Harry Stewart
Photo Courtesy of the Thompson Family.

Headquarters Second Maryland Regiment
Camp Carroll, Baltimore Maryland
October 12, 1861

My dear mother,

I have a little time to spare just now though I am almost constantly employed. I may not write anything very interesting to you yet you will know that I am well. My cold being well and hardy, fat as usual. I am waiting anxiously for the pay due us before starting for home. My furlough is made and only wants the dates. The paymaster is expected daily. We are becoming disheartened. I have been in service four months the 13th of this month. Have been acting in several capacities. First you know I was made corporal and was such till the captain saw fit to promote me to sergeant. He then made me company clerk. The adjutant (the first lieutenant of our company), they chose me for his clerk. I was acting at the same time as sergeant major the appointment of this office was made by and at the request of Brigadier General Duragee and I was thrown out. The color bearer has not yet been selected and I am acting now as color sergeant. The colonel wants me for his orderly to do his private writing and convey dispatches. He complimented me very highly a few days ago. Captain Howard sent for me saying he wanted me as his company clerk. Colonel said he could not do without me because I was a man he could depend upon and who understood his duty. I shall probably remain with him. I have obtained my uniform and am wearing it. This cost me $13. I shall have about $10 due me the last of this month if we do not get paid before.

As color sergeant I have to appear on dress parades at 5:00 pm for about half an hour supported by the color guard composed of 8 corporals. I am relieved from all other drills and guard duty. Live well and have a nice place to sleep in a house these headquarters. At 6:00 pm I am generally at leisure. I then go home as I consider a friend's house here. I wish you could see her. I shall bring her to Daguerotype with me when I come on.

I wrote to Hennie a short time since but had to forward it without paying for it. I should like to hear from her again.

Are you expecting me home? I want to come so very much but will not until we receive some money.

I dined on Sunday last with Mrs. Dobler the first time for a long while. for although I can leave camp when I please, yet I know what I have to do and will not leave until it is done. In this way I gain the confidence of my superior officers. The wind is very strong today and it is growing cool but we have good warm clothes and I have a warm place to sleep in. Though we are expecting to move every day. Some say to Pikesville Arsenal about eight miles from Baltimore other to North Carolina, Hatteras Inlet. As for myself I do not care where we go or were if they'll only pay us off.

Our staff officers have all been appointed. Colonel John Sommer of Towesoutown was in Mexico and considered one of the best drill master in the state.

Lieutenant John Eugene Duragee son of the Brigadier General of this district was in the Battle of Big Bethel and is a perfect little tiger.

Major D.P. DeWitt for many years a soldier and an excellent man Adjutant Waldo O. Bigelow is just the nicest solider and kind and gentlemanly officer that every was.

Quarter Master George F. Armor is a little fly away fellow just the right person in the right place. Our doctor J.P. Morong is a good for nothing fellow. doesn't know enough to either kill or cure but his assistant Dr. Beatty is a smart man.

Our sergeant major is a numbskull, I have to do all his work. Samuel Latta, a commissary sergeant is particular friend so I can get any little niceties I want such as sugar, molasses, etc. Regiment has a band of 16 pieces and 20 drummers with 940 men. It is the pet regiment of General Duragee because his son is in it. He promises to make it the crack regiment of the United States efficient in everything.

I can't imagine that the Union is threatened and I am a soldier. It appears more like every day life with a long holiday when I want it. Haven't come to the reality yet. If I could get home for a little while I should like it very much and if I should live for three more years and in the meantime make and save some money I am going to get married to my friend here in Baltimore for she is one of the reasoning kind and will not have me until I am discharged. She has a sewing machine and makes money for herself every week. In fact, a sweet industrious patient young lady who loves me very much. Please keep this to yourself now and when I get paid I will come to see you and give you money and every two months thereafter as much as you want. Love to all, especially Ginnie and Matty and believe me.

Your affectionate son,
Harry H. Stewart
Sergeant Company A
Second Maryland Regiment