Harry Stewart
Photo Courtesy of the Thompson Family.
I was not surprised this afternoon in receiving your letters dated April 20 and 22 for I have been expecting them several days yet the mails are so irregular but they are the more welcome when they are received. Colonel Summer has resigned. The death of his child almost crazed him. As soon as he was gone I resigned my position for I could not bear to serve under those I believe almost compelled him to adopt this plan so I returned to my company. The Adjutant at the same time was promoted to the Captaincy of Company A so we are still together Captain Howard to Major. I am now second sergeant and if things progress as I think I shall come home a commissioned officer. Pray for that ma! I am the left guide of the company and the moving of the regiment devolves upon me to a great extent for we generally march "guide left." And we are the leading company. I feel happier than for sometime. I have good health and sun and plenty of exercise. Yesterday (after being up all night on duty) we packed our knapsacks and marched about 16 miles, were inspected (by Acting Brigadier General Naglee of the 48th PA Volunteers, General Reno having been promoted to Acting Major General) and mustered for pay. We will probably be paid before the 20th of this month. Today our company with knapsacks on took another long march. I can stand it all for my constitution is strong and I have plenty to eat. There has been no fighting here yet. The 9th New Jersey is doing well. You have no doubt heard of the capture of Fort Macon and of our victory at Camden North Carolina. It is reported that Yorktown is taken, but we do not credit it. The band is just laying their evening pieces and as it is suppertime and I am hungry I will stop and finish after supper.
8 pm I do take good care of myself and my captain is very kind for I have been with him (as adjutant) since last June. In all the positions I have held he knows what I am and can do. I should like to know what Mr. Wiley thought of me. It is all very nice for grandma and others to send their love but I do not particularly need it. With yours, sisters, Amanda T. and my many friends in the towns and cities I have been in is all I need. I got a letter from Hennie in this mail. I am very sorry she has been sick. Give my love to Aunt Eva and family. Amanda's number if 183 South Ann Street. She will write to you before you get this. Do not be worried about me. I am one of the fortunate ones I guess. I occupy a tent with noncommissioned staff. A wall tent for three of us. Give my love to Ginnie and Mattie for I have often lain and thought of them. Amanda's brother George is with me but is now sick. I have the best care taken of him for you must know from the position I have occupied the officers have learned to respect me and having done favors for nearly all of them they are willing to repay me for it. So the doctor has taken him into the hospital and he will soon be well again.
I must write two other letters yet and must study for a drill tomorrow at 10:30 am. I shall expect to receive a letter from you soon. Tell sisters to write me. Amanda has written since you received my last.
I am happy and contented though I should like to be with you and I would like to see and be with you all and Amanda but (oh Pshaw! The color sergeant and the sergeant major are having an argument on the scriptures and I can scarce write.) My paper is full and with much love to you and sisters and friends. I am your
son Harry H. Stewart, Company A 2nd Maryland Regiment, Burnside's Division. Newbern, North Carolina. Write to Amanda.
Love to all.
Direct Harry H Stewart
c/o Colonel John Summer 2nd Mail Regiment Burnside
Coast Division Newbern, North Carolina
Camp Opposite Newbern, North Carolina
6 pm May 1, 1862
Dear Mother,
Harry
