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Collection
Military Collection
Title
Military Collection
Object ID
MG0078
Date Range
1764-present
  1 document  
Collection
Military Collection
Title
Military Collection
Description
This collection contains documents beginning with the American Revolution and continuing through the War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. There are account books, notes and written letters, vouchers, inspections of camps, receipts of payments, honorable discharge certificates, lists of absentees, envelopes used during the Civil War, and lists of unpaid fines during the service of the Pennsylvania Militia soldiers. There are also newsletters and articles relating to World Wars I and II and the Korean War for advertisement and description of items including the history of the Philadelphia Naval Base.
Date Range
1764-present
Date of Accumulation
1764-present
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Alexander, Peter
Andre, John
Andrews, George
Auxer, Jacob
Barton, David R.
Baughman, George
Bausman, Frederick
Bethel, Samuel
Bevins, George
Biddle, George
Bietz, George
Billman, William L.
Bitner, Abraham
Bowers, George
Bowers, Lerina
Bowers, M. F.
Bradd, John
Brant, John
Brenner, Henry
Brush, George
Buchanan, James
Calwell, James
Cassidy, John
Cockley, David
Coleman, Robert
Comstock, Elmo
Comstock, Willard
Conyngham, G.
Cooke, Jacob
Crider, David
Dallas, A. L.
Demuth, William D.
Diffenderfer, Jacob
Diller, Adam
Duchman, John H.
Eshleman, John
Eugstler, Philip
Ewing, William
Fulton, Eleanore J.
Gardner, Daniel
Garrison, Lindley M.
Gidy, Peter
Graeff, Matthias
Haerrs, Dane
Hamilton, William
Hamilton, Robert
Hand, Edward
Haughman, George
Hayes, Rutherford Birchard
Heitler, Richard R.
Hiester, Gabriel
Hubley, Adam
Irvine, William
Jackson, Cyrus E.
Jacobs, Barnet
Jameson, Samuel
Johnson, Edward
Johnson, Relief
Johnson, Thomas
Kearns, Christian
Keller, Adam
Kendig, Adam
Kendig, Benjamin F.
King, Alexander
King, Robert, Jr.
Kirkpatrick, William
Kissel, Frederick
Landis, Bertha Cochran
Landis, Charles
Light, John
Lloyd, Thomas
Longenecker, John
Lutz, John
McCarty, Isaiah
McConnel, Abraham
McElhattan, Alexander
McKean, Thomas
McSherry, J. L., III
Megrady, Patrick
Mifflin, Thomas
Morgan, Thomas
Morrison, A. K.
Morrison, Alexander W.
Morrison, Samuel W.
Neal, Thomas
Nicholson, John
Ohlen, John
Paster, Peter
Patterson, James
Price, Rebecca L.
Price, Robert C.
Reigart, Adam
Reigart, Christopher
Reinoehl, Adolphus
Roath, E. D.
Ross, James
Russell, A. L.
Sample, Nathaniel W.
Scarritt, Jeremiah M.
Scott, Hugh
Shippen, Joseph
Skiles, William
Skillings, Charles W.
Smith, John M.
Smith, Richard
Snyder, Eberhart Michael
Snyder, Eugene
Speel, Alexander R.
Strickler, M. M.
Sutherland, Thomas Jefferson
Thompson, R. W.
Wager, Philip
Weller, John
White, John
Witmer, David M.
Witmer, Sarah
Wolf, Joseph
Work, Joseph
Wright, Horatio G.
Zahm, Mary
Zeilin, William F.
Buchen, Martin L.
Hildebran, James
Pratt, J. E.
Elias, C. Harry
Martin, E. K.
McClain, Frank B.
Hewitt, A. G.
Negley, J. S.
Ritner, Joseph
Burrowes, Thomas
Eckman, Joseph
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--War of 1812
Mexican War, 1846-1848
World War, 1914-1918
World War, 1939-1945
Korean War, 1950-1953
Letters
Business records
Programs (Publications)
Search Terms
Business records
Civil War
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Correspondence
Discharge certificates
Envelopes
Finding aids
Jackson Riflemen
Korean War
Lancaster Militia
Letters
Manuscript groups
Mexican War
Military history
Military records
Monuments
Newsletters
Pennsylvania Militia
Programs
Receipts
Revolutionary War
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
War of 1812
World War I
World War II
Reunions
Extent
2 boxes, 36 folders, 1 oversized item 1 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0078
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Curatorial Collection
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions are noted at the item level.
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-78
Classification
MG0078
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by DD, Summer 2000. Updated by HST, 2010, 2011.
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 one of his daughters
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F16
Date Range
1862/08/10
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to one of his daughters
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to one of his daughters. From Acquia Creek, Virginia. Letter expresses his pleasure at receiving letters, describes camp life and satisfaction with current camp conditions, updates activities of various members of his command, and sends his love to his family.
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
1862/08/10
Creation Date
1862/08/10
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
Hinkle, Mrs.
McClure, Will
Mullen, Amos
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Wike, Mrs.
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
Aquia Creek (Va.)
Fredericksburg (Va.)
United States. Army--Military life
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Aquia Creek, Virginia
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Military life
United States Army
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Discoloration on the front, but the paper is intact. Good condition.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F16
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-62-16
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 one of his daughters
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F17
Date Range
1862/11/01
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to one of his daughters
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to one of his daughters. From Waterford, Virginia. Letter expresses his pleasure at learning that Lillie has recovered from her illness, his disappointment at not being able to visit home, and provides some details of life in the camp. Text includes a description of the location of the town of Waterford, noting that the inhabitants are Quaker and friendly. Welsh expresses his disappointment in not hearing more from his family, but writes of missing his family very much.
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
1862/11/01
Creation Date
1862/11/01
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Derrick, Eli T.
Vache, Howard W.
Long, William
Lockard, James
Lockard, Mrs.
Martin, Lewis
Peck, Mr.
Stape, George H.
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Lilian
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States. Army--Military life
Harpers Ferry (W. Va.)
Health
Quakers
Waterford (Va.)
Point of Rocks (Md.)
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Health
Waterford, Virginia
Point of Rocks, Maryland
Harpers Ferry, Virginia
Military life
United States Army
Quakers
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Good. Some tearing on the edges of the folds; discoloration along the fold lines.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-62_F17
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-62-17
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 his wife and children
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F08
Date Range
1863/04/15
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to his wife and children
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to his wife and children. From Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. Letter describes his new command - a brigade consisting of 15 regiments of infantry and two batteries of artillery; his purchase of a horse for $200; and his challenges regarding expenses and the need to borrow money. Letter also discusses the weather and favorable conditions of the camp; mentions General Burnside at Cincinnati and General Willcox at Lexington; and concludes with "love to all sends love to all and kisses to the children."
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
1863/04/15
Creation Date
1863/04/15
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Burnside, Ambrose Everett
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States. Army--Military life
Weather
Camp Breckinridge (Ky.)
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
United States Army
Military life
Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky
Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky
Weather
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Good condition; some discoloration on the front.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F08
Notes
Added to PP 12/27/2020 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-63-08
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
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF
Date Range
1815-1938
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series F is a collection of documents, newspapers, and newspaper clippings that covers the years 1815 through 1929, as well as genealogy and ephemera from the Welsh family Bible from 1850 through 1938. The series also includes two scrapbooks - the first contains articles from the late nineteenth century pertaining to Thomas Welsh and his family; the second contains newspaper articles and ephemera related to Thomas Welsh and his family from 1854 through 1936.
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
1815-1938
Creation Date
1815-1938
Year Range From
1815
Year Range To
1938
Creator
Wiggin, Richard C.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Condolence notes
Letters
Genealogy
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Search Terms
Condolence notes
Letters
Correspondence
Mexican War
Genealogy
Civil War
Extent
35 folders
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Condition
Poor to excellent
Condition Date
2020-12-29
Parent Object ID
MG0828
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesF
Notes
Added to PP 12/29/2020 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.
In Boxes 1 and 2
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.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Folders 1-35 organized by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
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
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Samuel Edwards
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.037
Date Range
1848/02/09
  2 documents     6 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Samuel Edwards
Description
Letter from James Buchanan to Samuel Edwards, Esq. extracting from a letter of Colonel Emory, head of the Officers of the Topographical Corps charged with surveying the Mexican boundary, offering Mr. Edwards an assistantship in the expedition in charge of the instruments which he will accompany around Cape Horn. With envelope. Washington.
Date Range
1848/02/09
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 1, Box 1
People
Buchanan, James
Edwards, Samuel
Emory, William Hemsley
Subjects
Letters
United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers
Appointments, Military
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Surveying
Topographical surveying
Mexico
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Cape Horn
Correspondence
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Mexico
Military appointments
Surveying
United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers
Extent
2 items, 6 pages to scan, 8 x 10 in. and 3.5 x 5.5 in., wax seal
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.037
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
JBMS1995.209a-b
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 37
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

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