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
