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Collection
Denues Family Papers
Title
Denues Family Papers
Object ID
MG0528
Date Range
1855-1890
  1 document  
Collection
Denues Family Papers
Title
Denues Family Papers
Description
The Denues Family Papers contain documents related to the professional and military career of Charles Denues, as well as information about the Denues family. This collection also contains Civil War era items, including a $20 South Carolina note, and a presidential ticket from the 1864 election.
Admin/Biographical History
Charles Denues was born on 28 August 1923 in Shrewsbury Pennsylvania. He married Fannie Haines on 21 August 1859, and the couple had 8 children. Before enlisting to fight with the Union Army, Denues was a lawyer and a school teacher. In 1862 he enlisted, and became captain of the 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company E on 12 August 1862. On 24 May 1863 he was honorably discharged with the rest of his company.
Date Range
1855-1890
Year Range From
1855
Year Range To
1890
Date of Accumulation
1855-1890
Creator
Denues family
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 11
People
Curtin, Andrew Gregg
Denues, Charles
Geary, John White
Johnson, Andrew
Lincoln, Abraham
Strawbridge, George W.
Subjects
Appointment to office
Appointments, Military
Military pensions
Money--Confederate States of America
Soldiers
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Ballots
Civil War
Elections
Finding aids
Manuscript groups
Military appointments
Pensions, Military
Military records
Money
Political appointments
Presidential elections
Soldiers
Extent
1 box, 7 folders, 15 items, 47 pages to scan, .25 cubic feet
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0528
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Civil War Collection, MG0018, Box 2, Folder 85
Civil War Collection, MG0018, Box 4, Folder 128
Civil War Collection, MG0018, Box 15, Books 1-4
James Buchanan Family Papers, JBFP 1.2.3.011
Notes
Preferred Citation: Denues Family Papers (MG0528), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-528
Other Number
MG-528
Classification
MG0528
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by RA, 15 September 2015. Added to database 6 August 2021.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Revolutionary War Collection
Title
Revolutionary War Collection
Object ID
MG0098
Date Range
1776-1976
  2 documents  
Collection
Revolutionary War Collection
Title
Revolutionary War Collection
Description
The Revolutionary War Collection contains a variety of materials from and about the Revolutionary War in Lancaster County and Pennsylvania. The original records include correspondence, military pay certificates, court records, and an orderly book kept by Lt. Col. Adam Hubley, Jr. during the Sullivan Campaign of 1779. There are also research notes and secondary sources, including a list of prisoners of war, a list of males in Lancaster County in 1776, Continental Hospital Returns 1777-1780, articles, information on soldiers buried in Lancaster County, and an article about John Paul Jones.
Date Range
1776-1976
Creation Date
1776-1976
Year Range From
1776
Year Range To
1976
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Beddulph, Robert
Boyd, John
Burd, James Edward
Chambers, Stephen
Coedans, James
Cooke, William
Ferree, John
Getty, Christian
Gurney, Francis
Hubley, Adam
Jolly, James A. "Jim"
Joy, Daniel
Kieffer, Henry Martyn
Moore, William
Neal, James
Patterson, Alex
Porter, Thomas
Ramsay, David
Rapp, Brandon
Reid, George W.
Worner, William Frederic
Zellty, John A.
Subjects
Cemeteries
Letters
Military history
Military regulations
Newtown, Battle of, Newtown, N.Y., 1779
Prisoners of war
Soldiers
Stony Point, Battle of, Stony Point, N.Y., 1779
Sullivan's Indian Campaign, 1779
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Campaigns
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Prisoners and prisons
Search Terms
Battle of Newtown
Battle of Stony Point
Cemeteries
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Correspondence
Finding aids
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Letters
Manuscript groups
Military history
Military records
Military regulations
Prisoners of war
Receipts
Revolutionary War
Soldiers
Sullivan Campaign, 1779
Extent
3 boxes, 40 folders, 1.25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0098
Notes
Harmful Language Warning: LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this orderly book reflects the racial prejudices of the era and the violence perpetrated against the Haudenosaunee Confederacy during the American War of Independence. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content. This volume contains language that is offensive, oppressive, graphic, and may cause distress. LancasterHistory does not condone the use of this language.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Revolutionary War Collection (MG-98), Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Numbers
MG-98
Other Number
MG-98
Classification
MG0098
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Cataloged prior to 1997. Items have been added and the finding aid has been updated since 1997.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Telegram from the United States Military Telegraph Corps to Thomas Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F01
Date Range
1863/03/13
  1 document     1 image  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Telegram from the United States Military Telegraph Corps to Thomas Welsh
Description
Printed telegram with heading "United States Military Telegraph." Addressed to Colonel Thomas Welsh. Handwritten text reads: "You were confirmed a Brigadier General this evening." Signed by J. W. Forney. Note: Promotion required the approval of the U.S. Senate. John Weiss Forney was Secretary of the United States Senate, 1861-1868.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1863/03/13
Creation Date
1863/03/13
Creator
United States. Military Telegraph Corps
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Welsh, Thomas
Forney, John Weiss
Subjects
United States. Military Telegraph Corps
Telegraph
Military promotions
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
United States Military Telegraph Corps
Telegrams
Military promotions
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Telegram
Language
English
Condition
Good
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F01
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Provenance: Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-63-01
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Civil War Enlistment Certificates
Title
Civil War Enlistment Certificates
Object ID
MG0422
Date Range
1864
. The drafted man could always hire a substitute if he could afford it. Starting in 1862, the U.S. government allowed this escape from military service on the theory that, so long as each name drawn from the wheel produced a man, it made no difference whether the drafted person or one hired to take his
  1 document  
Collection
Civil War Enlistment Certificates
Title
Civil War Enlistment Certificates
Description
This collection contains certificates of enlistment for volunteer soldiers from Lancaster City for April and May 1864. The documents show the name of the volunteer; the ward he was from; date; and signatures of volunteer, witness, and/or the draftee for which the volunteer was a substitute; and signatures of members of the Committee on Bounty Fund. These volunteers were "credited to the quota of the City of Lancaster, in the President's calls for troops."
Admin/Biographical History
"No conscription in the North during the Civil War was absolute. The drafted man could always hire a substitute if he could afford it. Starting in 1862, the U.S. government allowed this escape from military service on the theory that, so long as each name drawn from the wheel produced a man, it made no difference whether the drafted person or one hired to take his place appeared for muster. The Conscription Act of 3 March 1863 legalized this method of draft evasion. Until the act of 24 February 1864, the conscript could choose between hiring a substitute or paying the government $300 as commutation of service. Thereafter, the government only permitted substitution, except for conscientious objectors. Furthermore, exemption by furnishing a substitute extended only until the next succeeding draft, at which point the principal again became liable. Immediately, the prices of substitutes rose far above the $300 to which the commutation clause had held them. For this reason, legal draft evasion became the prerogative of only the unusually well-to-do."
"Substitutes, Civil War," www.answers.com/topic/substitutes-civil-war
Date Range
1864
Creation Date
1864
Creator
Committee on Bounty Fund (Lancaster, Pa.)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 10
People
Acheson, Samuel
Allen, Robert
Amerly, John A.
Amieg, H. J.
Arment, Henry W.
Aument, James M.
Barber, Jacob
Bare, M. A.
Barnhart, John
Baymount, Isaac
Baymount, Mary
Benedict, George F.
Besore, John M.
Black, James
Boll, Oliver C.
Bowers, John
Brighton, Henry
Brown, Ernst
Bruar, Elias
Burns, John
Bushong, Elam
Carpenter, Charles M.
Carpenter, Henry
Carpenter, James
Carpenter, John
Carpenter, John C.
Carpenter, John E.
Carty, William N.
Chestbough, John
Christy, William
Cole, Abraham
Collins, William
Creamer, Robert
Croker, John
Day, Thomas
Dern, Charles P.
Devon, Jacob S.
Dickey, Oliver James
Dievler, Amos
Dorwart, David
Downy, Hiram
Dugan, Hugh
Eisler, John
Elliot, Urias
Enk, Edwin
Evans, Isaac
Evans, Robert A.
Evans, Robert K.
Farley, Joseph
Fielis, Henry M.
Fitzpatrick, Philip
Follmer, Aaron
Foster, Charles E.
Fraim, Jacob F.
Frank, Jacob
Frantz, Jacob J.
Geib, William F.
George, Henry
Gerber, H. P.
Gompf, John A.
Grau, Charles
Habecker, Abraham
Hackmen, Charles
Hartman, D.
Hegan, Gerend
Heinig, Isaac
Hess, Samuel
Hildebrand, Adam
Hildebrand, Henry
Holt, Isaac
Hoover, John
Hunt, John
Isenberry, Silas
Jeffries, James C.
Jennings, Henry
Johnson, John H.
Johnston, Oscar M.
Jones Cyrus
Jones, Harry
Kauffman, J. A.
Kauffman, J. B.
Killian, H. K.
King, Henry
Krapp, Dorothea
Krapp, Joseph
Lawson, Charles W.
Lechler, Anthony
Leiby, Jacob
Leonard, William
Lippincott, Charles H.
Lolter, James
Lugar, Samuel W.
Lutz, George
Martin, Joseph
Matthew, Harris
Maxwell, Thomas C.
May, Charles H.
McDonald, H. A.
Meekins, William
Metzler, Daniel W.
Miller, Benjamin
Miller, John
Miller, Martin
Moffit, James
Morton, William A.
Mull, William
Nale, James H.
Peterman, Charles
Pinkerton, George A.
Post, Henry
Regan, Lawrence
Reidenbauch, Aaron
Ridgway, Warren M.
Sandoe, John
Sauders, William
Sawyer, John
Shaum, William
Shenk, Albert
Shenk, R. W.
Shubert, Henry
Sichtenthaler, Charles A.
Skiles, John R.
Smith, William
Stephens, Nicholas
Stouter, Aaron
Stricker, Henry
Stules, George
Swenk, Jacob
Taggart, George
Tollson, Lewis
Underhaus, Henry
Unkle, George
Walton, Daniel
Wanzel, Christian
Wanzel, [Saran]
Weitzel, Irwin K.
White, Henry A.
Wilkin, John
Wolf, Emanuel
Worl, Samuel
Yeisly, George
Young, Charles
Subjects
Bounties, Military
Recruiting and enlistment
United States. Army--Recruiting, enlistment, etc.
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Civil War
Draft
Finding aids
Lancaster
Manuscript groups
Military bounties
Signatures
Soldiers
Extent
1 box, 3 folders, .25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0422
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Record of Recruits, 1863-1864. City Archives Collection (CA 08-01 1604-005)
Civil War Collection (MG0018)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Civil War Enlistment Certificates (MG0422), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Please request at the Reference Desk or contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
2007.MG0422
Other Numbers
MG-422
Classification
MG0422
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Added to database 22 February 2022.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Thaddeus Stevens Collection
Title
Speech Relative to Damages to Loyal Men, and for Other Purposes
Object ID
MG0115_P01_F009_In04
Date Range
1867/03/19
  1 document  
Collection
Thaddeus Stevens Collection
Title
Speech Relative to Damages to Loyal Men, and for Other Purposes
Description
"Speech of Hon. T. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, delivered in the House of Representatives, March 19, 1867, on the Bill (H.R. No. 20) Relative to Damages to Loyal Men, and for Other Purposes." He proposed the punishment of traitors by confiscating their property and to increase the pension of wounded soldiers. He cited reasons that the rebels deserved a severe punishment. The politics of peace, in Stevens' view, are identified, as well as allowing the ten Confederate states to re-enter the Union. He suggested impeaching President Johnson. Published by the Republican Congressional Executive Committee.
Date Range
1867/03/19
Creation Date
19 March 1867
Creator
Stevens, Thaddeus, 1792-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Stevens, Thaddeus
Johnson, Andrew
Subjects
Confederate States of America
Impeachments
Military pensions
Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)
Speeches, addresses, etc.
Traitors
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Congress. House
Veterans
Search Terms
Civil War
Confederate States of America
House of Representatives
Impeachments
Pensions, Military
Reconstruction, 1865-1877
Republican Congressional Executive Committee
Speeches
Stevens and Smith Center
Traitors
United States Congress, House of Representatives
Veterans
Extent
1 item, 8 pages to scan
Object Name
Speech
Language
English
Object ID
MG0115_P01_F009_In04
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG0115_P01) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/fc4d62c6-ef85-4f0f-bfb8-361140325885
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG0115), Part 1, Folder # or Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-115
Other Number
MG-115, Part 1, Folder 9, Insert 4
Classification
MG0115
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Added to database 12 November 2022.
Old # MG-115, Part 1, Folder 9, Insert 4
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents

MG0115_P01_F009_In04.pdf

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Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 2 Harriet Lane Johnston
Title
Letter from Harriet Lane to Mr. Rush
Object ID
JBFP 2.1.1.005
Date Range
1861/09/05
  2 documents     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 2 Harriet Lane Johnston
Title
Letter from Harriet Lane to Mr. Rush
Description
Letter from Harriet Lane to Mr. Rush seeking a lieutenancy in a regiment of Civil War soldiers being raised by his brother, Richard, for a deserving son of neighbor Rev. John Nevin. Wheatland, Lancaster.
Date Range
1861/09/05
Creator
Johnston, Harriet Lane, 1830-1903
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 2, Box 1
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Rush, Mr.
Nevin, John
Rush, Richard
Subjects
Letters
Appointments, Military
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Correspondence
Harriet Lane Johnston
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Letters
Letters of recommendation
Military appointments
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 4.5 x 7.5 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 2 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 2.1.1.005
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1995.395
Other Number
JBFP Part 2, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 5
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
Date Range
1861/07/06
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to "My Dear Little Daughter." Letter describes camp life and includes some information about the arrival of his unit in Martinsburg, Virginia. Note: Amos Mullen served with Thomas Welsh as 3rd Sergeant in the 2nd Pa. Reg., Co. F.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
Date Range
1861/07/06
Creation Date
1861/07/06
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Hall, Henry
Hall, Mrs.
Mullen, Amos
Mullen, Mary
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States. Army
Military life
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
United States Army
Military life
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
Fair to good; fading ink; discoloration on the backside along the folds.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-02
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Edwin S. Young
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F06
Date Range
1861/12/18
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Edwin S. Young
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to his brother-in-law, Edwin S. Young. From Headquarters, Otter Island, South Carolina. Welsh expresses his hope that the "rebellion" will soon be over; discusses his deployment to Otter Island, his activity to defend the outpost, camp food, Christmas plans, interactions with people of color and nephew Howard Vache's adaptation to life as a soldier.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1861/12/18
Creation Date
1861/12/18
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Beaver, James Addams
Sherman, William Tecumseh
Vache, Howard
Welsh, Thomas
Young, Edwin S.
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Port Royal (S.C.)
Beaufort (S.C.)
Charleston (S.C.)
Ashepoo River (S.C.)
Edisto River (S.C.)
Saint Helena Sound (S.C.)
Christmas
United States. Army--Military life
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Civil War
Port Royal, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Fenwick Island, South Carolina
Bear Island, South Carolina
Ashepoo River, South Carolina
South Edisto River, South Carolina
Edisto River, South Carolina
Saint Helena Sound, South Carolina
Christmas
Persons of color
United States Army
Military life
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2020-12-23
Condition Notes
Mostly good; slight tearing along the folds; discoloration on the backside of page 4. Note: Pages 1 and 2 are different paper size than pages 3 and 4.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F06
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-06
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Annie Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F15
Date Range
1861/08/22
  1 document  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Annie Welsh
Description
Fragment of a handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh most likeley intended for Annie Welsh. The letter fragment contains news from camp; a discussion of the acceptance by his men of discipline, temperance, drilling, etc.; a visit by Govenor Curtin's brother to visit his two sons, and the expectation of his next posting. The letter identifies him as "45" in the letters published in the Columbia Spy. Note: Although the letter fragment is not dated, its content clearly establishes its origin in Camp Hamilton, November 1861. This is a transcription of the original letter.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1861/08/22
Creation Date
1861/08/22
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Welsh, Thomas
Curtin, Austin
Curtin, John Irvin
Curtin, Roland
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Port Royal (S.C.)
United States. Army--Military life
Fernandina (Fla.)
Fort Monroe (Va.)
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Port Royal, South Carolina
Military life
Camp Hamilton
Fernandina, Florida
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Unknown
Condition Notes
This is a transcription only.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F15
Location of Originals
Unknown.
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Transcription provided to donor by Dennis Buttacavoli via email. The original is presumably in his possession.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-15
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Mazie (Mary) Welsh (daughter)
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F03
Date Range
1862/03/26
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Mazie (Mary) Welsh (daughter)
Description
Handwritten letter with envelope from Thomas Welsh to his daughter, Mazie. From Otter Island, South Carolina. Letter includes a description of the small "house" constructed for him by soldiers and its furnishings; mentions the weather; and details promotions and assignments made by Welsh as well as the health and death of soldiers. Encourages family to write. Envelope addressed to Miss Mazie Welsh, Box 192, Columbia.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1862/03/26
Creation Date
1862/03/26
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Budding, Calvin Spangler
Fessler, Andrew Jackson
Gregg, Theodore
Vache, Howard W.
Keller, Oscar
Kelsey, Edward A.
Wagner, Augustus
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Subjects
Death
Health
Letters
Otter Islands (S.C.)
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Army--Military life
Weather
Wrightsville (York County, Pa.)
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Death
Health
Letters
Military Life
Otter Islands, South Carolina
Weather
Wrightsville, York County, Pennsylvania
Extent
2 items, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Fair, Good
Condition Date
2020-12-26
Condition Notes
Letter is good. There's a slight tear on one fold; also slight discoloration. Envelope is fair. The envelope is ragged on the edge, and the stamp has been cut out.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F03
Notes
Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-62-03
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail

30 records – page 1 of 3.