Harry Stewart
Photo Courtesy of the Thompson Family.
Dearest Mother,
I am alive and well after having suffered from sea sickness and dysentery brought on by change of water. I think I wrote to you concerning our sea voyage. Heaven deliver me from another. The mail arrived yesterday and I got your letter but none from Amanda as I had expected. Oh I am so lonesome here. The Colonel received a letter yesterday too and it informed him that his favorite child was dead. Poor man! I handed him the letter saying "news from your wife Colonel." He opened it and saw the first few lines and sank down on his cot crying like a child. He is like a father to me. His little son who is with us cried and I said I had to leave. It does worry him so. The first death he ever had in his family. So far away, etc. He is to be pitied. I was so glad to get your letter for it is some time since I received one. I have heard from no one since leaving Annapolis. We are now in
General Reno's division under General Burnside stationed opposite Newbern North Carolina and I shall probably remain here for some time though we are all anxious to go further on. I have found several letters written by rebels and one written in June 1826, a curiosity. We occupy the grounds once used by the rebels. The regiment is now on drill and I am very sleepy for the weather here is very warm and it makes one feel lazy. If I could only hear from Amanda I would be satisfied but one must have patience I suppose. I go to Newbern every day and have seen the rebels too and so far am alright. Give my love to sisters, tell them I often lie in my tent and think of them and you. One of these days I will see you again and we can talk of these bad times. As a soldier I am satisfied. I love the cause, I love the flag which flies over me and am willing to die if needs be for the cause in which I am engaged. You will all pray for me for I cannot say my life is safe for a moment for we are amongst rebels. Yet, I know I cannot be forgotten. I will write more when I am at liberty. I must now go to the city.
For the present good bye,
Headquarters
2nd Maryland Regiment
Camp Opposite Newbern N C
April 16, 1862
Harry
