Camp Ogeechee

Feb 17 1863

Dear wife & children

I take the opertunity this evening of droping you a few lines which will inform you that I am very well    my health never has been better than at this time   camp life agrees with me so far & I hope by the blessing of god it will continue to do so__I hope this may reach you all well   I have been expecting to receive a letter from you for two or three days but have not   there is some stiring news here  the indications of the storm that is soon to burst upon us increase ever day__there has already been an order issued from Gen Mercer calling upon all citizens to arm themselves in defence of their homes & firesides__also one from ordering the troops of this command to hold themselves in readiness for action at a moments warning   and yesterdays papers contained an order from Gen Beauregard for all noncombatants to leave the cities of Charleston & Savannah preparatory to meet the expected attack on the two places which is said will take place on the 22nd__the quartermasters & commissaries stores has already been removed__the forces here is much stronger here than when I last wrote you and other reinforcements are expected__the force will in a few days probaly reach 10000 men   I send you my Ambrotype which keep as a memento of my affection for you and my dear children until I see you again__it was taken in the position of a soldier (sitting excepted) with a Bible in the left hand which I hope will direct you to Christ who is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him__I will write you again in three or four days if I do not receive a letter from you sooner   So nothing more at present but remaing your afectionate husband until death

H F Scarborough

[Nb:  Click HERE for a digital copy of the Ambrotype]