Written by C. K. Irwin to Reverend L. W. Norton, Chaplain of the 3rd, this was dated 12 March 1862 from Camp Wool. It measures 8" x 10_" on blue, onion-skin paper and was written in black ink - 3 of 4 sides. A most interesting letter, Irwin begins by telling the chaplain that all his friends in the Regt have "sympathized deeply with you in your afflictions" and wishing that "health and happiness must soon be restored to you...and that a cloudless future may be your lot." He reports that Cockpit Point and Shipping Point are now occupied by their division and that the Rebels are "running away from in front of us." He says that Shipping Point was much stronger fortified than they had ever imagined. The rebels apparently left in such a hurry that they left much behind and Irwin claims to be the proud owner of a "pair of small saddle bags marked A Neely 1st Arkansas Battalion which I prize highly." He describes the weaponry they left behind in great detail, as well as an abundance of camp articles which were left behind. He reports further that Hooker's men are scouting the countryside but see nothing of the enemy except a small detail of cavalry who apparently have been left behind to keep an eye on the Yankees. Heinzleman's division is supposed to be joining them, so he supposes that they will be moving soon. One man has been dangerously ill with typhoid, but is improving; the rest of the regiment enjoys good health. The weather is beautiful, the reverend's horse is elegant and being well cared for. Irwin enlisted in July 1861 as a surgeon at Staten Island, NY. The following day he was commissioned into Field and Staff with the NY 72nd Infantry. He was mustered out 14 June 1864 at Petersburg, VA. The 72nd had a reputation as a fine fighting unit. They sustained heavy losses at Gettysburg and were engaged at Kelly's Ford, Bristoe Station and in the Mine Run campaign. This is a wonderful, newsy letter with a good bit of significant war-related detail, with one small tear in the last page where the onion skin has become very fragile. Complete with cover addressed to Revd L. W. Norton in Jamestown, N.Y. A great package