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Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh (daughter)
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F17
Date Range
1863/02/14
  1 document     3 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh (daughter)
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to his daughter, Alice. From Camp of 45th Regt. Penna. Vols. Letter discusses new leave rule put in place by General Hooker to allow more officers and soldiers to visit home and that it may be some time until he can leave since he is in command of the 3rd Brigade. Welsh reports that all are doing well in camp, but notes that a number of men have deserted. Asks family to write and sends love and kisses to all.
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
1863/02/14
Creation Date
1863/02/14
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Hooker, Joseph
Hill, Captain
Gavin, Lieutenant
Weaver, Reuben
Leasure, William Daniel
McClure, John
Christ, Dr.
Curtin, John Irvin
Gibson, Dr.
Roath, Jacob S.
Houston, Susan Eleanor
Lockard, Mrs.
Lockard, James
Horne, Sergeant
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States. Army--Leaves and furloughs
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
Civil War
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Leaves and furloughs
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2020-08-17
Condition Notes
Good condition.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F17
Location of Originals
Location of original is unkown.
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-63-17
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Images
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
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Special orders granting Colonel Thomas Welsh a ten day leave of absence
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F04
Date Range
1863/03/16
  1 document     1 image  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Special orders granting Colonel Thomas Welsh a ten day leave of absence
Description
Handwritten special orders from Headquarters, Department of Virginia, granting Colonel Thomas Welsh of the 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers a ten day leave of absence. Signed by Louis H. Pelouze, Assistant Adjutant General. Note: Major General Dix was in command of the Department from June 6, 1862 to April 6, 1863.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
Date Range
1863/03/16
Creation Date
1863/03/16
Creator
Pelouze, Louis Henry, 1831-1878
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Bowen, Nicolas
Pelouze, Louis Henry
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Fort Monroe (Va.)
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Military orders
United States. Army--Leaves and furloughs
Search Terms
Civil War
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Military orders
Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)
Leaves and furloughs
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Orders, Military
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Very good condition. Some discoloration on the backside along the folds.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-63_F04
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-63-04
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
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 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
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Thomas Welsh Family History by Blanton Welsh
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesE_F05
Date Range
No date
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Thomas Welsh Family History by Blanton Welsh
Description
Handwritten account of the life and military career of Thomas Welsh by Blanton Welsh. Discusses the role of his mother Annie in keeping the family together and the careers of himself and three of his siblings: Mary, Lilian, and Thomas Anna.
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
No date
Creation Date
No date
Creator
Welsh, Blanton Charles, 1860-1939
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Welsh, Addie
Welsh, Alice
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Thomas Anna
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Charles
Welsh, Nancy Daugherty
Taylor, Zachary
Scott, Winfield
Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
Blanton, Dr.
Subjects
Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
Biographies
Cincinnati (Ohio)
Columbia (Pa.)
Fort Smith (Ark.)
Harrisburg (Pa.)
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Mexico City (Mexico)
Monterrey (Mexico)
Philadelphia (Pa.)
Pittsburgh (Pa.)
South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States. Army
Vicksburg (Miss.)--History--Siege, 1863
Search Terms
Antietam, Maryland
Battle of Antietam
Battle of Buena Vista
Battle of South Mountain
Biographies
Buenavista, Mexico
Cincinnati, Ohio
Civil War
Columbia
Family history
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Mexican War
Mexico City, Mexico
Monterrey, Mexico
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Safe Harbor, Conestoga Twp.
Siege of Vicksburg
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Extent
1 item, 8 pages to scan
Object Name
Biography
Language
English
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2020-08-20
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesE
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesE_F05
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.
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-E-XX-01
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
Date Range
1861/07/06
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
Letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter
Description
Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to "My Dear Little Daughter." Letter describes camp life and includes some information about the arrival of his unit in Martinsburg, Virginia. Note: Amos Mullen served with Thomas Welsh as 3rd Sergeant in the 2nd Pa. Reg., Co. F.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
Date Range
1861/07/06
Creation Date
1861/07/06
Creator
Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Hall, Henry
Hall, Mrs.
Mullen, Amos
Mullen, Mary
Welsh, Thomas
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
United States. Army
Military life
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
United States Army
Military life
Civil War
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
Fair to good; fading ink; discoloration on the backside along the folds.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesD-61_F02
Notes
Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
TW-D-61-02
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.