William E. Walsh Civil War Diary collection

The William E. Walsh Civil War Diary Collection contains, as its central piece, the Diary, written from memory and notes and covering the period from his 1861 enlistment to 1885 furlough, this is the 1st such reminiscence of an Irish immigrant uncovered in Rhode Island. William E. Walsh (1832-1907), a corporal in the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, comments on Civil War 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 collection also includes Corporal Walsh's Volunteer Enlistment papers and a Statement of Service document.