Description:

A MASON WRITES HIS FAREWELL TO HIS BROTHERS
WILLIAM HOWARD IRWIN (1818-1886) Brevet brigadier general, severely wounded in Mexico leading his company of the 11th U.S. Infantry at El Molino del Rey. During the Civil War, Irwin led the 7th and later the 49th Pennsylvania, most conspicuously at Antietam and Fredericksburg. Mexican War-date 3pp. A.D.S. penned on the front pages of his personalized leather bound copy of: "Constitution of Lewistown Lodge No. 203" with his name also imprinted in gold on the cover. On July 20, 1847, writing in pencil from Puebla only six weeks before his severe head wound, Irwin laments: "...Now that I am distant from my Brethren of Lewistown...how often do I think of them with fraternal kindness...the chance of a fierce battle impending render it doubtful whether I shall ever see home & friends again. But I desire to bear now my testimony in favor of Masonry...I have found many warm friends & many true Brothers. Masonic friendship has been most cordially extended to me & here the noble art shines...It has united a band of officers like brothers and they are fully prepared to stand by each other to the Death...I leave you my heart's best wishes and prayers...I have sustained my reputation as a soldier & a gentleman ye will not permit any foul tongue to defame & blacken it...permit no blot upon my name...". Signed at conclusion. Very good.

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May 24, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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