Letters of Harry H. Stewart, Co. A, 2nd Maryland Infantry

Headquarters
2nd Maryland Regiment
Annapolis Maryland
January 30, 1862
Dear Mother

I have not heard from you for so long I am almost beginning to think you have forgotten me. We have moved from Pikesville arsenal to the Naval Academy in Annapolis where I now am sitting by a warm grate fire, the servant piling it up with wood and coal. It is raining out but I am comfortably housed. I have five envelopes here before me, the first directed to Amanda to whom I've already written. The next to you and Hennie and Mary Coombs. Have you heard from Amanda yet? I thought it might be you had written to her and this delayed it a little. We are very nicely fixed here. Hard bread, corn beef for rations and very little of that too. Expecting to move on the next expedition. Hope so! We received no money yet but are expecting it every day. As soon as received will send you some. Our adjutant has been detached as Post-adjutant and I'll have to go with him very probable. If so I'll have t much easier. Where is Will now? He wrote to me once and I never heard from him since. I am well and happy. Only being separated from Amanda comes hard. I would walk to Baltimore if I could get leave but can not. Well I'll soon be off. Now on the 5th of next month I'll be 21 and on the 13 will have served 8 months as a soldier. Never during the time having been in the guard house, never under arrest and only reprimanded once and then in private for going to bed when I was sick with the keys to the commissary in my pocket. On the contrary been steadily advancing and now hold the most honored position in the regiment below a commissioned officer. If any of our officers die or are killed I am ready to take their place. Am called "the pet of the regiment" and respected by all, both officers and men from the colonel down. Obeyed by the men as though I was the colonel. The provost guard here has arrested some of our commissioned officers yet they past right by me without asking to see my pass. Well I must stop. Give my love to all especially Hennie and Mattie.

And believe me
Your loving son Harry H Stewart
Post Master address 2nd Maryland Regiment Naval Academy Annapolis Maryland write and tell Connie Braddock to write to me post master orderly, regimental clerk, and sergeant.