Harry Stewart
Photo Courtesy of the Thompson Family.
Dear Mother,
I've forgotten whether I wrote to you last or you to me for I seem to have lost my memory as far as I am concerned. Write write from morning till night I am now doing the work of four men and receive for it scarce thanks. Yet if by doing so I can contribute to the great and glorious cause of which so many are engaged I shall be satisfied. It is a great deal better to do this than to carry a musket in all kinds of weather etc as our men have to do. As I now and I enjoy greater liberty than the commissioned officers of the regiment knowing what I have to do as soon as thatis done I can go where I please. I wrote you a few lines from the steamer as we were coming down. Oh wasn't I sick. Sea sickness (ugh! horrible!) We are now brigaded under Acting Major General Reno and Major General Burnside's Division camp opposite Newbern N.C. with the prospect before us of advancing in a few days on Raleigh. Glorious anticipation! The sooner the better. I am homesick yet what of that. I am not the only one away from home and others are in the same condition as myself so I do not care so much. I know that at home and in Baltimore there are those who are anxious to see who are praying for my health, happiness and safe return and I know that one of these days I am coming home to see you all and bring you a daughter too. That is if she does not die before. I have not heard from her since we came away from Annapolis and am so lonesome. I brought dispatches for General Burnside who received me very kindly and is a very fine man in every way.
General Reno reviewed the regiment today pronounced it one of the best in the service. We are now in rebeldom and I have seen rebels and the rebel batteries. They are very strong near here. Our companies go out nearly every day scouting. I will write again soon. Direct me HHS etc c/o Colonel Sommer 2nd regiment Burnside
Coast Division Newbern North Carolina.
I am well at present though I have been very sick though I would not give up We are all in good spirits and well provided for. Second Mass. is encamped close to us. We are the second regiment in advance and will soon have a fight. Write soon.
Your affectionate son Harry
Second Maryland Regiment
April 8
Camp Opposite Newbern
April 8, 1862
