November 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm
William Henry Pohlman enlisted as a private in Company G, 1st New Jersey Infantry on May 28, 1861. Later he was transferred to the Signal Corps. He served aboard the USS Knickerbocker, participated in the Peninsula Campaign, the Battle of Savage’s Station, Thoroughfare Gap and Antietam. Willie was promoted to Lieutenant of Company H, 59th New York Infantry in January 1863.
At the time of Gettysburg, he had survived 13 battles. On July 3rd, he was facing the brunt of Pickett’s Charge at the Copse of Trees. Twice wounded, he made his way to a field hospital. Here, he began to recover and was transferred to the Swope Manor on July 11th. But, on the 20th, he suffered a secondary hemorrhage. The next day, in a delirium he exclaimed, “Cease firing!”. He did not survive.
Kellie B. Gormly is an award-winning, veteran journalist and author of the book “Cease Firing! Life and Death at The Swope Manor.” She writes for publications including The Washington Post, Woman’s World and the History Channel. Kellie’s website is kelliebgormly.com.
