(1824 - 1863) Union brigadier general, commanded the 45th Pa. Infantry, participated in the battles of James Island, South Mountain and Antietam, where against steady opposition, his troops advanced a mile into Sharpsburg, the furthest Union advance of the battle. He later served under Grant at Vicksburg and marched with Sherman before dying of malaria. Very rare, good content war-date A.L.S. signed twice, 2pp. 4to., Cincinnati, April 10, 1863, to his wife and children. In part: ‘I arrived here safely on Wednesday morning… waiting orders from Genl [Ambrose] Burnside. I suppose the order will come to day. I am not certain where I am to go, but I believe Genl [Orlando B.] Wilcox is to command the Corps which will probably give me the command of the 1st Division, with my Head Quarters perhaps at Lexington. I met Mr. McClure here, he and Budding went to the 45th [Pennsylvania Infantry] yesterday, he reports the boys well and delighted with their residence… Genl Burnside is here. Genl Wilcox left this morning for Lexington… I am very well and very tired of Cincinnati. I am anxious to get to the Country and to the boys. My love to all. Kiss the children for me.’ He signs ‘Thos Welsh’ in black at the conclusion, executing his name ‘Genl Welsh’ a second time in providing his mailing address, crosswritten at the upper left of the second page. Shows original mailing folds, slightly ragged at the left edge where detached from a second leaf, otherwise in fine overall condition.