GDG- Question: The Adjutant

[zfry at kent.edu]

My posts seem to be in the habit of discussing the 59th NY a lot lately,
but here's just one more....

The regimental adjutant was certainly a very visible battlefield role. 
In my research on the 59th NY, I have become thoroughly impressed with
the role played by First Lieutenant and acting regimental adjutant
William H. Pohlman.  In his personal letters, he describes how the
regiment's second colonel, William Northedge, disliked Pohlman from the
start because Northedge had tried to secure position of adjutant for a
brother from another regiment.  Fortunately for Pohlman, this dispute
ended when Northedge was dismissed and Lt. Col. Max Thoman took his
place.  An erroneous newspaper article circulated after Gettysburg that
he took command of the regiment following Thoman's mortal wounding on
July 2; this is untrue, of course, as Capt. William McFadden of Company
B did so.  Pohlman was very visible on the regiment's front line, and on
July 3 was struck during the bombardment.  He remained with the 59th as
it assisted in holding back Pickett's division, and near the height of t
he attack was hit by a Rebel ball that shattered his sword hilt and did
a lot of damage to his right arm.  Still, he allowed no one to help him
to the field hospital because the regiment was utterly diminished by
previous losses and in an important position.  He lingered in great pain
until July 21, dying at the age of 21.  He was certainly one adjutant
who went above and beyond.

My compliments,
Zack Fry