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Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of Thomas Welsh's South Mountain Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F10
Date Range
1862/09/18
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of Thomas Welsh's South Mountain Battle Report
Description
Handwritten report in a copyist's hand of Welsh's South Mountain Battle Battle Report. Report details the activities of Welsh's 2nd Brigade (Willcox's 1st Division) during the battle of South Mountain. Command consists of Regiments 45th and 100th Pennsylvania, 46th New York, and 8th Michigan. Notes that 45th Pennsylvania "used the bayonet with success" and that the 45th Pennsylvania and 17th Michigan "sustained the brunt of the battle." Note: Except for a few words here and there, this does not appear to be Thomas Welsh’s handwriting; it was probably dictated.
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
1862/09/18
Creation Date
1862/09/18
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Cox, Jacob Dolson
Curtin, John Irvin
Gerhardt, Joseph Peter
Hutchins, Robert A.
Leckey, David A.
Sturgis, Samuel Davis
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 17th (1862-1865)
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of South Mountain
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 17th (1862-1865)
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good; some slight wear along the folds.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F10
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-62-10
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
First draft of Thomas Welsh's South Mountain Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F10a
Date Range
1862/09/18
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
First draft of Thomas Welsh's South Mountain Battle Report
Description
Handwritten report details the activities of Welsh's 2nd Brigade (Willcox's 1st Division) during the battle of South Mountain. Command consists of Regiments 45th and 100th Pennsylvania, 46th New York, and 8th Michigan. Notes that the 45th Pennsylvania and 17th Michigan "sustained the brunt of the battle." Back of final page notes that copies were sent to headquarters. Note: incorrect spelling of Brig General Orlando B. Willcox.
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
1862/09/18
Creation Date
1862/09/18
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Cox, Jacob Dolson
Curtin, John Irvin
Gerhardt, Joseph Peter
Hutchins, Robert A.
Leckey, David A.
Sturgis, Samuel Davis
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 17th (1862-1865)
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of South Mountain
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 17th (1862-1865)
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Good; some discoloration and wear along one fold. The two pieces of paper that make up this document were originally a single folio sheet halved. At some point in time, they were torn apart along the center fold. This tear is not from age or wear, and appears to have been done at the time of writing; perhaps before he began, in order to conserve paper if his report didn't extend onto a third or fourth page.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F10a
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-62-10a
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
Draft of Antietam Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F08
Date Range
1862/09/19
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Draft of Antietam Battle Report
Description
Handwritten draft detailing the activities of Welsh's 2nd Brigade (Willcox's 1st Division) during the Battle of Antietam. Command consists of Regiments 45th and 100th Pennsylvania, 46th New York, and 8th Michigan. Commends command for gallantry and good conduct.
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
1862/09/19
Creation Date
1862/09/19
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Hutchins, Robert A.
Twiggs, Captain
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of Antietam
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good; the writing is in pencil; the paper is intact; there is some discoloration along a fold.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F08
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-62-08
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
Final draft of Thomas Welsh's Antietam Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F09
Date Range
1862/09/19
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of Thomas Welsh's Antietam Battle Report
Description
Handwritten report in a copyist's hand of Welsh's Antietam Battle Report, MG0828 SeriesD-62 F08. Report details the activities of Welsh's 2nd Brigade (Willcox's 1st Division) during the battle of Antietam. Command consists of Regiments 45th and 100th Pennsylvania, 46th New York, and 8th Michigan. Commends command for gallantry and good conduct. Note: Slightly edited version of MG0828 SeriesD-62 F08. Except for the postscript, this is not Thomas Welsh’s handwriting. Note: incorrect spelling of Brig General Orlando B. Willcox.
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
1862/09/19
Creation Date
1862/09/19
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Hutchins, Robert A.
Twiggs, Captain
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of Antietam
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 100th (1861-1865)
Michigan Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865)
New York Infantry Regiment, 46th (1861-1865)
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good; the writing is in pencil; the paper is intact; there is some discoloration along a fold.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F09
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-62-09
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
William McCaskey Civil War Papers
Title
William McCaskey Civil War Letters
Object ID
MG0355
Date Range
1862-1865
  1 document  
Collection
William McCaskey Civil War Papers
Title
William McCaskey Civil War Letters
Description
The William McCaskey Civil War Papers contain letters written by William Spencer McCaskey to his brother, Jack and sister-in-law, Ellen during his service in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. In most letters, he writes about politics, life in camp, members of his unit, their brothers, and the campaigns in Georgia and South Carolina with General Sherman. Related biographical data and images are among the contents of this collection.
Admin/Biographical History
William Spencer McCaskey was born near Paradise, Lancaster County, in 1843. The family moved to Lancaster in 1855, where William received his education in public schools. And in 1859, he began an apprenticeship at the printing office of the Examiner, where he worked until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Just days after Fort Sumter was fired upon in April 1861, William joined the army and served with Company F of the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry until he mustered out in July. He joined Company B of the 79th Pennsylvania Regiment as 1st Sergeant in September of that year; this company of Lancastrians served under Col. Henry A. Hambright and Lt. Col. David Miles. They engaged in battles in Kentucky and Tennessee before they returned to Lancaster in 1864 and re-enlisted. Company B joined Gen. Sherman's army in May 1864. As they moved through Georgia and South Carolina in Sherman's March to the Sea, William wrote about the campaign, the residents, and affects that the Union Army's actions had on the South.
Capt. McCaskey mustered out in July 1865, and in spite of the many objections he had voiced about army life, he re-enlisted in 1866 after receiving a recommendation of the commission of second lieutenant from Thaddeus Stevens. William commanded troops throughout his career on the frontiers of Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Texas, and Missouri and also during the Spanish-American War in Cuba and the Philippines. He retired at the rank of Major General in October 1907.
John Piersol "Jack" McCaskey is better known to Lancastrians as J. P. McCaskey, a teacher and publisher. He began teaching at the Boys' High School in Lancaster in 1855, accepted the position of principal in 1865, and later became superintendent. Jack married Ellen Margaret Chase in 1860.
Date Range
1862-1865
Year Range From
1862
Year Range To
1865
Date of Accumulation
1862-1865
Creator
McCaskey, William Spencer, 1843-1914
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 09
People
Brown, Daniel
Brown, Mrs.
Hambright, Henry Augustus
Johnston, Joseph E.
Kaufman, Innis
Locher, Michael H.
McBride, John S.
McCaskey, Cyrus Davis "Cye"
McCaskey, Ellen Margaret Chase "Ellie"
McCaskey, John
McCaskey, John Piersol "Jack"
McCaskey, Joseph
McCaskey, Walter
McCaskey, William Spencer
Miles, David
Riley, George
Riley, George, Mrs.
Sherman, William Tecumseh
Stevens, Thaddeus
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 79th (1861-1865). Company B
Wounds and injuries
Search Terms
Alexandria, Virginia
Atlanta, Georgia
Camp McCloud, Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Civil War
Correspondence
Correspondence, Personal
Finding aids
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Letters
Louisville, Kentucky
Manuscript groups
Martha's Vineyard, North Carolina
Milledgeville, Georgia
Moorsville, North Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee
Richmond, Virginia
Savannah, Georgia
Washington, DC
Extent
1 box, 6 folders, .25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0355
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
The original letters in Folders 2 and 3 may not be used. Transcriptions have been provided in Folder 1 for patron use.
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-355
Classification
MG0355
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Added to database 14 January 2021.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers
Title
Letter from John B. Lebkicher to brother
Object ID
MG0258_F003_In04
Date Range
1862/06/21
  2 images  
Collection
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers
Title
Letter from John B. Lebkicher to brother
Description
John B. Lebkicher to brother from Camp 79 Pennsylvania, describing the treatment of a dissenting soldier.
Date Range
1862/06/21
Creation Date
21 June 1862
Creator
Lebkicher, John B., 1837-1892
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Lebkicher, John B.
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Soldiers
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Army
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 79th (1861-1865)
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Soldiers
United States Army
79th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (1861-1865)
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Object ID
MG0258_F003_In04
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers (MG0258) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/4b929d84-1c6a-4e1f-8bc2-523672636170
Notes
Preferred Citation: Letter from Edward M. Lebkicher to his father, 25 September 1864, Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers (MG0258), MG0258_F009_In17, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--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.
Accession Number
1998.MG0258
Other Numbers
MG-258
Other Number
MG-258, Folder 3, Insert 4
Classification
MG0258
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JM. Added to database 30 June 2022.
Images
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Object ID
MG0828
Date Range
1839-1932
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers is a collection of original correspondence, official documents, and ephemera. Many of the papers were created by or directed to Thomas Welsh between approximately 1843 and his death in 1863. They provide glimpses into his youth, his experiences in the Mexican War, his life in Columbia between the wars, and his rise in rank to Brigadier General during the Civil War.
The collection contains correspondence with his wife and family from 1861-1863. There are also official correspondence and documents related to Welsh's military service, autobiographical pieces, correspondence following his death, obituaries, and family papers into the early twentieth century. Other items in the collection include genealogy pages from the family bible, photographic images of Thomas Welsh and family members, two scrapbooks, newspaper issues and newspaper clippings, written notes from recollections of one of Welsh's daughter, and a biographical sketch of Welsh written by his son.
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.
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series:
Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Series B Mexican War, 1846-1848
Series C Between the Mexican War and the Civil War, 1848-1861
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
Date Range
1839-1932
Year Range From
1839
Year Range To
1932
Creator
Wiggin, Richard C.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
People
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Military orders
Military promotions
Personal correspondence
Political campaigns
Presidents--Election
Speeches, addresses, etc.
United States. Army--Military life
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Mexican War
Military life
Military orders
Military promotions
Political campaigns
Presidential elections
Speeches
United States Army
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Condition
Fair to good
Condition Date
2020-12-18
Condition Notes
Items are in fair to good condition.
Object ID
MG0828
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, Pa.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Almost all of the papers have been passed down through successive generations of Welsh's descendants, from Thomas Welsh's wife and children to his granddaughter, Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin, to her daughter Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. After Nancy Townsend's death, her son Charles Townsend passed them on to his cousin, Richard Wiggin (grandson of Emilie Benson Wiggin) in 2015.
A few papers passed out of the family's possession and found their way into other collections. Richard Abel of Columbia, PA began collecting Welsh papers and artifacts some years ago, and subsequently transferred this collection of Welsh materials to Richard Wiggin in 2012.
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of General Orlando Willcox's Antietam Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F11
Date Range
1862/09/21
  1 document     6 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of General Orlando Willcox's Antietam Battle Report
Description
Handwritten report most likely in a copyist's hand of General Orlando Willcox's Antietam Battle Report. Letterhead reads "Battle of Sharpsburgh, Antietam Creek, Maryland." Report details the activities of Willcox's 1st Division (includes Welsh's 2nd Brigade) during the battle of Antietam. Narrative includes recognition of Colonel Thomas Welsh for "good conduct." Note: an addenda titled “Itinerary of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps, September 1-October 31, 1862” to this letter can be found at at https://civilwarhome.com/willcoxantietamor.html
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
1862/09/21
Creation Date
1862/09/21
Creator
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar, 1823-1907
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Burnside, Ambrose Everett
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Cox, Jacob Dolson
Curtin, John Irvin
Gerhardt, Joseph Peter
Leckey, David A.
Morrison, Lieutenant Colonel
Rodman, Isaac Peace
Sturgis, Samuel Davis
Welsh, Thomas
Withington, William Herbert
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of Antietam
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
United States Army
Extent
1 item, 10 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good to excellent; there is very slight fraying and discoloration on the edge of one fold.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F11
Associated Material
See Antietam Union Order of Battle Page at https://civilwarhome.com/willcoxantietamor.html
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-62-11
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
Final draft of General Orlando Willcox's South Mountain Battle Report
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F12
Date Range
1862/09/21
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Final draft of General Orlando Willcox's South Mountain Battle Report
Description
Handwritten report most likely in a copyist's hand of General Orlando Willcox's Antietam Battle Report. Report details the activities of Willcox's 1st Division (includes Welsh's 2nd Brigade) during the battle of Antietam. Narrative mentions death of General Jesse Reno and includes recognition of Colonel Thomas Welsh who "handled his brigade handsomely." First page appears to be missing, but transcript of the complete letter can be found at https://civilwarhome.com/willcoxantietamor.html.
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
1862/09/21
Creation Date
1862/09/21
Creator
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar, 1823-1907
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Christ, Benjamin Caspar
Cox, Jacob Dolson
Curtin, John Irvin
Reno, Jesse Lee
Sturgis, Samuel Davis
Welsh, Thomas
Withington, William Herbert
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
Sharpsburg (Md.)
United States. Army
Search Terms
Civil War
Battle of Antietam
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Reports
After action reports
United States Army
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Report, Administrative
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good to excellent. There's a very slight edge tear and discoloration on the back of a fold.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F12
Associated Material
See Antietam Union Order of Battle Page at https://civilwarhome.com/willcoxantietamor.html
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-62-12
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers
Title
Letter from William Henry Lebkicher to parents, David McGran Lebkicher and Mary Ann Lebkicher
Object ID
MG0258_F004_In08
Date Range
1862/10/08
  4 images  
Collection
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers
Title
Letter from William Henry Lebkicher to parents, David McGran Lebkicher and Mary Ann Lebkicher
Description
Letter from William Henry Lebkicher to father from camp at Minor's Hill, Virginia, thanking them for the postage stamps and money sent in a previous letter. He mentions the death of John Wenger, the first of their regiment, at Washington Hospital.
Date Range
1862/10/08
Creation Date
9 October 1862
Creator
Lebkicher, William Henry, 1846-1929
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Lebkicher, William Henry "Lebbie"
Lebkicher, David McGran
Lebkicher, Mary Ann Meixel
Wenger, John
Subjects
Death
Letters
Military casualties
Personal correspondence
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Casualties
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Death
Letters
Military casualties
Minor Hill, Virginia
Washington Hospital
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Object ID
MG0258_F004_In08
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers (MG0258) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/4b929d84-1c6a-4e1f-8bc2-523672636170
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), 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--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.
Accession Number
1998.MG0258
Other Numbers
MG-258
Other Number
MG-258, Folder 4, Insert 8
Classification
MG0258
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JM. Added to database 7 July 2022.
Images
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.