H. F. S
1863 May 3
Camp Asby , Sunday Evening
My Dear Wife
I received your letter of the 27th Apl. Yesterday which was great source of consolation to me I am sorry to think that you suppose you could wear me by your too often writing_ It is instead a feast to the soldiers to hear from loved ones at home_ I would be glad to hear from you every day_ I am glad to state that I am well Again the company got back to this place_ the same day that I wrote to you last_ they complained of a great deal of hard time while they were at Charles ton_ they got very little to eat and had nothing to cook that in which they did get_ they had to eat their bread without softening everything seems to be quiet hear now there is not even the sound of a yankee gun to be heard_ the weather is very fine and cheerful although somewhat dry. We have had very little rain here since I have been to camps the weather remains cool up to this time_ there has been very few warm days. The latter part of the night an the morning is quite cool there is a breeze stiring the most of the time which makes it very plesent_ whenever the wind is not stiring the sand flies is very annoying_ some nights we can hardly sleep for them_ you stated that you had me some pants made and some cloth to make shirts and jackets_ I do not need any clothes now save the pant_ If you have any chance send me the pants if they are cotton_ Two pair cotton socks and I would be glad to have a pair of gallowses I lost one of the gallowses that I brought with me. Be sure to dye every thing you send me any color is better for camp than white _ I think the shirts I have will do me until the latter part of the summer and I do not need any jackets for summer If you make any shirts to send me make them with pockets in the breast the same as you made the jackets and they had better be colored you had better keep the cloth you have to make jackets if you send any clothing be sure not send any except the pants and socks and gallowses for it is a poor place to take care of clothing in camp_ a man should not have more than two suits at a time_ I do not need any coat_ Malvina you advise me to pray to the Almighty to protect me from danger_ that is my daily prayer and I believe he will do it and I hardly ever suffer my eyes to close at night without remembering you and the children_ but while I am praying for you_ You must pray for yourself and I know you will not forget me I am glad that you are sending George to school tell him he must make haste and learn to write and read_ I will send him a nice little book to read__ and some paper to write on. Tell Charley he must study his book at home until he gets a chance to go to school__ He schall have some nice books too whenever he gets so he can read__ tell him and the baby that I am comming home some time__ and I will buy and bring some thing pretty for them__ You stated that John White had offered too dollars for the sters William wrote to me some time ago about them__ and I wrote to him that they could be bought for that price__ but I do not know what property of any kind is worth there__ and if you think they are are worth more you did right not to take it_ if the war continues they will bring a high price next fall__ Beef is now worth 60cts per pound in Savanah and corn meal is worth four dollars per bin. I asked you in a former letter how much salt you hold on hand__ you did not tell me__ I wish to know so that I can look out for some in time__ You must write soon Your affectionate Husband until death
H F Scarborough
[Transcribed by Stacy Bryant, June 2005]
[Edited by Tina Bernath, June 2006]
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