S The secession forces in Kentucky have been defeated, and we rejoice in a splendid victory. Uncertainty and anxiety pervade our whole camp. Here we are away from our regiments and companies. The army is under marching orders, and we know not when or where our respective regiments will move, and if a fight comes off, we cannot be with our comrades in the deadly strife of arms. We have no chance of striking a blow at a rebel for our cause. We are, of course, doing a very great service to the United States, but then one does so hate to be away from comrades in the hour of danger.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, February 2, 1862.
We get along finely in our new camp. The signals are being learned rapidly, and soon we expect to be of some service in the war. Every day parties of us are sent into Virginia to practice with flags, by means of which a conversation can be kept up at the distance of miles. We are beginning to learn how to take care of horses, which is a good thing at least. How I wish that you could look in upon me some day just about dinner time. You would, no doubt, laugh heartily. Sleeves rolled up, face flushed, a large knife in one hand and a frying pan in the other, from which the odors ascending inform the spectator that a beef- steak is going through the culinary process. You can't imagine what a nice cook I am. I can give steaks the most finished touches, potatoes and onions a fine brown turn; fishes, omelets, &c., &e., undergo scientific processes. In every thing that I turn my hand to, I always think of my dear sister, far away. Yes, in times of danger and in times of rest and quiet, during the long and tiresome march, during the death-like silence of my lonely
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picket tour, amid the roar of cannon, amid the scenes of distress and anguish, amid the dead, dying and wounded, my thoughts have ever turned to you, my dearest earthly friend. Though far . away from you, enduring hardships and privations for my country's honor, surrounded by rough and rude men, yet, still, I have my thinking moments, and many a kind thought for home and home scenes. Ah! how can one forget the kind, good wishes, the heartfelt and sincere prayers of an only sister? Though years intervene, separated by oceans, yet thought knows no hindrance but death. It traverses distance, is undimmed by age.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, - February 8, 1862.
Glorious good news has just arrived; another important Union victory in the south. Fort Henry taken. This will lead to important results. The roads are yet impassable in this direction, consequently artillery is at a stand still. When the roads are better an advance is expected.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, February 25, 1862.
Nine of our Lieutenants and twenty-two privates left early this morning. They took their baggage with them, and are going to join HOOKER's Division on the upper Potomac, near the rebel batteries. When any of the corps leave camp in that kind of style, you may soon expect a fight. It is a common report that the batteries, extending for a distance of five miles, are to be attacked. Another large detachment is to leave in the course of a week, as I think something is going to happen.
How did Washington's birth day pass off in Albany? I spent mine by standing guard, in all the rain, for it was a very un- pleasant day. You know we are situated on the very summit of Georgetown Heights, and thus occupy a position which can be seen for miles from both sides of the river. Well, Major MEYER thought we ought to have some kind of display; so, as soon as it became dark, the hill was illuminated with scores of lights, sky-rockets, &c., &c. The night was very misty, and, con-
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sequently, I fear the big show could not be seen a great distance. There were, besides the fire works, the usual attendants of sing- ing, speechifying and eating.
CAMP OF THE U. S. SIGNAL CORPS, March 6, 1862.
We are constantly employed now, having one hundred and thirty horses to take care of every day. Then there are camp and guard duties to perform, and we have to drill both in the saddle and out of it. How you would have laughed at my maiden efforts at horsemanship; but I am getting bravely over my timidity, and can manage a horse finely. This is quite a feat when you understand the properties and virtues of a Government horse. You have to watch every motion, or you may get a sly kiek or a tremendous bite, and when in the saddle, look out for breakers ahead, or you may find yourself on the ground rather sooner than you expected.
Yesterday our whole corps was turned out to attend the fune- ral of one of our poor fellows, who was killed by one of the horses. Poor boy; he was a German, and had not a friend in this country. He was killed in the performance of his duty, and had a soldier's funeral. The excitement in our camp is, and has been, great; great is not strong enough, it is intense. We have every thing packed and ready to start, at half an hour's notice. Some great move is to be made on the Potomac, and the services of the Signal Corps will be required. Some of our boys went off' about a week ago, and many more leave to-mor- row. MCCLELLAN gives the orders and we obey. I wish you could see our outfit. First and foremost, each Lieutenant has two men to accompany him, one of whom carries a copper can- teen, which holds one gallon of turpentine. He also carries a canvass haversack, which contains the necessary trimming instruments. The other one carries a long sort of bag, in which are the flags, pole, torch and lance. We are armed with COLT's best navy revolvers, and have a large Bowie knife, which is so made that we can slip it on the end of our pole, and thus use it as a lance. The Lieutenants carry the best kind of marine
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