Dear Mother,

I received your letter last Tuesday, the day we left the Junction.  We are now at Annapolis.  There are four companies here and four on picket and two have gone down the Chesapeake about twenty-five miles.  I don’t know what for.  It is raining today.  The wind is blowing very hard.  The water has overflowed the wharf and is within a yard of our door.

We drill four hours each day, except when on guard.  We stand guard every fourth day, two hours on and two hours off.  Our company came off guard this morning and we have nothing to do today except clean our guns.  We have beautiful quarters here.  We can have a fire, when we like, in the fireplaces.  The buildings can all be heated by steam. They are all lighted by gas.

I am much obliged to you for the money, although I do not need it now.  When I write again, I can probably send you my likeness and a good lot of money.  You spoke of sending a box of things.  There will be no trouble as a great many of the boys have had them.  If you have not the money, wait until I send some.

There is another expedition fitting out here of 60,000.  It is reported we are going with it.  The 25th and 27th Mass. are going to quarter in the yard. The rest quarter outside.

I have bought me a pair of gloves and a comforter and a handkerchief.  We have thick, heavy overcoats and rubber blankets to wear when it rains and to lay on the ground to keep the damp off.  We have got our new uniforms and I will get my likeness taken as quick as I can get out into the street.

I don’t think of anything more to write I suppose you got the other two  letters that I wrote.  I have got two papers.   I will write again before you answer this.  I am well and doing duty now.  It is getting dark.  I don’t know as this letter will go until Monday.  Give my love to all the children.  Goodbye for this time.

From your soldier boy in the 21st Mass., Mother,

Henry W. Brown