John Welsh was an American merchant and diplomat who served as US Minister to the Court of St. James.

Sanitary fairs were fund-raising events held in various cities on behalf of the United States Sanitary Commission to raise funds and supplies for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Established in 1863, the last major event was held in 1865 in Chicago. From the outset of the USSC, many local groups sponsored fundraising events to benefit the Commission. As the civil war progressed, these became larger and more elaborate. Organizing these Sanitary Fairs offered ways for local communities to participate directly in supporting the war effort of the nation.