Soldiering in North Carolina: Being the experiences of a 'typo' in the pines, swamps, fields, sandy roads, towns, cities, and among the fleas, wood-ticks, 'gray-backs,' mosquitoes, blue-tail flies, moccasin snakes, lizards, scorpions, rebels, and other reptiles, pests, and vermin of the 'Old North State.' Embracing an account of the three-years and nine-months Massachusetts regiments in the department, the freedmen, etc., etc., etc.

"Soldiering in North Carolina" by Thomas Kirwan is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work recounts the experiences of the author, a soldier in the 17th Massachusetts Regiment, as he serves in various capacities during the Civil War in the southern state of North Carolina. The narrative likely focuses on the challenges and adventures faced by Kirwan and his fellow soldiers, offering insights into military life, local conditions, and interactions with both soldiers and local civilians, including freed slaves. At the start of the text, Kirwan introduces himself as a recruit in the 17th Massachusetts Regiment, elaborating on the tumultuous period that leads to their deployment in North Carolina. He describes the process of enlistment, the journey southward, and the initial experiences of camp life, highlighting the discomforts and camaraderie among his fellow soldiers. Through vivid anecdotes, Kirwan paints a picture of wartime realities, including encounters with nature, local inhabitants, and the various challenges soldiers face, from mundane daily routines to the psychological toll of military service amid a conflict-filled environment.