Enlisting in Providence, Rhode Island on December 2, 1861, as a private and mustering out on August 3, 1865, as a corporal, William E. Walsh's "Notes in Brief' is the centerpiece of the collection. Dated May 17, 1865, and based on memory and notes, this is the first reminiscence of an Irish immigrant serving in the Civil War to be uncovered in Rhode Island.
Collection is open for research by appointment. Materials do not circulate. Some materials may be restricted, for further information contact the Archives and Special Collections, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College.
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the Phillips Memorial Library. Although Providence College has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
William E. Walsh Civil War Diary, Providence College, Phillips Memorial Library, Archives and Special Collections.
Walsh (1832-1907) comments on battles (e.g., Fredericksburg), conditions in Libby Prison, prominent military figures (e.g., George A. Custer), treatment and performance of the Irish and other ethnic groups in the ranks, and life in the Union Army.
The diary consists of thirty-one unnumbered pages written on both sides of sixteen sheets of stationary. The sheets, some including the Corporal's name and regiment and a regimental banner in the upper left comer, measure approximately 5" wide x 8" high.
The collection is arranged into one series.
John C. Walsh, the grandson of William E. Walsh, donated the collection to Providence College in January 1974.
There are no known related materials.
No materials have been removed from this collection.
The inventory is comprised of handwritten notes and transcripts of William E. Walsh's reconstructed diary and reproductions of documents relating to his military service.
Contains the orginal 31 handwritten pages.
Transcript copy of the notes complied by staff of Providence Colleges Archives.
Revised transcript copy of the notes complied by staff of Providence Colleges Archives and Special Collections.
Includes Walsh's signature, biographical information and physical description (reproduction).
Summarizes Walsh's military service, the organization of the 1st Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry, and battles and troop movements in which Walsh participated (reproduction).