United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
James Welch Born in Ireland,_Son of John Welch,_by occupation a Laborer,_Unmarried,_at the age of 18 enlisted for three years in the 5th Regiment of Cavalry, N.Y. Vols._Company D. Enlisted September 20, 1861 and was sent to the regimental rendezvous at Staten Island. In November, 1861 the regiment moved from camp to Annapolis, Md. In April, 1862, ordered to Harper’s Ferry to Join the forces under Gen. Banks. Served in all the engagements in that department during that season. From June to October, 1862, companies B and D were detached from the regiment, and detailed to serve in the artillery. Fought this at the battle of Antietam,_Rejoined the regiment, for cavalry service, at Long Bridge, and remained there through the following winter, on picket duty. The regiment was not engaged in the Battle of Chancellorsville. Participated in the movement up into Pennsylvania, and in the Battle of Gettysburg. Also, in the pursuit of the retreating rebels into Virginia, and in the subsequent movements and engagements in Virginia during that summer and autumn. December, 1863, he re-enlisted for three years as a veteran volunteer, and was assigned the prescribed furlough of 30 days. But two days before the furlough commenced, he was taken prisoner in a skirmish with the enemy near Rapidan Station._Was taken to Richmond, and thence to Belle Island. In February 1864 he was sent to Andersonville Ga. While there he was very sick for several months.