Letters of Henry Stewart

Dear Mother,
I tried to write to you several times but for the past few days I have felt sick yet I have not been sick. Today though I have a slight swelling in my throat. The doctor says it will soon get better. I have no energy whatever yet I have a great deal to do. (Maybe he has mono [KST]) Election day here was a glorious day. Here we gained the victory though. Old Maryland is in the Union.

Our regiment paraded the other day. We made a first rate display. General Duragee pronounces us the best regiment around Baltimore. I rode on horseback behind the Colonel. My duties now consist principly in attending to the private writing of the colonel and assisting the adjutant with his duties. Carrying all orders the colonel may wish delivered and the mail of the regiment. The colonel doesn't sign his name to a thing. Passes, requisitions, and orders all have to pass through my. I sleep in the colonel's tent, have a cot, two quilt blankets and a fine new overcoat. I am generally respected by the men. They all know they have to come to me for passes etc. I eat with him. I have good coffee, sweeten toast, fried beef.

We are expecting to be paid every day. As soon as we are I will send you more money. I wrote to Hennie the other day. I must stop. Amanda is better, she having been troubled with a sore throat. She wants to know you so she can tell you what a bad? boy I am. I tell her it is not necessary you know it already.

I am your loving son,
Harry H. Stewart
c/o Colonel John Sommer
Company A, Second Maryland Regiment
Baltimore Maryland

Love to all, yourself, Ginnie, Matty, and all my friends. You must send me word someone is very sick if I cannot get home no other way after payday. HHS.