The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-11-20
PREMONITIONS.
Killed at SaHage,s Station.

To THE EDITOR: The articles on Fremont
tiOns, published in THE TRIBUNE, reminds me
of remarkable case which occurred In our
company (k) during the latter part of June,
1862. At this time our brigade, composed of
the I'd, Sd, 4th, 5th and 9th Vt, belonged to
Smiths (W F. Division of Franklin's Corps.
One day, while we were encamped near the
ChckahOminy River, Il member of our COM
pany earnestly declared in the presence and
hearing of several comrades that he would be
killed in the next battle. Faithful as soldier,
he remained with US on our weary march from
the Chickahominy until the Goth of June. 1
cannot recall his name, though l remember
distinctly his cOuntenance and general appear
ance. On this day (the 29th) we rested near
Savage's Station on the railroad by which we
had received our army supplies. The day was
clear and hot. Exposed to scorching sun. we
waited, ready to fall in and march at moments
notice. Within a few feet of our company was
a large pile of ammunition burning and ex-
ploding. Some of the bullets and grape-shot
in that pile were hurled within dangerous
proximity to our regiment. AS this pile was
the property of our Government, it was an un-
pleasant reminder of the fact that our army
was retreating before an enemy elated with
victory and eager to destroy u.s. On the other
side of cleared field in which we were resting
were the white cotton tents of the general hos
pital, which were filled with the sick and wound
ed of our army. Through a painful necessity,
such of these poor fellows as could not march
with US would in few hours, fall into the
hands of the enemy. Our division was left at
Savage's Station to check the enemy in that
direction 1t was beginning to grow dark, when
our brigade, according to orders, fell in faced
to the rear and advanced rapidly into pine
forest, and there formed in line of battle ready
to meet the charge of the enemy. 1t was now
so dark that we could not see the rebel force
which was approaching US through the thick
timber within musket range. Suddenly there
burst upon our view in front a long line of
bright flashes, instantly followed by terrible
roar of musketry and a shower of bullets, which
came pouring into our lines. Under this i'm
petous charge and CALLING fire of the enemy our
brigade held its position firmly, and gave the
rebels such warm reception with its musketry
that they soon ceased firing, and fell back
under cover Of the darkness. Thus ended the
battle of Savage's Station. In this battle
member of our company was killed. This was
the soldier who had said that he would be
killed in the next battle, and this was the next
battle after he had made this strange predic-
tion.-S G. GALLUP Sd VT, Bronson, Kan.
THE SINGULAR DEATH OF A sERGEANT-MAJoR.
To THE EDITOR: In preface let me say that
experience taught me that premonitiOns of
death in battle proved false hundred times to
one; but if you will kindly give me space l
will relate an instance that occurred within my
own command-the Fourth Brigade, Second
Division, Sixth Corps-in our first approaches
on Petersburg, Va, 1864. 1t was at the close
of a charge upon the enemy's lines, with my
brigade sheltered from heavy voleys of grape
and canister by slight rise of the ground in
front. The regiments were prone in line, and
night closing in rapidly. One of my regiments
1.-THE 10th Mass, Col. j. B. Parsons), their time
expiring that night, had their orders to pro-
coed to City Point the next morning and en-
bark for home. Serg'tMaj. Geo. f. Polly at
this time carved upon shingle, or slab, his
own headboard, as follows: "Serg't -Maj. Geo.
+. Polly 10th Mass. Vols. Killed at Petersburg,
Va, June 81 1S6i.'-the date being for the next
day, when he knew the regiment was going
home. He handed the headboard to comrade
and insisted that he would be killed the next
day. At daylight next day the regiment was
relieved from duty and marched to the rear of
Sugar Loaf Hill, and halted to draw rations. On
the top of the hill two negroes were on a scatfOld
to be executed for rape. The rebels fired one shell
from 20-pound siege gun. The shell passed
over the hill and burst. A large fragment
struck Serg't-Maj. Polly, instantly killing him.
He was the only man hit, and that, too, in a
position where he seemed in perfect safety.
Any member of the brave old 10th Mass. then
present can vouch for the truth of the above
OLIVER EDWARDS, Brevet Maj.-Gen., U. S.V.,
Warsaw III