- Collection
- Frederick S. Brown Collection
- Title
- Frederick S. Brown Collection
- Object ID
- MG0085
- Date Range
- 1856-1913
1 document
- Collection
- Frederick S. Brown Collection
- Title
- Frederick S. Brown Collection
- Description
- The Frederick S. Brown Collection contains tax receipts, bonds, and letters belonging to Mr. Brown. Also, an agreement for the sale of land along the Susquehanna River.
- Date Range
- 1856-1913
- Year Range From
- 1856
- Year Range To
- 1913
- Date of Accumulation
- 1856-1913
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 03
- People
- Brown, Frederick Street
- Search Terms
- Bonds
- Correspondence
- Finding aids
- Letters
- Manuscript groups
- Real estate
- Receipts
- Susquehanna River
- Taxes
- Extent
- 1 box, 1 folder, .1 cubic ft.
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Object ID
- MG0085
- Location of Originals
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Notes
- Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Frederick S. Brown Collection (MG0085), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- No restrictions.
- Copyright
- Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
- Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
- Credit
- Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Other Numbers
- MG-85
- Classification
- MG0085
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Custodial History
- Added to database 13 November 2018.
Documents
- Collection
- Hager Store Collection
- Title
- Hager Store Collection
- Object ID
- MG0104
- Date Range
- 1774-1953
1 document
- Collection
- Hager Store Collection
- Title
- Hager Store Collection
- Description
- The Hager Store Collection contains anniversary booklets, invoices, advertisements, family papers, and newsletter of the Hager Department Store which was founded in Lancaster. The collection includes a children's book that was distributed by the store and a Christmas catalog. Among the Hager family papers are deeds, land patents, and probate records.
- Date Range
- 1774-1953
- Year Range From
- 1774
- Year Range To
- 1953
- Date of Accumulation
- 1774-1953
- Creator
- LancasterHistory (Organization)
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 03
- People
- Arnold, Anna
- Arnold, Frank W.
- Cain, James M.
- Cain, Kathryn
- Conyngham, David H.
- Dehaven, J. Harry
- Demuth, Jacob
- Diller, Isaac
- Dowd, M. Jane
- Dubbs, T. Wilson
- Frey, Caroline
- Frey, Jacob L.
- Frosart, John
- Gast, Emma L.
- Gast, Henry
- Graybill, Daniel
- Hager, Anne Graham
- Hager, Betty Rick
- Hager, Charles F.
- Hager, Christopher
- Hager, Edward T.
- Hager, Frances
- Hager, Helen R.
- Hager, John C.
- Hager, John C., Jr.
- Hager, John J.
- Hager, Katherine
- Hager, Margaret H.
- Hager, Mary W.
- Hager, Nathaniel E.
- Hager, Redmond
- Hager, Sarah Ellen
- Hager, Susan B.
- Hager, William H.
- Hager, William H., Jr.
- Hamilton, Margaret
- Hartman, Annie M.
- Hartman, George H.
- Herr, Alice
- Herr, C. S.
- Herr, Magdalena
- Herr, Rudolph
- Hull, William
- Keller, H.
- Landis, Jacob
- Lefevre, Mrs.
- Miller, Charles
- Randolph, Grace Lee
- Randolph, John H.
- Randolph, Margaret H.
- Reigart, E. L.
- Roy, Sue
- Slaymaker, Henry
- Stark, Martin N.
- Steinman, George Michael
- Stewart, Charles
- Weber, George
- Wentz, Jacob H.
- Zimmerman, Mary Regina Malone
- Zimmerman, Simon Ralph
- Search Terms
- Advertisements
- Anniversaries
- Business Historical Society Bulletin
- Catalogs
- Deeds
- Department stores
- Express (Lititz)
- Financial records
- Finding aids
- Frank T. Riley Publishing Company
- Fulton Theatre
- Hager's Department Store
- Hamilton Watch Company
- Invoices
- Lancaster Agricultural Fair Association
- Lancaster Free Press Weekly
- Lancaster New Era
- Letters
- Manuscript groups
- Maps
- N. Trotter and Company
- Newsletters
- Newspaper clippings
- Pennsylvania Railroad
- Philadelphia Electric Company
- Postcards
- Quarter Century Club
- Receipts
- Stocks
- Stores
- Stores, Retail
- Taxes
- UGI Corporation
- Wills
- Wondertown
- Extent
- 2 boxes, 37 folders, 1 framed document, 1 cubic ft.
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Object ID
- MG0104
- Location of Originals
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Notes
- Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
- Copyright
- Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
- Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
- Credit
- Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Other Numbers
- MG-104
- Classification
- MG0104
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Custodial History
- Recataloged by MM, Summer 2011. Added to database 7 February 2019.
Documents
- Collection
- Collateral Appraisements
- Title
- Collateral Appraisements
- Object ID
- Coll App 1912 F002 M
- Date Range
- 1912
- Collection
- Collateral Appraisements
- Title
- Collateral Appraisements
- Description
- Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
- System of Arrangement
- Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
- Date Range
- 1912
- Date of Accumulation
- 1849-1913
- Year
- 1912
- Creator
- Register of Wills
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives West
- Storage Container
- Box 0011
- Subcategory
- Documentary Artifact
- Search Terms
- Collateral appraisement
- Lancaster
- Letters
- Affidavits
- Place
- Lancaster
- Extent
- 16 boxes (8 cubic feet)
- Object Name
- Appraisal
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Object ID
- Coll App 1912 F002 M
- Box Number
- 011
- Additional Notes
- Or McCullagh, P. J.
- Included letter and affidavit.
- 3 items, 1 piece
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
- Classification
- RG 03-00 0312
- Description Level
- Item
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-61 Civil War, 1861
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Date Range
- 1861
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-61 Civil War, 1861
- Description
- The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-61 contains fifteen documents from 1861. The series consists of letters written by Thomas Welsh to his wife and children describing his experiences as an officer in the Union Army. The series also includes letters written by Welsh's wife and children describing events at home in Columbia. The letters show Welsh to be a devoted husband and father and his family to miss him very much. Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County. The regiment served most of its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley from where many of the letters were written. The series also includes a pass for Camp Curtin, Dauphin County where Welsh served as Commandant and a letter from Otter Island, South Carolina where Welsh later served as a Colonel in the 45th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
- 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
- 1861
- Creation Date
- 1861
- Creator
- Wiggin, Richard C.
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Civil War
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Extent
- 16 folders
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair to good
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Notes
- Added to PP 12/23/2020 by HST
- Provenance:
- Most 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.
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F15 is a transcription provided by Dennis Buttacavoli via email. The original is presumed by donor to be 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.
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Series
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Annie Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F01
- Date Range
- 1861/05/21
1 document
2 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Annie Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from Annie Welsh to husband, Thomas. Columbia. Letter contains news from home for her husband, who is temporarily at Camp Scott in York, York County. Text includes information about weather, visits from various people in Columbia, and her concerns for his well-being.
- 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
- 1861/05/21
- Creation Date
- 1861/05/21
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Appold, Mr.
- Darcy, Dr.
- Fisher, Mr.
- Galt, Mr.
- Givens, Major
- Hay, Captain
- McMann, Jim
- McTague, Peter
- Sheller, Mary
- Ryan, Lizzie
- Smith, Lieutenant
- Young, Mary
- Welsh, Thomas
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- Camp Scott (York, Pa.)
- Weather
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Condition Notes
- Slight tearing along a fold and along the edge; discoloration on the back. Fair to good.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F01
- 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-61-01
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- 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
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- United States. Army
- Military life
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- 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
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F03
- Date Range
- 1861/05/06
1 document
2 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 9-year old Alice to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter inquires about his health, reminds father of his birthday, and includes information on the weather and on visitors to the house.
- 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
- 1861/05/06
- Creation Date
- 1861/05/06
- Creator
- Welsh, Alice, 1851-1923
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Boyer, Mr.
- Smith, Martin
- Menges, Mr.
- Stehman, Mr.
- Strickler, Mr.
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Thomas
- Welsh, Alice
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- Weather
- Birthdays
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Weather
- Birthdays
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F03
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-03
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F04
- Date Range
- 1861/05/10
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mary (Mazie) to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter includes news about various family members, caring for chickens, and inquiries about his health.
- 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
- 1861/05/10
- Creation Date
- 1861/05/10
- Creator
- Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Vache, Elizabeth Young
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Chickens
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 1 page to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-23
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F04
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-04
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- 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
- 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
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F07
- Date Range
- 1861/05/10
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from Thomas Welsh to daughter Alice. From Camp Scott, York County, Pennsylvania. Welsh describes rain and bad weather, his horse falling on him, and instructions to be good and to help her mother. Note: This is the third letter in May that mentions bad weather in early May and the need for soldiers to stay in Rev. Menges' church.
- 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
- 1861/05/10
- Creation Date
- 1861/05/10
- Creator
- Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Menges, John Henry
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Subjects
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- Camp Scott (York, Pa.)
- Weather
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Extent
- 1 item, 1 page to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-23
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2. Torn, some loss upper right corner.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F07
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-07
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F08
- Date Range
- 1861/06/03
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 9-year old Alice to her father, Thomas Welsh. From Columbia. Letter mentions her work in her copybooks and mentions a stye suffered by Blanty (Blanton), an issue with pigs, and various family members who will or have visited. Note: Aunt Mary may be the wife of Samuel D. Young, Annie's brother. [Tommy] and sister Mary may be son and daughter of Welsh's sister Catherine Rich.
- 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
- 1861/06/03
- Creation Date
- 1861/06/03
- Creator
- Welsh, Alice, 1851-1923
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Rich, Thomas Leander
- Garber, Mary A. Rich
- Young, Mary Mowry
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 1 page to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F08
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-08
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F09
- Date Range
- 1861/06/03
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mazie (Mary) to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter includes news about various family members, including Blanty (Blanton) turning one year old; caring for chickens; and mentions soldiers passing through on way to Chambersburg. Note: Eli Derrick is in service with Thomas Welsh. Mr. Rambo is Captain Ezekiel Rambo of Company F (Shawnee Guards from 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
- 1861/06/03
- Creation Date
- 1861/06/03
- Creator
- Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Derrick, Eli
- Hess, Ellie
- Rambo, Ezekiel Y.
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Chickens
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 1 page to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F09
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-09
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F10
- Date Range
- 1861/06/10
1 document
1 image
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mary (Mazie) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mary (Mazie) to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter includes family news, excitement over receiving most recent letter, Blanty walking, and an update on the condition of pigs and flowers in the garden. Note: Lillie Appold most likely the daughter of Mr. Appold, who is apparently looking after some of Thomas Welsh's business affairs while he is gone.
- 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
- 1861/06/10
- Creation Date
- 1861/06/10
- Creator
- Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Appold, Lillie
- Dorsey, Mary
- Dorsey, Thomas
- Welsh, Alice
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 1 page to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F10
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-10
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F11
- Date Range
- 1861/06/18
1 document
2 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Alice Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 9-year old Alice to her father. From Columbia. Letter mentions family news, harvesting peas and potatoes from the vegetable garden, an update on condition of the hens, a visit from Uncle Ed, a visit from Uncle David and the gifts he brought, and a fire in Mr. Tupple's shop. Note: Uncle Ed is most likely Annie's brother Edwin Swift Young. Uncle David is most likely David Karmany, who married Annie's sister, Lydia.
- 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
- 1861/06/18
- Creation Date
- 1861/06/18
- Creator
- Welsh, Alice, 1851-1923
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Karmany, David Martin
- Tupple, Mr.
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Young, Edwin Swift
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F11
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-11
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F12
- Date Range
- 1861/07/01
1 document
2 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mazie (Mary) to her father, Thomas Welsh. Letter includes news about various family members, visitors, chickens, school, playing house, and canal boat information. Note: Paul Rich is most likely her cousin, son of Thomas Welsh's sister Catherine; Amos Mullen served with Thomas Welsh as 3rd Sergeant in the 2nd Pa. Reg., Co. F.; Ann, Maggie, and Jim are cousins, children of Thomas Welsh's sister, Mary. Mr. Appold is a business associate, helping to take care of Thomas Welsh's business affairs while he is gone.
- 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
- 1861/07/01
- Creation Date
- 1861/07/01
- Creator
- Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Appold, Mr.
- Mullen, Amos
- Mullen, Mary
- Rich, Paul
- Rich, Thomas Leander
- Welsh, Alice
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Extent
- 1 item, 2 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F12
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-12
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F13
- Date Range
- 1861/12/13
1 document
3 images
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Mazie (Mary) Welsh to Thomas Welsh
- Description
- Handwritten letter from 8-year old Mazie (Mary) to her father, Thomas Welsh. From Columbia. Letter includes news about various family members, a visit to Uncle David's in Lebanon for his birthday, and birth of a new cousin. Note: Uncle David is most likely David Karmany, who married Annie's sister, Lydia.
- 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
- 1861/12/13
- Creation Date
- 1861/12/13
- Creator
- Welsh, Mary Young, 1853-1927
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Karmany, Annie
- Karmany, David Martin
- Karmany, Samuel
- McCluer, Mr.
- Pfahler, William
- Welsh, Alice
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Civil War
- Birthdays
- Extent
- 1 item, 4 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Poor
- Condition Date
- 2020-12-26
- Condition Notes
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-61_F13
- Location of Originals
- Letter is pasted into the Thomas Welsh Scrapbook, MG0828_SeriesF_Scrapbk2.
- 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-61-13
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- 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
- 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
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-62 Civil War, 1862
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62
- Date Range
- 1862
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-62 Civil War, 1862
- Description
- The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series D-62 contains twenty-two documents from 1862. The series consists of letters and official papers related to the military activities of Thomas Welsh, in command of the 2nd Brigade of General Orlando Willcox's 1st Division, General Burnside's 9th Army Corps, command consisting of Regiments 45th and 100th Pennsylvania, 46th New York, and 8th Michigan. The series includes letters written by Welsh to his family and letters from his family written to him. Welsh's command participated in several battles during the year including South Mountain and Antietam. Official correspondence includes reports by General Willcox and others as well as Willcox's recommendation that Welsh be promoted to Brigadier General for his bravery and conduct in battle.
- 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
- 1862
- Creation Date
- 1862
- Creator
- Wiggin, Richard C.
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Welsh, Thomas
- Search Terms
- Civil War
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- After action reports
- Extent
- 22 folders
- Object Name
- Archive
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair to excellent
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62
- Location of Originals
- The original of MG0828_SeriesD-62_F20 is in the Antietam National Battlefield Library, 45th Pennsylvania Regimental File.
- Transcription of MG0828_SeriesD-62_F21 is in the Antietam National Battlefield Library, 45th Pennsylvania Regimental File. Original claimed to be in the collection of Dennis Buttacavoli.
- Notes
- Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
- Provenance:
- Some items: 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.
- Some items: Transcription and photocopy acquired from Antietam National Battlefield Library, 45th Pennsylvania Regimental File.
- 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
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
- Collection
- General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
- Title
- Letter from Thomas Welsh to Alice Welsh (daughter)
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62_F01
- Date Range
- 1862/05/12
1 document
2 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 and "No.11." From Otter Island, South Carolina. Letter describes his "hope that this rebellion will soon be subdued," but "anxious to go and help take Charleston." Mentions several men in his command who are doing well and that the command as a whole would make Columbia proud.
- 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
- 1862/05/12
- Creation Date
- 1862/05/12
- Creator
- Welsh, Thomas, 1824-1863
- Storage Location
- LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
- Storage Room
- Archives South
- Storage Wall
- Side 19
- Storage Container
- Box 0001
- People
- Hinkle, Mrs.
- Hostetter, Andrew
- Stape, George H.
- Stape, Mary Yost
- Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
- Welsh, Blanton Charles
- Welsh, Effie
- Welsh, Lilian
- Welsh, Thomas
- Green, Mr.
- Subjects
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Letters
- Personal correspondence
- Charleston (S.C.)
- Otter Islands (S.C.)
- Search Terms
- Civil War
- Letters
- Correspondence, Personal
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Otter Islands, South Carolina
- Extent
- 1 item, 4 pages to scan
- Object Name
- Letter
- Language
- English
- Condition
- Fair
- Condition Notes
- Stained; discolored; very slight tear along one of the folds.
- Parent Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62
- Object ID
- MG0828_SeriesD-62_F01
- Notes
- Added to PP 12/26/2020 by HST
- Provenance: Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
- Access Conditions / Restrictions
- Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
- Copyright
- Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
- LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
- Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
- Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
- Credit
- Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Other Numbers
- TW-D-62-01
- Classification
- MG0828
- Description Level
- Item
- Custodial History
- Cataloged by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Images
Documents
- 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.
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- 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.
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