Camp Ashby Nov 18 1863

Dear Wife

It has been some time since I have heard from you ! I have been expecting a letter for three or four days but have not received any ! I hope these few lines may find you all well ! I have been sick for three or four days with Diarrhea ! but I am a good deal better to day ! I think I shall be well again in a short time Franklin and Hen=ry White is well ! I have some good news to write ! contrary to the expectations of every body fur=loughs has started again ! there is ten going on furlough at a time which will carry them round pretty fast= may time will come soon after Christmas I have received no letter from Fredrick yet it seems that he does not intend writing to me I wrote to John some time ago that I thought he had better hire a good strong hand for you for next year and you had probably better keep the woman you have if you can and can feed them ! She can do your heavy house business and work in the field some in crop time and have all the balance of the time spin ! which is a considerable item these times ! you must write soon ! I send this by Frank Fortner who is going home in the morning ! If John White has had a pr of shoes made for me you can send them to me by Fortner So nothing more but remaining Your Affectionate Husband

H F Scarborough