4 page lettersheet, 9 3/4x 8, 1 1/2 pages of text, with docketing and commentary by several officials on the 4th page. Some soiling and aging to the last page, a little toning; otherwise very good or better. The letter from Woods attempts to resolve what must have been a common problem in the Union Army during the Civil War, which was the red tape involved in battle field promotions. Woods 'was mustered into the Service of the United Sates as an enlisted man... on the 29th day of July 1861 at Washington City D.C. by Lieut. Jno. Elwood. On the 14 day of Decbr. I was promoted to the 2nd Lieutenancy in said Co. vice Lieutenant Donaldson died May 15th 1862 but did not receive my Commission as such until 5th day pf March 1863 since which time I have actually performing the duty of 2nd Lieut. in said company and as such I have been on the muster and pay rolls for March and April. I would respectfully ask the Order mustering me out as an enlisted man (being 2nd Serge. of said Company when I received my commission and ordering my muster in as 2nd Lieut. to date from March 5 1863. I have made efforts to be mustered but without success... " Perhaps even more interesting are the comments by several officials on the forth page trying to cut through the 'red tape'.