Albert Potter Civil War letters vol 5 Copyright © 1997 by Michael Ruddy. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Henry Albert Potter is proof, as a Greek Philosopher once said, of man being "a polictical animal" and here on a scrap of paper found with this letter concerning photos he is sending home, are some of Albert's feelings as he gets a head start on the coming elections. Having forgotten what my Ameican History Prof in high school told me, I looked up "Copperhead." A Copperhead was an advocate of negotiating a peace with the South. Obviously not to Henry's liking. Not to Abe's liking either, as Old Abe suspended habeas corpus, censored their writings and flung a few of them in jail. Something presidents are want to do from time to time in war when things aren't all going their way. Nixon and Johnson come to mind............... Ooltowah Mar 16/1864 Father I send some Ampotypes(?) by Sergt Hazelton [Thomas H B Hazelton, Polkton, Mich], one to mother, one to Amelia and one to John Gilbert. They are not good, but will have to do. I also send my old memorandums for 1863 -- the biggest one has some particulars of Wheeler’s Raid and the Battle of Chickamauga, which I wish you would keep for me. I also send you a rule which was captured from a rebel Col Russell. That is for you. I am well, as usual. Write when you can from Albert Love to All P.S. I also send my boy Ed’s likeness - it is natural – Potter [Negro slaves were used as attendants to officers and other duties by both sides during the war and Potter isn't above this even as he is writing of the great benefits of the "Proclamation" as he sends another picture of "my boy Ed" home. You'd have thought he had learned. See Henry Albert Potter's letter written April 20, 1863 -mr] [on a scrap of paper] I have the utmost faith that our country will come out all right in the end. But do not see all the means at present. Our great army is the first thing I look to for our success. And the success of our free institutions. It must be maintained or we are lost. Our business is to whip the rebel army and beat and destroy it. We are not to be used in any political manner whatsoever in order to be successful. Maj Gen Sherman’s politics suit me exactly. McClellan I [judge] to be a Union man but the influence which would be brought to bear on him by the Reactionary Peace Party should not be risked. I am opposed to a change in administration but wish Lincoln would not listen to the New England fanatics so much Your affectionately Albert [note on obverse] Do not make a public document of this . You can tell or read to Mr Lincers(?) people enough to show them I am no Copperhead or ever will be. Regards to them & all my friends and love to you & mother and sis goodbye ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter returns to Nashville after the courier duty in East Tennessee with his detached company. Obviously sarcastic about the lack of letters, he wishes he was home gathering Maple Syrup. Headquarters 4th Mich Cav Near Nashville April 10th 1864 Dear Sister I rec’d a paper from you this morning a Cincinnati Times but letters are out of the question it appears as I have rec’d but one from P.le. Blaskett since in Nashville. Our regiment came from Ooltawah on the cars. At Decherd I stopped for breakfast and who should I see there but George Rawlings of Red House and Cherry fame. He is doing a smashing business at that place. His wife looked as natural as life as well as himself. Had a good meal ended with a real old doughnut twister just such as we have at home. My health is a little below par, we have had very unpleasant weather, rainy and windy. I have taken cold in some way but it won’t last long. I have been down town several times attended the theater saw the great Couldocle(?) and his daughter in the play of the Returned Convict. There is a rumor that we move to Columbia soon. Division Hed Qrs are there now. 38 miles from Nashville. Col Park [Lt Col Josiah B Park, Ovid, Mich] is in command now and is in good health. Carter[Lt Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich] has been back some time. I suppose you are making lots of maple sugar about this time. I wish I could be there to get some today – never mind. Some of these days I’ll pop in maybe but I don’t think it will be very soon. I believe I am unlucky but maybe all for the best. I rec’d a letter from Elder Bassett, a very good one too. I have not answered it yet. Haven’t anything new to write to anyone. My love to you and to all. Write as often as you can to Your Brother Henry A Potter Direct Co H 4th Mich Cav via Nashville ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter and his buddy Julius Carter encounter the Belles of Tennessee. The Tennessee Belles may have come in second to the Yellow Rose of Texas but they do a number on the young lieutenants from Michigan. A bit of confusion appears in Potter's staunch anti-Rebel beliefs. Potter is not the first man nor the last to fall under the spell of Southern hospitality. He may not be a Copperhead but he appears to be wobbly of resolve as he explains how maybe he would be a Rebel too if he had grown up in the South. He muses over the unthinkable: what might happen if Lee outgenerals Grant. Duty calls and, from the standpoint of his career, it is just as well that he rejoins his horse, his regiment, Colonel Park, and reality in Chattanooga. Columbia Tenn May 3rd 1864 Dear Father I rec’d a lettr from you a few days ago, but have lost it. Am glad you are all getting well again. I am not very tough at present but am felling better every day. The regiment and Brigade has moved to the front, I think to Chattanooga as soon as they get where I can rejoin them, I shall do so by rail. Col Park[Josiah B Park, Ovid Mich] told me he would telegraph me to what place to come. Lt Carter[Lt Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich]is with me. We are boarding at a Rivalto(?) house, a Mr Shepard, very nice people especially Mrs Shepard. We have plenty of music and singing, a piano and plenty of girls. They are all Southern here at heart but they are loyal with the tongue. The girls sing us Southern songs with our permission of course -- we allow them to sing what they choose. They have a brother in the Southern Army and they feel a certain sympathy which is natural and right. I think of my own home very often and how anxious you all are and I can but admit that if we had all been born and lived down here that probably we would have been just as these people here are, Rebels. Perhaps you will think I am getting tainted with treason myself but you know me better than that. I do not approve of the course Tennessee has taken. She has brought ruin and desolution upon herself, but people here are so different. The flower and the pride of Tennessee is in the Rebel Army. Her educated and enlightened class are there and I believe them to be conscientious. They think, or thought, they were right and now their Pride will not let them come back. I cannot blame the mother or sister who will sympathize for the cause their sons and brothers are engaged in under the circumstances. You must give up the idea of seeing me before Autumn. I cannot come if my health is good. The army has a great deal to do this summer and I have a company’s responsibility to attend to. I cannot come. I believe the rebellion will be ended theis summer. I have all confidence in Grant. If Lee outgenerals him on the Potomac and we cannot get Richmond, I believe the Rebels will be recognized by foreign powers. But Grant knows that as well as anybody. This summer will tell the story. Write as often as you can. Direct as usual via Chattanooga -- Albert Love to all – the stamps prove very acceptable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter, after writing earlier in the day to his father describing his interlude with the Columbia Rebel ladies, seems to have run out of literary gas as he writes to his sister Amelia. Columbia Tenn May 3rd 1864 Dear Sister I have written one letter today to Father but I will also write a line to you. We are having very pleasant weather but rather cool. My health is not extra but gaining. Our regiment has moved. They went on last Saturday. I got permission to join them by railroad. I expect they are going to Chattanooga, it will be much easier for me than to march all the way on horseback. I expect to be here nearly a week yet. You must give up all ideas of me coming home this summer. It is impossible. I am in command of a company and am responsible for the Property and now the Army will move soon. You must [wait?] until next autumn. Columbia is a real pretty place but nearly all Sesech. Gen Pillow’s[CSA General Gideon Pillow] place is only about six miles from here. The Rebel. Our government has taken possession of it, I believe. I must close as I am writing nothing of any consequence to anybody. Write as often as you do to your brother Henry A --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes the last of his Columbia Tennessee letters to his sister Amelia, telling her he has been summoned to rejoin his regiment now taking part in Sherman's march toward Atlanta. Still under the spell, he understates his feelings about leaving the Shepard family in the add-on to the letter. Columbia Tenn May 7th, 1864 Dear Sis I am going to the front today to join my reg’t. Expect to find it at Chattanooga. Rec’d a telegram last night from Stevenson. Carter[Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich] is going with me. Don’t know when I shall have a chance to write again. There has been some hard fighting already - near Ringold and Dalton. I believe the future of this once great country will be decided this campaign. I am feeling as well as ever and am anxious to join my company. Do not look for me home until next Autumn. I shall come then CERTAIN. Give my love to mother dear and father and all my friends at home. Write to me often this summer. I send you a Recipe for making a Pudding and waffles - the last are excellent. Love to you Your affectionate Brother Albert The recipe is from Mrs Shepard where we have been boarding Very nice woman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter, in the style of obscurity used by military men everywhere, tells of his retreat in front of Confederate cavalry. It is probably prudent to reduce enemy numbers by 2 or 3 in any military account, no matter if the officer writing was victorious or defeated. To illustrate my point, I will give a possible translation of Potter's encounter with the rebel cavalry: "My men saw the situation as soon as I and giving orders to fall back to the road....." might be written in non-military jargon as: "we saw the rebels coming, turned as a man, and ran pell mell back to the road." Perhaps the orders were given, when time permitted, back on the road. I wasn't there, of course, but reading military reports of battles and comparing them to the actual battles leads one to these interpretations. The "Johnson" referred to by Potter is CSA General Joseph Eggleston Johnston, one of the best. Johnston's defense and retreat methods sapped the strength of USA General W T Sherman's more numerous troops which Johnston could never hope to defeat in open combat. On July 17th, 1864, Jefferson Davis, who disliked Johnston personally, replaced Johnston with CSA General John Bell Hood who immediately attacked out of his defenses and began frittering away the most valuable comodity he had, his men. One has only to read of Hood's sacrifice of the flower of the CSA's western officers (five Generals were killed including Patrick Cleburne maybe the best general in the West) at Franklin, Tennessee to realize Hood was much better off as a Brigadier General where his impetuous bravery created victories. It is interesting to speculate what might have happened if Davis had left Johnston in charge at Atlanta. Sherman's "March To The Sea" might have instead been known as "Sherman's Race Back To Chattanooga"............ (For Morris H Palmer from his grandfather) [written at the top of the letter --this letter must have been given to my Uncle Morris by Henry Albert Potter--mr] HeadQuarters 4th Mich Cavalary Camp near Kingston Georgia Sunday May 22nd AD 1864 Dear Sister I wrote a letter to John[John Gilbert, Ovid, Mich] a few days ago telling of our hard fight the other day. But to day as we are in camp I will write to you. My health is good. We are having very warm weather at present. Our Division moves tomorrow with 20 days rations, as does the whole army. I believe. I send you some Photographs. My company was in the extreme advance the 18th. I had my men deployed as skirmishers on the left on a hill our attention all directed to the front when a regiment of rebels came charging around to my left and near. Yelling like incarnate fiends. My men saw the situation as soon as I and giving orders to fall back to the road we succeeded in reaching amid a perfect shower of leaden hail which cut the boughs and twigs above my head in every direction. We had run upon two Brigades of Confederate cavalry and with in ½ mile of their permanent camp. The road runs between two hills all the way we had no support (that was the [truth] of it) for four miles back. But were obliged to fight it out alone. They flanked us badly and had us entirely surrounded all but breaking the column. I did not expect to get out without being wounded or captured. But the bullets slighted me that time. Billy Egleston[William R Egleston, Lapeer, Mich, Captain Co B] was wounded in the fight near Rome, nothing serious however. Carter [Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich] is doing well I hear and on his way home. I had one brave sergeant shot dead. I have some of the coolest and bravest men in any Co I ever saw. I saw many a rebel bite the dust from their shots, well-aimed. They lost a Col killed 2nd Georgia. We are resting today. The Army will advance in a day or two. The Trains are running regular to Kingston four miles north of us. We are about 60 miles from Atlanta. Report says Johnson[CSA General J E Johnston] will make a stand not far below here. No betting. We will know when we try them. We have flanked them out of Dalton and Resaca, two very strongly fortified places, naturally and artificially and we can flank them again or, if they will fight, we can whip them. They say Johnson[sic] is reported to have said if he got whipped again he would retreat to Atlanta and hoist the stars and stripes. I have not recd any letters in a long time. Don’t know where they are. You must keep writing. We are encamped in a good place. Plenty of shade and a beautiful spring of cool water near. Whatever the rebel have preached and said about holding this country against the whole Yankee army. I know one thing, the citizens have lost all faith in them or their army, as is proved by the fine deserted residences, beautiful gardens or flowers, superb carriages and plated harness left in the flight from the ‘invader.’ I tell you Southern Aristocracy is "played out" after this war is ended this country will be peopled by a different set of people. Write to your Brother Love to one and all Albert Henry Albert Potter writes of the battles called variously Dallas, New Hope Church, Pumpkinvine Creek, Allatoona Hills, or Burned Hickory. For the second time Potter writes in a letter home that CSA General Joseph E Johnston says "if he is whipped he will raise the stars and stripes in Atlanta" I know of no record of this statement anywhere else and it is naught but wishful thinking on the part of Potter. It is certainly not in character for Johnston. Potter ends with his off the mark prediction the war will end in 1864 In the fighting of 25 and 27 May 1864. Johnston successfully parried an attempt by USA General W T Sherman to circle his entrenched position on the west. Sherman then moved back to his original position and began a series of encounters which culminated at the bloody repulse of Sherman's army at Kenesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864. [I got the battle information from The Civil War Dictionary (Vintage Books) a fine reference work in paperback.] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the field near Dallas Ga. May 30th 1864 Dear Father My health is good but we are all about tired out. The Cavalry has never had such hard wor[k] or so much fighting. Our horses have not had a feed of grain in four days. They cannot go much further. The whole rebel army is in front of us. They are determined to drive us back or die. Night before last they made an assault upon our lines but were repulsed with a loss of 800. Last night there was the most terrific fighting I ever heard. The whole rebel army I should judge was charging upon our lines. I have had no report of the result yet. Only that we held our line firmly. Their loss must be terrible. Such firing and crashing and moaning was never heard. Our Cavalry fell back to the left and we were four miles in the rear when the assault was made. The whole sky was lit up as if the world was on fire. A sullen and continuous roar was heard. The sound would rise and fall like the waves of ocean. The earth fairly trembled and shrunk from the shock of hundreds of cannon. I am confident of success. We CANNOT fail. Our Army is large, larger than you imagine and our cause is just. From the Potomac I hear nothing. The 4th Mich has been in four fights at Kingston, Rome, Dallas and near Pumpkinvine Creek. We have had one Maj. (Grant)[Horace D Grant, Jackson, Michigan] captured. Our Maj. Robbins [Richard B Robbins, Adrian, Michigan] wounded, one Capt. (Lawton)[George W Lawton, Antwerp, Michigan] severely wounded and Lieuts. Carter[Julius M Carter, Ovid, Michigan] and Randolph[Smith Randolph, Madison, Michigan]. Carter is coming home, he is badly wounded, but not fatally. Our loss may be near 75 men, killed, wounded, and missing, 5 officers and about 100 horses. I have not had but one nights good rest in a week. We marched all last night. I am tough or I could not stand it. We are receiving reenforcements enough to more than make up for their loss. [USA]Gens [Oliver Otis] Howard and [Richard W] Johnson were wounded day before yesterday. The rebels were cut to pieces with grape and canister when they charged. Dallas is full of rebel legs and arms. They were struck in the thigh and bowels mostly. Joe Johns[t]on says if whipped here he will raise the stars and stripes in Atlanta. [USA Generals]Thomas is the center. McPherson the right. Schofield the left and our cavalry has been on the right. Our Army is now concentrated. The war will close in 1864. Write when you can. Yours affectionately Henry A Potter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Henry Albert Potter writes a letter home to his friend Albert. Still maintaining the war will be soon over, he repeats the complaint of almost every letter he has written: that he is not receiving enough letters from home. Camp on the Etowah River Near Cartersville, Georgia Sunday June 5th 1864 Dear John [John Gilbert, Ovid, Michigan] I rec'd your humid letter Friday. It was the first from Ovid in some time. Am sorry to hear of the brave boys of the 27th so many wounded and killed. It is hard. Has George [Barck?] arrived home yet? I suppose Lieut Carter[Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich] is home ere this. He was badly hurt, but I hope he will get along well. He fought well and is a brave man. He will tell you of our fighting. Our loss has been 4 officers wounded, 1 captured, and about 50 killed and wounded enlisted men. Billy Egleston[William R Egleston, Ovid, Mich] was wounded, but slightly in leg. We have a great many horses shot, have been in two fights since Carter was wounded. I have escaped without a scratch so far. Our Cavalry has suffered much. We have been eight days without forage for our horses excepting green wheat which is bad and weakening. [US Cavalry General] Stoneman went out with 4000 splendidly mounted men. I understand he has but 1500 now. We have been nearly as bad off. My health is good - first rate. I live well now. Have had young potatoes, green peas, strawberries. If report is true, our forces are now in Marrietta. We are somewhat to the rear now. We had to get back on left[?] of our horses, are guarding an important Gap in the Allatoona Mts and protecting the RR. The cars run down to the River now. As soon as the Bridge is built we will have clear sailing to the Chatthoochee. Everything is working as it should. I believe by the 4th July our Army will be in Atlanta and Grant in Richmond. If we whip them thorough, I hardly think they will concentrate again. They may make a show until after the election in hope that some other man will get into the presidency than Old Abe, but they will be disappointed and this I think will [--- unintelligible—] I have rec'd but 3 letters in over a month. Write when you can and tell E M and to write. I am well. Yours Affectionately Henry A Potter Lieutenant ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes of heat and hard work as Sherman's Army approaches Atlanta. Roswell Georgia July 10 /64 Camp 4th Mich on Chattachoochee Dear Father I have not written I some time as we have been so busy in moving all the month. I wrote the last I think before the Evacuation of Marietta and the Mountain Kenesaw. I have been well all the time. We have had no fighting of any consequence since the 20th June. –are having very hot weather. I never saw such intense heat. The Army seems to stand it firstrate. –hardly any sickness. It seems a little like Sunday today and but a Little too we are resting today. I got up at 8 o'clock feeling as tired as if I had been mowing and cradling all yesterday. Had a breakfast of Pork, Potatoes, Onions, Coffee, and lots of Blackberries and apples are getting ripe too. Harvest apples sweet and sour. I will give you a little journal of our moves this month so far. July 1st In camp all day, very warm five miles from Marietta July 2nd In Camp showery. At 8 pm. Moved towards Big Shanty four miles and encamped instant unsaddling. July 3rd Sherman with nearly all the army is moving to the right and flanking the mountain. The 2nd Div Cav moved to the left of the mt. The road was clear, rebels all gone. Took possession of Marietta at 11 am. Which is a handsome place built in a grove of trees. The villages are all built in the woods as one might say. The rebs left last night at 12m. We captured 400 I understand from news a deserter brought in as to their position. Report says Johns[t]on is falling back eight miles beyond Atlanta to a position of Cedar mt. Moved out three miles east of town and encamped. July 4th Reveille at 2 am eat breakfast. I don't like to get up so early. Our band played Hail Columbia and Yankee Doodle. This morning on soil which we have not occupied before since the Rebellion. Very warm did not move. July 5th Moved back towards town and took the Roswell Factory road. Marched 9 miles without any resistance and encamped July 6th In camp all my 1st Sergt Hazelton[Thomas H B Hazelton Polkton, Michigan] rec'd a commission as 2nd Lieut. The rebels are all across the river. Our pickets extend to it. This is a good section of country. July 7th In camp " 8th Detailed for picket at 2 pm ordered in at dusk and moved to Roswell 2 miles and encamped. Saturday July 9th Reveille at 2 am. We were ordered to move dismounted to leave our horses in camp. We moved thro' the town down to the river. When we found out we must ford the river and hold our position until the Infantry came up to relieve us. Our skirmishers moved ahead and met with very little opposition. A picket of 30 men was all there was at the ford. We caught 3 or 4 they said the Yankees were the "goldarndest fellas they ever seed" they would fire and then dive to load, then fire and dive under again and I suppose it really seemed so to them. We had seven-shooters. The men would fire and dodge down. The center was about 3 feet deep, very rough bottom I rode across we took a postition and built breastworks. But the rebels did not molest us. We are 20 miles above Atlanta. A division of Infantry came up at dusk and we recrossed and came to camp where we are now. Very hard work. Yesterday no breakfast. Ford the river – climb the steep bluff and build works. Have no news. Have got no mail in a week. Love to all Your aff son Albert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes of General Kenner Garrard's raid and pillage through Georgia of July 21 - 24 , 1864. Anyone wanting to read of the Union Cavalry out of control might look into "Sherman's Horsemen" by David Evans page 180ff. Henry Albert seems not to have seen or remembered anything of this in his letter, but Capt Heber S Thompson of Minty's Command (Minty's Brigade: 4thMI, 4th Reg, 7th PA) wrote: "Lawrenceville has been a really nice little place In Covington, Oxford and indeed all the towns in Georgia , the conduct of our division has been disgraceful -- houses plundered, women insulted and every species of outrage committed. In Lawrenceville, on the contrary, when our Brigade was alone nothing of the kind occurred. The people, especially the ladies, and the town contained some really nice ones, were very much pleased with our orderly behavior."[from Evan's book] We must hope that Thompson was telling the truth and Minty's men behaved as soldiers and that Henry Albert Potter did not indulge in the barbarity-- but we may never know. "Stoneman" is General George Stoneman who led his cavalry beyond its orders and capabilities south of Atlanta and was captured with his command, only remnants of his force got back to the Union lines. This and Potter's next letters refer this raid. After the debacle of Stoneman's raid, General Sherman, in a pique, put his remaining cavalry off their horses and in the trenches for 2 weeks when the cavalry failed to cut off the Macon RR and supplies to Atlanta. At the end of the month as we shall see in a later letter, with General Kilpatrick at the helm he gave the cavalry another chance. Mike Camp 5 miles from Atlanta August 1st 1864 Dear Father I have not written any letter in some time nearly – yes a little over two weeks I think. The last I wrote we had not crossed the Chattahouchee River. My health is a good as ever. Two weeks ago yesterday our Division Crossed the river. Since that time we have done a great deal of service and hard work but not much fighting. The Next day after crossing we moved down and struck the Charleston RR from Atlanta About 12 Miles between Decatur and Stone Mountain. Tore up 3 miles of track thus effectively cutting communications on that line – without any loss on our side. And our Army followed up the advantage and moved after us capturing Decatur the next morning. Six miles east of Atlanta on the RR. In a day or two we started on another raid. To Coventry, a place on the same road 42 miles S.E. from Atlanta and 60 across to Macon. Our object to cut the road farther away and hinder their retreat via Augusta, if such might be their intention. We succeeded in effecting our object without serious loss. Burnt the bridges, tore up the track and burnt ties. Captured over 200 prisoners, two trains of cars, a large amount of horses, mules and cattle. Gone four days. While we were gone the rebels pitched on our left which was left exposed by our absence, with nearly their whole army, but they got enough and too much for them. But we lost one of our best Generals. McPherson was killed instantly by a volley of rebel muskets from an ambush. His loss was no sooner known than our men, maddened rushed like an avalanche upon them and drove them back. Our loss was about 2000, rebel loss 5000. On the 27th Gen Stoneman with his Div from our Right crossed over and joined us and we started on another big raid to cut the Macon RR. The only line of communication left the rebels from Atlanta. Stoneman with his Div moved on while our Div made one days march and halted to attract the attention of the rebel Cavalry and Keep them from Stoneman until he had accomplished his intention. We went into camp about 12 m. The rebs run upon our pickets. We were ordered out. Our regiment put up breastworks of rails and staid behind them the rest of the night. In the morning the rebs could be seen in every direction around us. We expected to have a big fight. Our whole Div was out and built works. Our line was like a horse shoe. The rebs around us as soon as they found out our whole force was not there they sent nearly all of theirs after Stoneman. It is supposed Wilder’s men charged them. Broke their line and we moved back got in camp yesterday . Our Train will be up to day with rations. Our Horses are about played. Have not heard from Stoneman. Don’t know whether he is successful or not. We expect the mail today – and some papers. You have later news from Atlanta, I presume, than I have. I know nothing only that we have not got the place. >From Richmond we have nothing later than the 20th July. I got a letter from Amelia[Amelia Potter - his sister] last week telling me that George Zwick[?] was not expected to live. I am very sorry. Hope he will get along. We have had broiling hot weather down here and dusty perfectly awful. You don’t know about dust or heat up there and I am too lazy to tell you. Write often Yours affectionately Albert dz